Hated: GG Allin & the Murder Junkies (1993) User Reviews

A Disturbing film about a disturbing man

[A-Ron-2 · 8/10 · 19 July 2000]

GG Allin was easily one of the most unpleasant and untalented individuals in the annals of rock music. He was crude, violent and utterly insane. Seeing him live was more like seeing a side-show Geek than going to a show. He hurled feces, he assaulted the audience, he was usually beaten up or arrested before the show even started... yet, there will always be a certain part of me that will miss him.

GG was a force, a wild ride rather than an individual. He demonstrated a total lack of empathy for other human beings and I believe people who say that he probably would have been a serial killer if he had not become an 'artist.'

However, regardless of an of this, Todd Phillips documentary on the man is utterly brilliant. It passes no judgment on the man or his music, but documents a phenomenon. Phillips looks at GG with unflinching honesty and does not try to sugarcoat the reality of the disturbed individual who lashed out at the world around him.

If you have any interest in documentaries and how they SHOULD be done, look no farther than Hated, which is an honest and serious look at the psychopathology of one lone outsider.

One-sided.

[InjunNose · 7/10 · 10 August 2005]

First off, let me say that I found "Hated" to be a very entertaining film, and I believe that G.G. Allin was as legitimate an American folksinger as Leadbelly or Woody Guthrie (his material was more, ummm...specialized, but listen to 'Gypsy Motherf*cker', 'Liquor-Slicked Highway', or 'Shove That Warrant Up Your Ass' to get an idea of what I'm talking about). But rather than being a balanced portrait, "Hated" is largely a performance. Some people will just respond, "So?" after reading that. But it matters because this film takes itself soooooo seriously. There are serious moments in it, of course, but there's a lot of humor as well...and a lot of artifice on Allin's part. Did he have a horrible childhood? Yes, by all accounts. Was there a time when his onstage antics were more sincere than when "Hated" was filmed? Yes--just check out the archival footage of his spoken-word performance in Boston in 1988; he wasn't kidding around. (Actually, the excerpts featured in the film don't even reveal all of the embarrassing, frightening, and nakedly emotional moments of that performance; you'll have to track down a bootleg video or DVD to see the whole enchilada.) But why, at thirty-six or thirty-seven--when you're out of prison and looking relatively healthy, and you've achieved at least some level of notoriety--do you still feel the need to cut yourself, eat your own sh*t, and beat up your fans? The answer is that G.G. Allin apparently DIDN'T want to do this anymore. Just before his death, according to biographer Joe Coughlin, Allin said that he wanted to retire from the punk scene and go into country music. And why not? When you're approaching forty, you simply can't withstand the kind of self-abuse that Allin's fans had come to expect. But he soldiered on for another couple of years, doing precisely what WAS expected of him, and died because of it (if indirectly). G.G. Allin had a natural, genuine talent, but he painted himself into a corner pretty early on. He loved his daughter, was a fan of Captain Kangaroo and at one time had a damned fine singing voice. The monstrous character that he played--and sometimes became--was interesting, but it's a shame that "Hated" lets us see only that facet of his personality.

One of the best rock docos going!

[fertilecelluloid · 8/10 · 28 January 2005]

Is the GG Allin seen on-screen in this doco the "real" GG Allin? Frankly, THAT remains to be seen because GG on camera is a different GG to the guy who appeared occasionally at LA's Mondo-Video-A-Go-Go and shot the breeze with The Colonel, the store's proprietor.

The GG essayed on film by Todd Phillips is a force of angry nature, a punk with no discernible talent for music but a blazing talent for notoriety, anarchy and illegality.

What a true warts-and-all docu this is. Its jagged, freewheeling style perfectly mirrors the personal style of its fascinating subject. GG isn't likable in a standard way, but he's a damn courageous nutbag and intensely interesting for the angst he peddles.

Interviews with Deano (the naked drummer), brother Merle (with his Hitler moustache) and ex-members of GG's band, The Murder Junkies, are priceless. Also of bottomless merit is a wild clip where GG gets wasted, heads to a party and pays some skank to urinate into his mouth.

