From their elaborate costumes to a mythology describing them as “scumdogs of the universe” banished to the shittiest planet available, it’s safe to call GWAR one-of-a-kind. Founded in the 1980s in Richmond, Virginia, the heavy-metal band could’ve been a mere gag yet they brought the skill and talent to back up their aesthetic. Director Scott Barber’s documentary is a love letter to this group that spends their concerts dousing their audiences in fake semen and blood.
Behind the bawdy experiences, the film captures how these people united to create a middle finger to elitist attitudes. They’re inspired by their love for comic books and kaiju movies, art their professors considered lowbrow while mixing in social commentary. By debasing themselves on-stage, they intend to subvert self-serious ideas of what artists should do while creating a theatrical experience.
Wonderful insights are offered into the creative process, and how the “open-band policy” kept GWAR fresh. There were more line-up changes than the Sugababes, yet there’s time to showcase what different members brought to their roles, particularly how one woman’s persona was born from men’s fear of menstruation. Through it all, the band just want to have fun regardless of whether it leads to trouble. Their provocative segments show villains of the time being punished, something which led to the band facing obscenity charges.
Behind the performance art are those working hard to ensure it delivers, and that’s a key reason GWAR have endured. Even when the band members are covered in sticky blood and wearing massive costumes, they still play their music extremely well.
Despite receiving a Grammy nomination, this is a band who felt they never reached the success they deserved. There’s a sadness in recounting how their biggest opportunity to “sell out” broke down, leaving Beavis & Butthead to deliver their biggest break. When other channels refused to play GWAR’s music videos, Mike Judge boosted their profile which led to appearances in talk shows, feature films, and even a TV advert.
While there’s plenty of happy reminiscing, this isn’t a puff piece for the band. The infighting is told with frankness, with particular attention paid to the combative relationship between Hunter Jackson and Dave Brockie. While their combined brilliance and energy were key to forming the band, something other members praise, they also have unflattering words to describe the pair and their actions.
No matter what issues pop up, it’s clear this band is a family that ultimately cares for one another. As they open up about lost friends, helping each other through grief, and honouring the deceased by continuing on their legacy, the documentary effectively shows the real people behind these costumes. Behind the performance art are those working hard to ensure it delivers, and that’s a key reason GWAR have endured. Even when the band members are covered in sticky blood and wearing massive costumes, they still play their music extremely well. A fitting tribute to a unique group of artists, for fans and newbies alike.
THIS IS GWAR IS OUT NOW ON ACORN DVD & BLU-RAY
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This is GWAR is also streaming on Shudder
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