Instead of trying to capture the spirit of '77, director Alex Cox opts for the (literal) death of the punk scene, offering an unglamorous depiction of the sordid demise of Sex Pistols' bassist Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman). The young Oldman soars above everyone else but, 15 years on, this feels like a shallow film about shallow people.
DVD Extras:
Director's commentary, director interview, 64-page Making Of book. Like a couple of long-lost mates meeting in the pub for a natter, Cox and Drew Scofield (who plays Johnny Rotten) fill the commentary track with banter that, while raising a laugh, doesn't always hit the mark. You can't help feeling that the perceptive director is being held back by the inarticulate actor. An additional short set of solo answers from Cox clears up some points, but it's Steven Paul Davies' short book that brings some depth, context and analysis to the package.
