We Really Like Her: The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years

Before she got gigs directing studio movies like Wayne’s World, Spheeris was best known for archiving underground American music scenes with her Decline trilogy. While the first film in the three-part documentary series is a straight-forward look at the L.A. punk scene, her 1988 follow-up is as controversial and highly produced as its subjects: theatrical rock stars like W.A.S.P., Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne and Poison. 

Toeing the line between honest observation and playful recreation, The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years is a sobering portrait of late ’80s excess that often feels like a reality show version of This is Spinal Tap. Between intimate and highly stylized interviews with hair metal heroes of the era (see: KISS frontman Paul Stanley in bed with a gaggle of babes), Spheeris turns the camera towards the disenfranchised followers and the sleazy purveyors of this machismo-fuelled subgenre. Are these people really having nothin’ but a good time, or are their ratty hairdos and heavy eyeliner just a mask they put on to numb real pain? 

Entertaining, yet eye opening, The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years is the kind of documentary only a woman could make. And whether you’re a dedicated hair metal hater or a lifelong groupie, it will rock you like a hurricane.