The concert footage is gold, and so is one live performance where a mean-spirited GG (is there any other kind?) slashes himself up and begs a female fan to finish the job. For her efforts, the fan cops a beating.

An interview with GG's old school principal, a vague ex-Hippie, is unforgettable.

One of the best rock docos going and entertaining from beginning to end.

Director Phillips, who also did the disturbing SCREWED, now directs Hollywood forgettables such as ROAD TRIP and OLD SCHOOL.

Excellent Documentary

[Voivod-2 · 20 May 1999]

Although he passed away in a typical rock star way (heroin overdose) in 1993, nothing else in GG's life could ever be considered typical. Yes, it is true that GG Allin makes Marilyn Manson look like a Sunday school teacher, but to focus on that is missing the point of this movie. As a fan of rock music, I can understand exactly where GG is coming from when he says that there is a great void in rock music today, that there is no soul behind the stars of the music industry. Where is the senseless destruction? Where is the violence? Where is the hyper-obscene sexuality that once offended legions of conservative suburbanites in the 1950's and 60's? Feeling that since he is the only one with the guts to do anything about it, GG took it upon himself to single-handedly compensate for all the boring cookie-cutter rock stars that anxiously collect royalty checks and live in $10 million mansions. GG willingly suffered to be a martyr for rock music, frequently going so far that once, warrants were out for his arrest in at least seven states at the same time! One scene that particularly hit me was this: GG is shown walking out of a court room after being handed down one of the many prison sentences he received in his life. As he walks by the camera, he exclaims triumphantly, "They're trying to destroy rock and roll but they CAN'T DO IT!" It is strange for me to admit that as a touching statement, especially when said by a man who is repeatedly shown sprawled out naked on stage, smothered in his own blood, urine, and feces, but at the same time, you wonder-- does anyone else out there in that nameless faceless monolith of rock give a damn about what they're doing enough to sacrifice their life for the name of it?

This movie is not for casual patrons of rock-- only a true lover of it will be able to transcend the gruesome, appetite-suppressing, often vomit-inducing qualities of the film. Endlessly fascinating, pathetic, disgusting, tragic, and perplexing, Hated is one the greatest rock documentaries ever made.

Hated is not for the weak minded.

[ReubenSala · 10/10 · 8 October 2004]

Warning: This Documentary contains images that are NOT to be taken lightly with children under the age of 16.

Hated has to be my favorite music documentary of all time, I can watch it and be mesmerized by the "Raw, Brutal, Rough and Bloody" feeling I get while watching G.G. Allin. This documentary just follows around G.G. Allin and talks about his life growing up and it also has some people doing interviews, not a lot, but the thing that got me on the DVD version was the last performance he got to do before he died. It was disgusting to say the least, but you don't go to a punk show for the cool lights and watching your favorite band steal the hearts of their teeny bopper fans and bang the hell out of them.

This is how it's done

[lowdowndeeper · 7/10 · 22 February 2005]

A brutally honest film about a brutally honest man. GG didn't lie, nor does this documentary. It's easy to feel uncomfortable seeing this - and maybe we are meant to feel that way. But between the lines and feces throwing GG teaches us all an important lesson - that we are who and what we are. And GG didn't change his ways so why should we. I'm not saying look up to GG, but I am definitely saying DON'T LOOK DOWN ON GG. There are even sicker individuals out there, but they will not tell the world the way GG did. If you are afraid that you'll be very sick watching this film because of it's rather graphic nature then don't worry. It's not that bad at all.

7 thumbs of from Denmark.

Live Fast - DIE!!!

[EVOL666 · 9/10 · 28 May 2006]

Any of you that know anything at all about G.G. Allin should know what to expect from this one. If not - ya may as well leave this one alone. G.G. was a "true" punk who really just didn't give a f!ck about anything. Often performing nude, defecating on stage and rubbing it all over himself and sometimes eating it, assaulting the crowds, inciting riots - Allin was the REAL definition of the anti-social, drug-and-alcohol abusing, outlaw/anarchist punk.

