Italian
A new punk narrative: “Under the Big Black Sun” set to capture the raw essence of 1980s L.A.
A fresh take on a punk classic
Director Matthew Mishory and producer-financier Bradford L. Schlei have embarked on an ambitious project to adapt Thorn Kief Hillsberry’s L.A.-set punk novel ”What We Do Is Secret” into a film. This adaptation, however, will bear a different title to avoid confusion with the 2007 film of the same name. The new title, “Under the Big Black Sun,” promises to delve deep into the gritty, chaotic world of the early 1980s Los Angeles punk scene.
The creative minds behind the project
Matthew Mishory, known for his work on “Mosolv’s Suitcase” and “Fioretta,” will direct the film. He will also produce it alongside Schlei through their company, Rubber Ring Films. Schlei, whose credits include cult classics like “Swingers,” “Spun,” and “Some Folks Call It a Slingblade,” brings a wealth of experience to the table. The screenplay will be adapted by Tony O’Neil, ensuring that the raw energy and emotional depth of Hillsberry’s novel are faithfully translated to the screen.
A story born from punk’s raw energy
Set in 1981 Los Angeles, just months after the tragic death of Germs’ lead singer Darby Crash, “Under the Big Black Sun” follows the fictional character Rockets Redglare. This character, a discarded kid who finds solace among the misfits of the Masque, a basement club that was the epicenter of the L.A. punk scene, navigates a tumultuous 24 hours filled with drugs, schemes, and the relentless beat of punk music.
For those unfamiliar with the Germs and their impact on the punk scene, the band’s story is a poignant backdrop to this new narrative. The Germs’ lead singer, Darby Crash, was a pivotal figure in the punk movement, and his untimely death in 1980 left a lasting impact on the music world. The 2007 film “What We Do Is Secret,” starring Shane West as Darby Crash, offers a glimpse into this tragic tale. Watch the trailer here.
A director’s passion project
Mishory’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable. “When I discovered Kief’s edgy, exhilarating, gorgeous novel, I knew I had to make it into a film,” he says. “It’s the perfect evocation of an era and a punk scene I was just one generation too late to have experienced first-hand, but like so many of my friends, I desperately wished I had been there — and had the LPs to prove it. It’s an honor to be bringing Kief’s wild and empathetic vision to the screen.”
A producer’s return to roots
Schlei, who also heads Stone Canyon Entertainment, shares Mishory’s excitement. “I’m excited to return to my filmmaking roots with a project based on an enduring novel and exploring the underbelly of my long love affair with the Los Angeles of the 1980s,” he says. This project marks a significant return to the kind of raw, unfiltered storytelling that characterized his earlier works.
The novel’s acclaim and the author’s background
“What We Do Is Secret” was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in fiction, a testament to its impact and resonance. Thorn Kief Hillsberry, the author, has a rich background in youth culture, skateboarding, surfing, and rock climbing. He was an active participant in L.A.’s original punk rock scene, lending an authentic voice to his writing.
The team behind the scenes
Rubber Ring Films, the production company behind this adaptation, is helmed by Mishory, Schlei, and Rob Levine. The company was represented by Patrick Alach of Longo & Alach LLP, while Hillsberry was represented by Matthew Snyder of CAA and Janet Oshiro of The Robbins Office.
Reflecting on the punk legacy
As we await the release of “Under the Big Black Sun,” it’s worth reflecting on the enduring legacy of the punk movement. The raw energy, the defiance, and the sense of community that defined the punk scene continue to inspire new generations. This film promises to be more than just a nostalgic trip; it aims to capture the essence of a time and place that was as chaotic as it was transformative.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of punk, the upcoming film adaptation offers a unique opportunity to experience the highs and lows of this iconic era. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to immerse yourself in the raw, unfiltered world of 1980s Los Angeles punk.
