THE RISE AND FALL OF THE CLASH
When: 7 p.m. Sat. Where: Ritz Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. Tickets: $12-$15, www.soundunseen.com.
There's no shortage of documentaries on how great the Clash was. The newest film on the London punks is actually more about how bad they were -- as in dysfunctional, hypocritical, unscrupulous and eventually even bad in the musical sense. A hodgepodge of new interviews and old clips, the film focuses mainly on the quizzical 1982-84 era after guitarist/co-vocalist Mick Jones was fired. The mostly forgotten musicians who kept the band going with late frontman Joe Strummer get more screen time than Jones does. And the real star of the film doesn't even make a speaking appearance: manager Bernie Rhodes, who gets the brunt of the blame for everything that went wrong. Although a bit of a black eye on the band's legacy, "Rise and Fall" is an eye-opening tale on how one of rock's greatest and best-intentioned bands was steered off course by the music business. Director Adam Garcia will attend this screening, which promotes the Sound Unseen festival of music movies which starts Wednesday (see below).CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
Sound Unseen 13: Rick Springfield & Bad Brains
When: 7 & 9 p.m. Wed. Where: Trylon Microcinema. Info: www.soundunseen.com
Organizers of the Sound Unseen music/film festival (Wed. through Oct. 14) have curated an eclectic lineup for the 13th annual event, and opening night features two of the fest's most intriguing films. "An Affair of the Heart: Rick Springfield" (7 p.m. Wed., sold out) explores the relationship between the aged teeny-bopping rocker and his surprisingly still rabid fan base. The well sourced doc depicts an authentic closeness between the guy who sang "Jessie's Girl" and his admirers (mostly screaming housewives), but also raises co-dependency questions. Through vintage concert footage and firsthand accounts, "Bad Brains: A Band in D.C." (9 p.m. Wed., $10) scrapbooks the tumultuous history of 1980s hardcore legends Bad Brains and their mercurial frontman HR. Needless illustrations step on a narrative toe, but it's worthy viewing for fans of the influential punks. With drink specials and live music, the nearby Harriet Brewing (3036 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls.) will serve as the official pre- and post-show hub throughout the festival. More on Sound Unseen next week and at www.vita.mn. MICHAEL RIETMULDER