HATED tells a bit about Allin's upbringing in a small town in Vermont, and follows right up until his heroin-induced death. There are interviews with previous friends and classmates, teachers, former and present band-mates, a rabid fan named "Unk", as well as G.G. himself. Of course, G.G.'s insane live performances including several shows with him and his band, The Murder Junkies, are shown, along with a few spoken-word performances. One truly notable scene is from a party at Unk's house, where a girl agrees to p!ss in G.G.'s mouth as he drinks it and then pukes all over himself. The only gripe I had with the film as a whole, is that at only around 50 minutes, it was too damn short as Allin is such a "character", that I could watch his antics for hours...

I have to say that HATED is definitely one of the most entertaining docu's I've ever seen. It could have been a little more in-depth - but it covered most of the topics and origins of Allin and his band in an acceptable manner. Definitely essential viewing for any G.G. fans, or fans of subversive punk-rock, or docu-lovers in general...9/10

disturbing as well

[holeinthehead · 7/10 · 24 November 2007]

check out http://www.holeintheheadmovie.com - it's a movie about drilling a hole in your head!!! "I can think of many things that are commonplace today which I think are harder to justify than trepanation. Body piercing and tattooing are other forms of body mutilation, though we use the polite word 'modification'. There is a psychological response that accompanies these acts for the people who have it done which is why they are drawn to them. The effect of trepanation might be a similar mechanism, or it may be physiological as well. Evidence of the latter would substantiate the procedure to a greater degree than the recreational forms of body alteration. Using drugs as a means to attain a state of consciousness has the drawbacks of being temporary and having side effects that either interfere with brain function or adversely affect health." - Cevin Soling (producer)

The best outlaw movie ever made!

[willy-41 · 10/10 · 12 February 1999]

Hated is not a film for the weak, it follows GG Allin and the Murder Junkies as they put fear back into rock and roll. Spoken word performances with bananas, booze parties, naked concerts with lots of defacation and bloodshed, and even clips of one of the strangest funerals I have ever seen. Great interviews with fans, old teachers, childhood friends, and GG's brother Merle. If you are a fan of outrageous music or punk rock you must see this.

Disturbing, Violent and Gross But Very Interesting!

[darad · 6/10 · 2 March 2013]

There's nothing I could say or any review here that could prepare you for the wild ride documentary of this man's life. Not being a fan, I couldn't appreciate nor see any talent as maybe his admirers would, still though, this is very intriguing. If you want to see a man who lived his life to the very edge of extremity and brink of insanity, I present G.G. Allin. Punk Rock, Death Metal, Satanic or White Supremicist Rock Groups all look like a PBS program for pre-schoolers compared to this man. I suppose the one question we ask ourselves while watching this, as you realize you actually are watching is, "shouldn't this guy be institutionalized?" There's some very deserving folks locked away for lesser reasons, yet because he was classified (by some) as a performer, he was free to be exposed (and expose himself) to the general population and even entertain. Like Lenny Bruce, G. G. Allin doesn't apologize for its shock value. This is serious stuff, not for the weak and yes, you will be disturbed with its content. As a documentary it does pull you in and well presents G. G. to a point where you understand his point of view and in some odd way sympathize with his way of thinking and living. He lived a harsh life and it was his way of expressing outrage and coping in society with equal disgust. Like an animal on display at a zoo, you wonder what the animal thinks of you might better describe his act. If you ever wanted a taste of the wild side this is as close as you'll get without being there and might appreciate your quiet life more once seeing it. It's more than a documentary, it's an experience, one that will haunt and disturb you long after. So before you dismiss this as just a story of an insane and sickening man claiming to be an entertainer, watch it with an open mind and a good stomach, you'll definitely need it, and be happy you survived. This is as gritty as you'll see outside a snuff film.

What if the protagonists of "Easy Rider" and those who shot them were the same person ?

