What We Do Is Secret

What We Do Is Secret is a heart-pounding, raw, and captivating biographic drama from 2007 directed by Rodger Grossman. The movie features an engaging ensemble cast led by Shane West, Rick Gonzalez, and Bijou Phillips that transports the audience back to the gritty, burgeoning punk rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The film revolves primarily around Darby Crash (played with mesmerising conviction by Shane West), the charismatic and enigmatic front man for the LA punk rock band The Germs. Known for their chaotic performances and rabid following, including the formation of the iconic Slash Magazine, The Germs served as trailblazers of punk music culture. The film takes a deep dive into the tumultuous, tragic, and ultimately inspiring life of Darby Crash, bringing his unique perspective, biting lyrics, and explosive performances to life.

Shane West gives an electrifying performance as Darby, imbuing the character with a volatile combination of vulnerability, eccentricity, bravado and raw talent. West perfectly captures Darby's complex persona, which oscillated wildly between self-destructive tendencies, an insatiable lust for life, and a deep yearning for recognition and acceptance. His performance effortlessly exhibits the reckless abandon of a punk star and the emotional insecurities of an artist trying to make a mark on the world.

Supporting West's tour de force performance are Rick Gonzalez as Pat Smear, guitarist for The Germs, giving a truly stirring portrayal of the punk-rock guitarist's relationship with Darby. Bijou Phillips rounds out the trio as Lorna Doom, the band's bassist and a key figure in the band's life, effectively conveying the resilience and dedication needed to thrive in such an unpredictable environment.

The cinematography tastefully erupts with the punk rock energy of its subject matter, effectively utilizing a vignetted and gritty visual palette to mirror the troubled yet electrifying life of The Germs. The music, of course, is the pulsating heart of the film. The astoundingly authentic punk rock performances, loaded with energy and chaos, will keep your heart pounding and your feet tapping.

Director Rodger Grossman's script deftly handles the historical narrative, skilfully balancing the personal stories of these complicated characters with the broader context of the punk rock scene. Grossman manages to highlight the genre's inherent anarchy and rebellion while delving deeper into the profound impact it had on the individuals that gravitated towards its sound and ethos. His directorial efforts are a testament to the punk rock spirit, illustrating the freedom and liberation found in its raw authenticity and emotional transparency.

What We Do Is Secret is more than just a punk rock biopic. It is a human drama, underlined by friendship, ambition, and personal tragedy. The film showcases a time, a place, and a movement through the life of one person that gave it shape and contours. It is a testament to punk music's raw power, its cultural influence, and its ability to serve as a rallying cry for artists and misfits.

The film offers a potent exploration of these tumultuous times, framed through the lens of a band that epitomized punk's chaotic essence. Whether you're a die-hard Germs fan, a punk rock devotee, or simply intrigued by music biopics, What We Do Is Secret offers a riveting experience filled with tumultuous highs, heart-wrenching lows, and an intense exploration of the world of punk rock.

What We Do Is Secret is a powerful poignant tribute to a lost hero of punk rock and a chronicle of a time when the music scene was all about rebellion, liberty, individuality and tossing aside the mainstream for a chance to create something unique, something meaningful. With stellar performances, a deft storytelling hand, and a visceral connection to the music and ethos it celebrates, the film is a treat for anyone interested in the raw and provocative world of punk rock.