Watch The Public Image Is Rotten

The Public Image Is Rotten is a 2017 documentary film, directed by Tabbert Fiiller, that chronicles the rise and fall of the British post-punk band Public Image Ltd. through archival footage and interviews with key members, including frontman John Lydon. The film opens with Lydon's famous proclamation on British television in 1976 that he was “anti-Christ” and his appearance with his previous band, the Sex Pistols, on the show of talk-show host Bill Grundy. The film then explores how this led directly to the formation of Public Image Ltd., a band that would become known for their experimental sound and confrontational performances.

The documentary spends considerable time examining the early years of Public Image Ltd., from their debut album First Issue through to 1981's The Flowers of Romance. Interviews with Lydon, founding bassist Jah Wobble, and drummer Martin Atkins shed light on the band's musical approach, as well as their often chaotic interpersonal dynamics.

Particular attention is given to the creation of their seminal single "Public Image," which used a driving bassline and Lydon's snarling vocals to create a song that would be widely imitated in the years to come. The film also touches on the controversy surrounding the band's use of a sample from "Theme from Shaft" on the track "Swan Lake," which led to a lawsuit and the removal of the song from later editions of the album.

The Public Image Is Rotten also explores the band's commercial success in the early 80s, with hits like "This Is Not a Love Song" and "Rise" helping to bring them a wider audience. However, these years were also marked by frequent lineup changes and tensions between Lydon and other members.

The documentary also touches on Lydon's notorious appearance on an episode of Judge Judy in 1997, where he found himself defending his right to use the band's name against former members. This incident is presented as emblematic of the band's fraught history, as well as Lydon's own uncompromising personality.

The Public Image Is Rotten concludes with a look at the band's reunion in the 2010s, which brought together Lydon, Wobble, Atkins, and guitarist Lu Edmonds for tours and new recordings. The documentary offers a glimpse of the band's legacy, with contemporaries and admirers such as Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys weighing in on their influence.

Throughout the documentary, interviews with music industry figures such as Michael Alago (who signed the band to Elektra Records), journalist Vivien Goldman, and booking agent Emma Banks provide context and insights into the band's impact. The film is also sprinkled with vintage footage of the band's performances and appearances on shows like Top of the Pops, adding to the overall atmosphere of nostalgia.

Overall, The Public Image Is Rotten offers a thorough and engaging look at one of the most influential bands of the post-punk era, and John Lydon's ongoing struggle to reconcile his artistic vision with commercial success. Through interviews and archival footage, the film paints a vivid picture of a band that was often challenging, frequently frustrating, but always uncompromising.

The Public Image Is Rotten is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 66.