[t_atzmueller · 8/10 · 1 February 2012]

A fat singer, covered only by bad tattoos, filth and a pair of Doc Martens, beating up a couple of fans on his way to stage, defecating and throwing his faeces into the crowd before being dragged off by the police may not be everybody's idea of entertainment but it certainly was what the general fan expected from a GG Allin show.

Mind you, few self-described Punk fans – generally sporting coloured Mohawks, "The Sex Pistols" tee-shirts and a dog collar – either don't know GG Allin nor would they necessarily identify with GG having been a punk. A punk in the truest sense of the word: a misfit, degenerate and completely free of compromise, even if that meant having to live and die in the gutter.

So, what is "Hatred"? A modern freak-show, allowing us to gloat at a human train-wreck and his equally dishellved entourage? A "Best of" drunk vomiting, defiant behaviour and throwing poo at the willing audience? Yes, "Hatred" contains all that but director Todd Phillips doesn't concentrate on those antics but rather takes it as part of the package. His real focus is on the people, mainly GG himself, his band, "The Murder Junkies", musicians like Dino (the naked drummer) and supporters like Unk, who both come across as bizarre, real and unpretentious, at the same time.

As for GG's music: you won't find any hidden classics among Allins repertoire. This isn't a documentary about a forgotten genius (like the Roky Erickson documentary "You're Gonna Miss Me"), in fact, apart from some song- and concert fragments, there's preciously little music in "Hatred". Allins music was a mix of simple, noisy Punk-songs with touches of country music, the lyrics laden with obscenities and a misanthropy that few other bands have matched. Yet, as simple and sleazy as the songs may be, there's something haunting and memorable that can only be described as authentic.

And that's the keyword about the whole documentary: everything here is authentic, free of compromise or pretentiousness. That's more than can be said about most contemporary, mainstream-embracing Pop, Rock and Punk bands. "Hatred" is neither pretty nor glamorous but authentic.

Still, if you're more of a Simon & Garfunkel or Bee Gees-type, you might find language, music, people, topic and the flinging of faeces slightly offensive and should consider watching something else.

8 authentic points from 10.

Nothing but a severly disturbed egomaniac

[flicklover · 2/10 · 5 April 2020]

I has never heard of this guy until I saw an interview with director Todd Phillips. GG Allin is being lauded as the real deal. An artist. The documentary is very straightforward. This guy was a miserable human being who in the same breath says that he hates everything and everybody then says that he is making a statement on society. Gimme a break!!! I.have to say that I was never into the punk thing so the attitude never attracted me. GG pushed envelope certainly, he went on stage naked, defecated on stage and ate it, cut himself, fighting the audiencia. Everything that you could think of. The guy had a death wish, and his fans if you could call them that loved him for it. I know that art is subjective, this to me isn't art. It is the worst in himan nature, not deep at all. Yes, human beings are capable of horrible things, but just because this guy wanted to live his life that way doesn't make him anything but a loser with alot of psychological issues.

Long live the outlaw scumf**k

[chaosnbeer · 1 December 2002]

GG was talentless , GG was insane , GG was disturbed..yep thats all true. The man had no talent (even though I have all his albums..funny stuff)..he was basically just this hateful defiant violent person that didn't give a damn about his life or anyone elses. Todd Phillips disturbing documentary takes us into his world of defiance and destruction. It features some insane characters besides GG ..like Dino the naked drummer who exposed himself to a little girl only to reply "I was just teasing her"..and Allin's weirdo brother Merle with his scary moustache. Includes some very sick scenes , but the most disturbing has got to be the final concert at the Gas Station in New York..it is undescrible but almost a chaotic barrage of nudity , rioting , violence , and a search for heroin that would kill him the next day. No one will ever hold a candle to this sick individual ..maybe thats a good thing

Decent

[the-antichrist-is-near · 8/10 · 3 February 2022]

Unpleasant to watch, but interesting as a documentary to learn about who and what GG Allin was and how he came to be like this.

Up to the viewer to decide how real GG Allin actually was in the end.

