2005 Film Index Back to Main Site		Back End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones Documentary / Music USA / 110 minutes Produced and Directed by Jim Fields, Michael Gramaglia Cinematography by David Bowels Festivals/Awards: Berlin Intl., Toronto Intl., Slamdance, San Francisco, Sydney Emerging from the grimy streets of mid 70's New York, The Ramones were a revelation of loud rebellion and cartoony rock 'n' roll exuberance. The internationally acclaimed “seismic snapshot of the early days of punk,” End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones gives a entertaining and insightful snapshot of the eccentric group of individuals who came together to become one of the most influential rock bands in history. This documentary about the New York City renegades who made their mark in the mid-1970’s with counterculture lyrics and underground performances at rundown joints like CBGB on the Bowery, shows how the band eventually earned recognition, even being inducted into the R’N’R Hall of Fame in 2002. But it is the insider look at the blue collar upbringing of the band members, and their desire to be part of Manhattan’s burgeoning hard-rock scene, that is most endearing about this particular film. In candid interviews with Dee Dee Ramone, he tells stories about the group’s total lack of complexity in its earliest days. Going to see contemporary acts like the New York Dolls and Iggy and the Stooges, the Ramones quickly created their own sound and practiced frenetically. When they finally made their debut with an extremely loud sound, furiously fast and short songs, and lots of drama such as blatant on-stage arguments, they practically scared away their fans. While other stars, like Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, comment on the Ramones’ subsequent rise to punk stardom, providing wild stories about sex, drugs, chaos, and tragedy, it is the truly interesting story of the band’s start that will linger in viewers’ minds. www.endofthecentury.com