Hard Core Logo is a rockumentary: a mockumentary about a rock ‘n roll band on tour. Bruce McDonald himself calls his film ‘the mean little brother’ of This is Spinal Tap (see there). This figures, but is also too modest. Hard Core Logo is a modern punk variation on the classic rock satire Spinal Tap, Logo is the Tap of our time. The punk group that was followed was invented for the film. The band was rumoured to have fallen foul of internal quarrels and is now being reformed for a benefit concert. The band wants to collect money for its former punk mentor Bucky Haigh who is alleged to have been wounded in a gunfight. The one-off concert is such a success that the group decides to get together again and go on tour. That tour through the remote outposts of Western Canada is a sad and catastrophic enterprise. For ageing punk rockers, the years have taken their toll and the life of a worn-out rock band on the road is not very glamorous. In the country they also visit their old friend Haigh, who has not been wounded at all. Another fake.The story of the film is derived from a novel by Michael Turner who recorded all the details of the punk scene in his hometown Vancouver. The film’s quality is largely to be found in the inventiveness and pleasure with which the mood, habits and customs of ageing punks have been reconstructed. It is a biting but also loving satire. (GjZ)