"What the f--- remains to be seen?" -GG Allin

[ectoplasmicspace · 10/10 · 16 August 2001]

I mean, really? I was reading the GG Allin website, and apparently... another 60 minutes of "Hated" remain to be seen on the 120 minute DVD release of it! So guess what I'm ordering!!!

I thought this was one of the best documentaries I have ever watched. It was unbiased... thats what made it good. The filmaker didn't portray GG as a saint... you were either going to be repulsed or fascinated. I was fascinated, because POOP doesn't gross me out! :) If anyone has ever changed a baby diaper, or wiped their own butt for christ's sakes... they shouldn't be above watching GG! If they can't handle the bloodshed or the language... then that's their toughluck!

As far as GG's music... I always liked it. Its hysterical! Anyone who writes anything that vulgar & obnoxious ... and is actually poetic about it (despite the content) actually had a gift! It may have been in the field of Certified Scatology... but who cares... it's GG! May he RIP!

Todd Phillips I heard was working on the Phish documentary, because they were so impressed by the GG Allin one, and they being fellow Vermont natives, were GG fans. They called up Todd for assistance.

Unmissable

[nekrochop · 10/10 · 26 November 2001]

The funniest film about rock music since THIS IS SPINAL TAP, this is also one of the most disturbing documentaries ever made.

We follow GG Allin in the last weeks of his short life as he drinks, swears, fights, defecates and generally lives by his own misguided conceptions that what he's doing will really shock the world.

The most shocking moments of this often hilarious film are the saddest ones - his funeral, his childhood, his lack of relationship with his Dad, etc.

A powerful, engaging film - buy the DVD for the 50 min extra feature, a concert/riot recorded on the night that he died.

If you want to know GG, watch this film.

[cockroach66 · 10/10 · 31 March 2004]

Many people, like myself, heard all the wild stories about GG Allin. I thought I had seen it all, or at least, could picture it all. NOTHING in my lifetime had remotely prepared me for this documentary/film. Sure, someone could tell you, "He craps on stage and smears it on his face, then throws it at the audience. Then he goes into the audience and beats the hell out of people", or, "He had a prostitute pee and his mouth and then he threw up while continuing to drink the urine". Of course you'd either laugh or cringe, but no matter what you're thinking, it's nothing like sitting there and actually watching these events take place in front of you. It will cause you to question many things, and wonder what happened to Allin in his lifetime to want to destroy himself in the manner that he did. He takes every possible degration and humiliation and makes it his life's blood. The interviews with his brother, friends, and former band mates are a great source of information, but the interviews with Allin himself will grab your attention the most. He reeks of desperation, patheticness, and anger. He was a man who could actually claim he had no morals and meant it, all the while you may find yourself not being able to help but feel sorry for him. It's an amazing thing to watch, and possible the most disturbing. Many people I know could not watch it more than once. I recommend that you do.

Graphic documentary that should have explained more about this disturbed man.

[davidslicer · 2/10 · 20 February 2001]

G.G. Allin's life is documented in this sick documentary of the most twisted musician who had no talent or compassion.Not just for those around him but for himself.I would have gave this film zero votes but the explanation for the way he was(such as the past with his father)was one reason why I raised it to one vote.This film was only an hour long and that wasn't long enough to explain his entire life story.Hated features some of the most sickest images I have seen.G.G.Allin's life was a life that made me question how he could live the life he lived.Tina Turner,and Jimi Hendrix:Their lives were more worth being documented.G.G.Allin's life was probably worth it also.But a full length motion picture probably NC- 17 should be made.G.G.Allin was a man who led a long life into pain and sickness.Very sick and disgusting but not as disturbing as I thought it would be.Hated is a film that if seen should be seen with caution.Warning:Don't eat any bananas while watching this film.You'll know why when watching it.

