Watch Heavy Metal Parking Lot

Heavy Metal Parking Lot is a cult classic documentary short film from 1986 that captured the spirit of heavy metal music and youth culture in the late 80s. The 17-minute documentary was filmed in the parking lot of a Judas Priest concert in suburban Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. It showcases the exuberance, energy, and enthusiasm of the young fans who had gathered there to party, drink, and celebrate their love for metal music.

The film was shot entirely on video, and it features interviews with dozens of young people who were attending the concert. Many of them were dressed in leather, studs, denim, and other stereotypical heavy metal fashion, and they spoke candidly about their love for the music and the lifestyle. The interviews are punctuated by footage of fans dancing, headbanging, and generally having a good time in the parking lot.

The film was directed by Jeff Krulik and John Heyn, who were both recent graduates of the University of Maryland. They had the idea to make the film after seeing the Judas Priest concert advertised on TV and realizing that the parking lot might be a great place to capture some interesting footage. They arrived at the concert early with a video camera and a microphone, and they started interviewing fans.

The result was a raw and unpolished documentary that perfectly captured the energy and excitement of the heavy metal subculture. The fans who were interviewed were not the usual types who would appear on TV or in magazine articles. They were ordinary working-class kids who loved metal music and wanted to have a good time. They spoke in a mix of Baltimore and DC-area accents, and they often used slang and profanity, which added to the authenticity of the film.

The film also features some classic heavy metal music, including tracks by Judas Priest, AC/DC, and Van Halen. The music is woven seamlessly into the footage, creating a sense of immersion for the viewer. The film has become a cult classic because it captures a particular moment in time when heavy metal was at the peak of its popularity, and when youth culture in America was undergoing a significant shift.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot has had a lasting impact on American popular culture, and it has been referenced and parodied in many different films, TV shows, and music videos. It has been screened at film festivals around the world, and it has been included in several DVD collections of underground and independent films. The film is often cited as an example of the power of documentary filmmaking to capture the essence of a particular subculture and to give voice to ordinary people who might not otherwise have a platform.

Overall, Heavy Metal Parking Lot is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that offers a glimpse into the world of heavy metal music and youth culture in the 1980s. It is a must-see for anyone who loves metal music, and for anyone who is interested in the history of youth culture in America. It is a film that will make you laugh, smile, and maybe even headbang a little. Regardless of your musical tastes, it is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot is a 1986 documentary with a runtime of 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.