Film

Exploring the films obsessed with subcultures

Published on 19 July 2016

words Kitty Robson

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It’s easy to lose track of which subcultures do and don’t exist, especially in an age of new aesthetic cults showing themselves by the day. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 films which explore 10 different ways of living as a go-to guide to historic subcultures…

SKATERS – Lords of Dogtown, 2005

Seventies Surfers in Dogtown, California use their skills to pioneer a new subculture movement – skaters. Based on a true story about The Z-Boys of Venice Beach, who become legends thanks to the work of board designer Skip – played by a bearded, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing Heath Ledger. Entertaining but honest – it is an accurate look at the beginnings of Skater-life, and the striking skills that went into the origins of an enduring movement.

PREPS – Rushmore, 1998

All we need do is mention Harvard glasses and you’ll have a grasp on the preppy aesthetic of Wes Anderson’s Rushmore. Based around precocious 15-year-old Max Fischer, played by an 18-year-old Jason Schwartzman, the film follows the life of this prep on academic probation from his beloved private school, Rushmore Academy. A tale of the awful plights of public school: 15-year-old boys and their love for older women, debating society, puns, and thick rimmed tortoise shell glasses.

BEATNIKS – Kill Your Darlings, 2013

Despite having an awkward Daniel Radcliffe playing Beatnik icon Allen Ginsberg, this film is an enthralling exploration into the early lives of the illusive Beat generation, as the era begins. Krokidas captures the thriving sexual freedom, cultural creativity and general feeling of careless liberty – everything the Beats personify. Dane DeHaan illuminates Kill Your Darlings as the troubled Lucien Carr, credited for bringing Jack Kerouac to Allen Ginsberg, forming one of the most important literary friendships in history. A must-watch for wannabe Beats and Squares alike.

ROCKERS –The Runaways, 2010

A feminist look at the 70s rock scene, The Runaways features a heavily made up Dakota Fanning and punk-ified Kristen Stewart as Cherie Curie and Joan Jett, respectively. Forming an all-girl punk rock band in Southern California they are signed by manager Kim Fowley (played by an orange suit wearing Michael Shannon) and sent off on tour where they fall into the clichéd sex, drugs and rock & roll scene. With Bowie references running throughout, and an extensive wardrobe collection of leathers, lingerie and thigh high boots, The Runaways encapsulates the decadent downfall of 70s rockers.

MODS – Quadrophenia, 1979

The Who’s iconic 70s film Quadrophenia is the guidebook of mod culture featuring a drugged up Phil Daniels, iconic Mod and Rocker brawls, Vespa rides, and a killer sixties soundtrack. A clever exposure of the ups and downs of the Mod way of life made by the leaders of the Mods themselves, how much more authentic could you get?

TEDDY BOYS – Absolute Beginners

If you want an accurate portrayal of 1950s London youth, read the proper version of Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes, but then this film does have David Bowie in a Teddy boy suit, making the film worthwhile. A musical adaptation of the life of 19-year-old photographer Colin who tries to make it big time in pop music to win model Crepe Suzette, but finds himself encompassed by London teenage life and the plights of inequality in 1958.

SKINHEADS – This is England, 2006

Skinheads are rife in This is England, along with their Dr Marten boots and Ben Sherman tops. A look back at 1983 where the working-class were at the height of Thatcher-induced suffering, and at the complexities of masculine identity of the time, as well as of severe racial prejudice. A comprehensive look back at the start of skinhead subculture is the ultimate headway into modern day dramas – just look at Skins, whose major star Jack O’Connell features in Meadows’ masterpiece too.

EXISTENTIALISTS/NIHILISTS –Fight Club, 1999

Deemed a film of postmodern existentialism, David Fincher’s Fight Club is known as the film that keeps on giving: one which will make you consider the big questions like what existence means, in Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter’s dreamily existential world. Heavy stuff.

HIPPIES – Wonderwall, 1968

A psychedelic masterpiece telling the story of eccentric professor Collins’ meeting of hippy girl Penny Lane, portrayed by 60s icon Jane Birkin. The perfect look at hippy culture versus the conservative onlookers, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack by Beatle George Harrison, creates an enchantingly bohemian cult film.

 

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