Revolting yet fascinating

[sick_boy420xxx · 13 June 2001]

GG Allin was truly something else. The man had no musical talent whatsoever, yet had probably one of the most loyal fan bases in rock music. This is despite the fact that he beat up, assaulted, and even raped audience members during concerts he gave...and more often than not ended up in jail because of it. His concerts were more of a war zone, filled with bodily fluid, violence, and musical assault. As a "fan", or more an observer of GG's music, I was quick to pick up this documentary about the man, and I must admit, I was thourougly impressed with it. It contains what probably are some of the most disturbing and utterly disgusting images I have ever seen. GG was known for performing shows naked, and defecating on stage...then rubbing the result all over himself. I can bet that most people would have a hard time watching a video of this event...which is shown here...and would find it hard to even imagine seeing GG in concert live. GG was also somewhat remembered as the guy who said he would commit suicide onstage for rock, only to die of a heroin overdose.

Overall, this film was a no holds barred look at the life of this infamous rock 'n' roll "legend", and one that was actually quite revealing into the how and whys of his life through interviews with him, friends, family, and fans. There is quite a few disturbing and absolutely disgusting images, including moments from live shows, as well as a scene a fan talks about with a camera there to document it. This particular scene is just beyond description...and as not to spoil it should you attempt to watch this film, I refuse to comment further.

GG was definitely one of the outlaws and revolutionaries in the rock and roll industry, paving the way for such artists as Marilyn Manson and others doing nasty things on stage and this documentary is worth it to see just what created this rock and roll myth and the "legend" behind it. Recommended, but be prepared for a lot of nastiness going in.

GG Allin is God!

[chris-2512 · 10/10 · 14 July 2006]

Hated is one of the most unique films you will ever have a chance to see in your film-going life. Taking one of the most seriously committed artists to ever 'grace' the American soundscape, Philips turns out a documentary that captures not only the spirit, energy and intensity of GG Allin, but also provides a very good context for Allin's life and work.

GG was a lot of things to many different of people, but if there is one thing everyone can agree upon it's that GG was extreme.

GG was born in New Hampshire, but made a name for himself in the underground downtown NY punk scene of the early 80s. This was around the same time Sonic Youth, Swans, Cop Shoot Cop, Pussy Galore, Foetus and Lydia Lunch were making the club rounds. These were the names that influenced American underground culture for about twenty years and GG was definitely one of the most risible and visible members of this scene.

Hated is a great film in its own right, showing the obvious, early talents of Todd Philips who would later grow up to be a Hollywood director in what must seem like another life to him. This is Philips at his most acerbic and the wit he shows is great. He also treats GG with considerable tolerance and respect, which almost backfires because you see how GG tries to alienate him at every turn. Despite this smokescreen, Philips captures something genuinely human about Allin, his misery, his sadness and his frustration but also his drive to create art and to challenge a society he saw as essentially hypocritical, empty, pathologically ill and discriminiatory; elements he himself flaunted in his most angry performances.

GG had been doing shows and making albums for about ten years when this film was shot. He was no longer a young man and a life of poverty, drug abuse and vagrancy had finally begun to take its toll. A stretch in prison also deeply affected him. GG died of a heroin overdose soon after.

A lot of this doc consists of very well appropriated footage from various shows, readings and performances Allin did during this time. You can find the uncut performances from other sources and its interesting to see what Philips used and what he didn't. GG's performances were actually far more frightening and depressing than Philips shows, if you can actually believe that, but I think the clips were accurate overall.

I once had the opportunity to have drinks with Kembra Phahler of Volumptuous Horror of Karen Black fame and she told me a little bit about her friendship with Allin and made an interesting comment in that Allin's self-destruction may have had much more to do with his drug addiction than his penchant for extreme performances. A lot of people feel that had Allin lived, he would have become a country or blues artist. It's hard to think about what we missed, or what GG missed, through his early departure.

Even if you think you'll hate GG Allin, or feel this isn't for you, you should really give it a shot. A lot of people I know who hate punk were really fascinated by this entertaining doc. I've probably watched it over thirty times. Whatever your reaction I promise you'll never forget it.

Highly recommended.

PS: May God bless GG Allin and better luck to him in the next world! Live Fast. Die. GG

"...The Audience is the Target"

[judder_vision · 8/10 · 11 March 2012]

There's no better way to describe GG Allin than in his own words:

"My mind is a machine gun, my body's the bullets, and the audience is the target."

