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Poster for What We Do Is Secret

What We Do Is Secret

American Punk started with a Germ

2007 · 1h 32m · R Drama, Music
Directed by Rodger Grossman

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Overview

The true-life story of Darby Crash, who became an L.A. punk icon with his band The Germs. Along with Lorna Doom, Pat Smear, and Don Bolles, Darby Crash completely transformed the L.A. punk scene, while sacrificing everyone he loved, his career, and ultimately his life.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
45%
Tomatometer
Fresh

While What We Do Is Secret may not be remembered for much more than West's performance, it's an impersonation worth saluting.

John Hartl, Seattle Times
Fresh

Some of the supporting performances, like those of Phillips and Gonzalez, are very strong, but it's West who lifts the entire film to a whole other level.

David Wiegand, San Francisco Chronicle
Rotten

Despite a terrific performance from Shane West, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Crash, Secret is a chronology, not a biopic.

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

First-time writer-director Rodger Grossman bangs out a visceral, energized biopic that captures the vibrant idiocy of punked-out youth and a tortured soul gaining his wish of cult status.

Michael Ordona, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

A labor of love for writer-director Rodger Grossman, this entertaining if superficial biopic chronicles the rise and fall of LA punk pioneers the Germs.

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

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