If It Ain't Stiff, It Ain't Worth a F

If It Ain't Stiff, It Ain't Worth a F is a definitive addition to the music documentary genre. Originally released in 1977, this music film traverses the UK's burgeoning punk and New Wave scenes – an unprecedented up-close and personal exploration of its seminal bands and artists, including Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, and Dave Edmunds.

The movie title is borrowed from the slogan of the independent British record label, Stiff Records, known for promoting and producing several punk and New Wave stars during the late 70s and early 80s. The documentary, which takes place predominantly on a tour bus and concert halls across the United Kingdom, offers an intimate rather than grandiose glimpse into its subjects.

The film kicks off with a cinematic representation of the Stiff Records label's beginnings, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the formulation and rise of Stiff's unique ethos and groundbreaking approach to music. This section reveals the surrealist and innovative nature of the men behind the label and their desire to shake things up in the music industry.

Among the highlighted artists, Elvis Costello famously takes center stage. The film provides an unfiltered view into his creative process and his cutting-edge performances. The man, not yet a global icon but already stirring buzz in the punk scene, is captured raw, unpretentious and deeply engrossed in crafting music that defied conventions.

However, the decisive highlight of the film is its focus on the late Ian Dury, renowned for his idiosyncratic musical style, unapologetic lyrics and whimsical performances. Dury, battling physical disability, provides heartrending intimacy as he shares insights about his life, creativity, and his gritty determination to make music on his terms, regardless of societal norms or personal obstacles.

Dave Edmunds, another significant figure of the New Wave era produced by Stiff Records, is vividly profiled. Edmunds, widely known for his efforts in nascent Rock revival, offers a delightful contrast in the documentary. His traditional rock and roll sensibilities juxtaposed against punk angst and New Wave rebellion make for a compelling watch.

If It Ain't Stiff, It Ain't Worth a F is not just about individual musicians but also provides an immersive account of the emerging music movements during the late 70s. It is as much a group portrait of an era exploding with creativity and rebellion as it is an examination of the artists who ignited that explosion. The movie captures high-energy live performances, interspersed with off-stage grandeur, excitement, tension and occasional fatigue. These elements collectively provide a genuine, living-breathing taste of life on the road and the impossible-to-fake camaraderie between the artists.

Under the skilled direction of Nick Abson and Dave Robinson, the film takes on a unique tone, blending humour with gravity and blurring the lines between rockumentary and socio-cultural commentary. The directors avoid a dry chronological representation or statist academic approach, choosing instead to plunge their audience directly into a world where music and its associated cultures are continually redefining and reinventing themselves. It's clear Abson and Robinson are less interested in being objective observers than active participants in the unfolding drama.

In sum, If It Ain't Stiff, It Ain't Worth a F is more than just a fascinating music documentary. It’s a love letter to the grit, spirit, and dynamism of the punk and New Wave movements that shaped a generation and reverberates to this day. It’s also a compelling testament to the power of independent labels, creativity and authenticity. And lastly, it's an intimate invite into a time machine, allowing viewers to be part of a cultural moment when artistry was rebellious, gritty and utterly real.