Athens, GA: Inside Out

Watch Athens, GA: Inside Out

  • NR
  • 1987
  • 1 hr 22 min
  • 7.5  (177)

Athens, GA: Inside Out is a documentary film directed by Tony Gayton that takes a deep dive into the alternative music scene in Athens, Georgia during the 1980s. The film features live performance footage, interviews with musicians and fans, and a behind-the-scenes look at what made Athens such a vital part of the American music landscape.

The film begins with an introduction to Athens, a small college town with a big heart that produced some of the most influential bands of the era. The film takes us through the history of the town's music scene, highlighting the role played by legendary venues like the 40 Watt Club and the Georgia Theater. We hear from musicians like Michael Stipe and Peter Buck of R.E.M., who talk about the early days of the band and how Athens shaped their sound. We meet members of the B-52s and Pylon, two other Athens-based bands that achieved great success in the 80s.

Throughout the film, we also get a glimpse into the lives of the fans who helped make Athens such a vibrant musical community. We hear from local record store owners, journalists, and fans who talk about what it was like to be a part of this scene. We see footage of fans at concerts, dancing and singing along, completely absorbed in the music.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it showcases the diversity of the Athens music scene. We see performances from punk bands like the Bar-B-Q Killers and the Method Actors, as well as country and bluegrass bands like the Flat Duo Jets and the Hillbilly Frankenstein Revival. We see how these seemingly disparate genres coexisted and even thrived together in Athens.

In addition to the music, the film also touches on some of the social and political issues affecting Athens in the 80s. We see footage of protests against the Vietnam War, as well as interviews with activists working to combat racial inequality in the town.

Overall, Athens, GA: Inside Out is a fascinating look at a truly unique moment in American music history. It captures the spirit of a small town that managed to create something truly special, and the passion of the musicians and fans who helped make it happen. Whether you're a fan of the bands featured in the film or just interested in the history of alternative music, Athens, GA: Inside Out is well worth a watch.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1987
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 22 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (177)