The Public Image Is Rotten

Like the band itself, the film is great in its early stages but loses its way later. Public Image Limited were magnificent until Wobble left but then went down hill and it was all over after the 'Flowers of Romance' album and Levine's departure. It is maybe inevitable therefore that in tracing PiL old and new, the film itself peters out once we get beyond those landmarks. Still, worth a watch for the archival footage, including stuff from the first performance in Belgium and the Xmas 1978 dates at the Rainbow.

My reason for not liking this film/documentary is the way it was presented as all things with John Lydon/Rotten he has the habit of coming out with random comments and phrases. What this documentary lacked was the voice of the interviewer as it was difficult to put context to what John was saying or answering, Piers Morgan did a much better job when he interviewed him post Jimmy Saville scandal as you could put context to what he was saying. Now this Documentary is about his post pistols band Public Image Limited, but for me you cannot dismiss the time Johnny was with the Pistols and this was only briefly mentioned and i'm sure most viewer would find that far more interesting as though brief i think the music had more energy.