Any movie of this kind is bound to be biased, and unlike other movies I’ve seen about the band, "The Filth and the Fury" leans a little towards the John Lydon point of view. Of course, considering that Johnny was the only articulate member of the band, it isn’t a surprise that he comes off a lot better on film. But I have to say, for once, I didn't feel like I was being "swindled" out of the true story. There's plenty of bad mouthing of Malcolm McClaren, and the band members tend to take pop shots at each other from time to time. But, I got the feeling that I was getting honest responses from the band members as well as commentary said in the heat of the moment. Glen Matlock takes a serious lashing from almost everyone in the band, and he probably isn't given the fairest treatment. But, everyone else is given equal opportunity to defend themselves and their view points.
You get a small taste of each band members upbringing, which helps to establish a groundwork for their situations in starting the band. The usual Paul Cook and Steve Jones thuggery is included, as well as, some detailed accounts of instrument thievery by the young hoodlums. You also get some vintage photos of a young Johnny and Sid together and get to learn a bit of their upbringing and environment.
The story then follows the band through all of their turmoils and triumphs: the major record contracts, the Grundy show, various gigs, the SPOT tour, and on and on, finally ending, with the US tour and the breakup after the San Francisco show. Along the way, we get various comments and reflections on the importance of the movement and the excitement of the time. It's all very concise and includes most of the details I have read about and researched over the years of my fandom. This film was put together partly out of footage taken during the filming of The Great Rock ‘n Roll Swindle, and it includes a lot of those annoying animated clips that ruined that movie as well. I didn’t quite care for all the “sound clip” footage thrown into the film.
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