Working with artists and being a performer myself, I was captivated by an extraordinary find on Netflix called The other F word (referring to fatherhood). Written and directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins, this documentary gives viewers a very revealing insight into some of the inner and outer conflicts experienced by punk rock musicians. It also tells their personal stories of the circumstances that led them to seek out a sense of belongingness in the world of punk rock and skater punk. The documentary focuses on how, ironically, the same performers who have developed their artistic identity around themes of anti-authoritarianism are seen trying to set rules in their own homes with their children.
A fascinating theme that came up, is that of maintaining the punk rock personality in an effort to continue to connect with old and new fans who have certain expectations about what it means to sing songs against authority, the system and the mainstream. In this documentary, there also seems to be a need to smoothen the transition from dad to punk frontman which, for some of the singers, is more easily achieved through excessive drinking or having to make more comfortable sleeping arrangements when touring.
Having to balance two contrasting worlds, the world of the eternal adolescent and the world of having to raise one, seems to be a source of tension that can potentially lead to creative blocks and band conflicts. The documentary ends with Jim Lindberg from Pennywise (who also wrote the book "Punk Rock Dad") quitting the band to spend more time at home. While watching the scenes with him pushing his daughter on a swing, I couldn't help but wonder how long he would be able to stay away from the world he had known for 20 years. One filled with the adrenaline rush of performing, the constant changes that come with touring and breathing and living music. It turns out, he is now back with the band and they are working on a new album and tour.
Overall, this documentary brings up many fascinating issues regarding the emotional needs met by the punk rock scene, the psychology of the performer, what happens when the "I don't care" attitude clashes with caring about one's own kids and keeping the spirit of punk young while growing up.
A fascinating theme that came up, is that of maintaining the punk rock personality in an effort to continue to connect with old and new fans who have certain expectations about what it means to sing songs against authority, the system and the mainstream. In this documentary, there also seems to be a need to smoothen the transition from dad to punk frontman which, for some of the singers, is more easily achieved through excessive drinking or having to make more comfortable sleeping arrangements when touring.
Having to balance two contrasting worlds, the world of the eternal adolescent and the world of having to raise one, seems to be a source of tension that can potentially lead to creative blocks and band conflicts. The documentary ends with Jim Lindberg from Pennywise (who also wrote the book "Punk Rock Dad") quitting the band to spend more time at home. While watching the scenes with him pushing his daughter on a swing, I couldn't help but wonder how long he would be able to stay away from the world he had known for 20 years. One filled with the adrenaline rush of performing, the constant changes that come with touring and breathing and living music. It turns out, he is now back with the band and they are working on a new album and tour.
Overall, this documentary brings up many fascinating issues regarding the emotional needs met by the punk rock scene, the psychology of the performer, what happens when the "I don't care" attitude clashes with caring about one's own kids and keeping the spirit of punk young while growing up.
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