Skinhead Attitude

Skinhead Attitude is a 2003 documentary that goes in-depth into the skinhead subculture, its history, evolution, and the sharp contrasts between its factions. It seeks to delve into the hard-hitting truth about the movement that has existed for decades and its transformation throughout the years. Directed by Daniel Schweizer, this film features the likes of Laurel Aitken, Buster Bloodvessel, and Jimmy Pursey, shedding light on one of the most controversial and misunderstood subcultures of recent times.

The documentary takes its viewers on a substantial journey through the history of this global phenomenon, exploring its roots across continents from the post-war streets of England through the mean streets of America, and even to the heart of Jamaica where this subculture initially took root. All this is done while focusing on a young female skinhead, Karole Rocher, acting as the tour guide of the film, tracing the evolution of the movement from its initial inception to its current status.

The film kicks off with Rocher introducing the viewers to the early days of the skinhead movement, which saw it commence as an inclusive subculture with its beginnings in the working-class districts of London in the 1960s. This was a time when the skinheads represented the embodiment of anti-establishment sentiments amongst the youth, taking shape at the intersection of Caribbean and English cultures.

A key substantive element of the Skinhead Attitude is the portrayal of the music scene as an influential segment within the skinhead culture. Music stars such as Laurel Aitken and Buster Bloodvessel make their appearances, providing their personal insights into the impact of music on the subculture. They speak about how ska, reggae, and early punk formed the pulse of the skinhead movement. The film goes on to illustrate how this culture gradually became intertwined with extremism and political ideologies.

The film presents this transition employing a range of materials — interviews, footage of concerts, protests, riots, and the daily life of skinheads. It features an array of interviews with founding figures and key personalities of the skinhead movement, like Jimmy Pursey, providing first-hand accounts of their experience. Furthermore, the documentary also features interviews with anti-racist skinheads, seeking to reclaim the culture from its association with racism and to project their perspective.

The director of the film, Daniel Schweizer, tracks down a wide range of subjects from different backgrounds and attitudes, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the skinhead community. Schweizer employs techniques to ensure the documentary does not sensationalize or romanticize the skinhead lifestyle but instead presents a reality-based perspective.

Skinhead Attitude does not shy away from showing the darker side of the phenomenon, the rise of neo-Nazi skinheads, promoting a hateful and destructive ideology and causing an ugly divide within the subculture itself. The film tackles this difficult subject through interviews, reinforcing its commitment to illustrate the true, uncensored nature of this global subculture.

Schweizer also critically looks into the feminine perspective of this subculture. With Karole Rocher leading the tour of the skinhead culture, the film subtly offers hints of gender dynamics within this predominantly male-driven world. This aspect gives the film a newer and refreshing perspective into the subculture that is rarely discussed.

The documentary thus shatters the widespread stereotype about skinheads, offering an unbiased and well-rounded representation of the phenomenon. With each interview and every recorded event, the film creates a complex, empathetic image of the skinhead community. It shows that the skinhead culture is far more intricate and nuanced than often depicted and that it should not be casually dismissed as synonymous with racism and violence.

Destined to be a modern classic, Skinhead Attitude paints a raw and real picture of the skinhead culture, delivered in an engaging and enlightening form. Though some may find the content disturbing, it's undeniable that it offers a profound understanding of the subculture that many know little about.

In sum, Skinhead Attitude is a cinematic dissertation on a misunderstood and forgotten segment of popular culture. It combines personal stories, historical details, and industry perspectives to craft a documentary that navigates through a complex, sensitive subculture, subverting expectations while revealing truths.