- published: 17 Dec 2012
- views: 13186
Threat (2006) is an independent film about a straightedge "hardcore kid" and a hip hop revolutionary whose friendship is doomed by the intolerance of their respective street tribes. It is an ensemble film of kids living in New York City in the aftermath of 9-11, each of them suffering from a sense of doom brought on by dealing with HIV, racism, sexism, class struggle, and general nihilism. The intellectual issues are played out amid an aesthetic of raw ultraviolence that has earned director Matt Pizzolo both accolades and condemnations (such as Film Threat's rave review stating "great art should assail the status quo, and that is what Pizzolo and Nisa’s film has skillfully accomplished" in contrast to Montreal Film Journal's scathing review saying the film "openly glorifies murderous revolt, literally telling the audience to go out and beat up random people, just because"). Unlike past urban dramas, the film does not outright condemn its characters' violent outbursts. Although it does show harsh consequences for acts of violence, numerous critics have pointed out that it is unclear whether or not the film intends to glorify violence and/or class conflict.
You know all the cool places where all the punks hang out
All those same old places that I don't give a shit about
There's so many people just following a trend
No honesty or sincerity, it's the same old shit again
This is a warning. No, this is a threat
As long as we're alive then punk's not dead yet
Consider this a challenge, there's problems unresolved
Forget about your fashion show and start to get involved
Yeah we can make this happen, we're fighting for a cause
Without your approval, so fuck your damned applause
Yeah, we can make this real. Engage a solemn vow
So let's get off our asses and start right fucking nowââ¬Â¦
This is a warning. No, this is a threat
As long as we're alive then punk's not dead yet
Consider this a challenge, there's problems unresolved
Forget about your fashion show and start to get involved
So what about you are you gonna play the role?
Sit back and let someone else take control?
Can we burn our bridges? Can we start something new?
Exactly what is your independence worth to you?
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance
Complacency is cowardice, theres no room for obedience
Let anger be our fuel, our power from within