While the actual style of punk music didn’t last that long
if you look at a time line its influence has lasted years later. Looking at
some of the most popular music in the last decade and you’ll find nods to the style
all over the place. Not so much in attitude and dress but definitely in music.
Perhaps the one band most associated with the look, style
and sound of punk rock music was The Sex Pistols. Fronted by Johnny Rotten the
band was popular with the punk crowd from the start. But he was challenged for
notoriety with bass player Sid Vicious. The two were the focus of the band.
Proof of that is when you ask anyone to name more band members other than these
two. Fans will know but few others.
The story of Sid and Nancy has become legend in the rock
world. A feature film was made about their story, SID AND NANCY, back in 1984
to critical acclaim. But a documentary of their story was a while coming and
this film presents their last days as well as their tumultuous life just prior.
The movie doesn’t delve deeply into their earlier lives but
does touch on them. In Sid’s case it discusses the fact that his mother was an
addict before he was even born. In Nancy’s that she was a troubled child. Both
of these backgrounds led to their lifestyle choices later in life. Nancy
remained a troubled youth seeking adoration and affection. Sid was unprepared
for fame and fell into the life of a junkie.
The two of them were a pair that fed off of each other. By
making herself a part of Sid’s life Nancy had access to the world of rock and
roll stars, a groupie with an in. And Sid found someone who could provide him
with the love he never felt he had. At the same time theirs was a volatile
romance with angry outbursts and numerous arguments. Both were far too young
for the fame that came their way, especially with no one there to help them or
guide them along the way.
Their story culminated in their deaths and that is what the
last part of this film deals with. No one knows for certain what happened but
at the time it was thought that Vicious had killed the love of his life, Nancy.
The two were both voracious drug users. They would cut one another. They lived
in the Chelsea Hotel, known as a haven for artistic individuals, drug users and
violent crime. And in their room Nancy was found stabbed on the floor of their
bathroom after having bled out. Vicious was arrested but not charged in her
death. Sid died of an overdose not many months later.
The movie tells their story using a combination of footage
of the two of them together and apart as well as stills. Performance footage is
included but soundless with the focus more on their story than where it was Sid
gained fame from. It’s a nice touch since most movies on the subject tend to fill
out their time with endless unwatchable performances. Instead the pictures are
floated by onscreen while various individuals who were friends of each talk
about the two of them.
Most of this movie is made up of those conversations, of
those friends talking about Sid and Nancy. Tales of their antics are combined
with the story each has to tell about what they know that happened that night.
The story of their forming a suicide pact he backed out of is discussed.
Nancy’s previous attempts at suicide are mentioned. Suspects are discussed that
are more plausible than Sid being responsible for Nancy’s death. The fact of
the matter is that no one really knows to this day who was responsible.
In the end it’s a sad story but one that fans of the punk
scene, The Sex Pistols and the music will all find an interest in. Popular
music and cultural historians will also find their story one that draws them
in. It might also be a good cautionary tale for young people, especially those
with a rebellious nature, might find some good information in, displaying the
path to excess that led to their passing rather than elevating them to pedestal
status. Well-made and well thought out, it’s definitely interesting viewing.
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