He truly was disgusting, disturbing, and controversial, yet fascinating and entertaining all at the same time. He's brutal and honest and this documentary shows every aspect of it. Definitely intriguing, Hated manages to show the calm -- almost intuitive -- side of GG as he explains he is who he is. He wasn't just music, he was a performer. He'll do what he wants and he doesn't care who tries to stop him. Hated captures the message he's trying to convey; be yourself.

Though some may argue he was simply an obviously violent individual with nothing to offer to society, you just can't doubt that he ultimately was like nothing you've ever seen before and could give one hell of a performance that you could never forget. People strive to be known and end up losing themselves in the process. GG defied that without even trying.

He made his mark, he changed the game, and he was unstoppable. Whether you loved him or hated him, he single-handedly affected and influenced a whole generation by staying true to himself and doing what he loved. Isn't that what being an artist is all about?

I like seeing GG Allin from this distance

[producer-3 · 8/10 · 22 September 2000]

This documentary by Todd Phillips (very talented director), shows a period (and final chapter) of GG Allins career.

I enjoyed watching this movie due to the interesting life GG Allin had. It was entertaining, and comfortable, to see his antics from this distance of my living room and him on TV. I was happy to purchase the movie for its entertainment value.

Many scenes are of himself making a fool out of himself, that is hilarious and revolting. His music is not good, and he does not portray a positive role model in any extent, but this movie has a good flow to it.

He is an offensive person in this movie, and its all real. Although, I have heard he had a nice side, it can only believe what I see.

RIP GG, I would of liked to see you in a sequel.

Hate inspiring, indeed

[Dr_Coulardeau · 8/10 · 2 April 2008]

"The human is just another animal who is able to speak out freely, to express himself clearly." And that is just what G.G. Allin's problem is. He does not try to express himself with words like any animal who can speak would do, or to express himself clearly like any human with some sense would do. He uses nearly exclusively body language and in that body language only one side of the picture, the gross and the gore, the dirty and the bloody. Punk they say? Punk they have the right to say. But G.G. Allin demonstrates if it is necessary to do so that he, as a punk rocker with a death wish, is an exhibitionist, an aggressive and violent person, a literal s***t-eater, a true p***s-drinker and a self p***e-taster. So what! So nothing. So not much. The death wish is no longer only a death wish in him. It is also a death instinct because he not only wishes death but he is cruelly violent against other people. If he really believes a body is a rock and roll temple, his vision of the temple is particularly dilapidated. It is Stonehenge after a gang of looters armed with twenty bulldozers have been on the site for a fortnight. Look at his temple, at his body: out of shape due to no exercise, extreme alcoholism, drug addiction of all types and kinds, not to speak of his idea that the body is like paper, to be scribbled on I guess. There is no explanation in this very superficial film. And there is no real presentation of his music. It is more some kind of self-satisfying review of this annihilating and nihilistic anti-art attitude on what is not even a stage, but just a piece of floor in some kind of back room. Punk for sure but without the music or without the political anarchism. Just some scatological provocation as if a provocation was enough to be considered as art in the simple fact that it is a provocation or as politics in the simple fact that is outside all norms. Too bad, and what's more he did not even hold his promise to commit suicide on stage. He simply died of an overdose. What a flop! What a let down! An artist should be able to hold his promises.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne & University Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines

For some but not most...

[bytesmack · 4/10 · 22 October 2006]

Growing up in the 80's and 90's I was never exposed to music by the famed GG Allin. After watching this documentary on the life of GG Allin, I realize that I didn't miss much.

After watching this film I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Allin was nothing more than a saddest and hated all. The world would have been a better place if he would have committed suicide at an early age, so he could have never been able to promote his message of hate.

On a musical note he could not sing nor was he a decent performer. I still cannot figure out how he felt that eating his own poop or cutting his flesh on stage was to be considered art.

In closing it is my personal conclusion that GG Allin suffered from manic depression.