What We Do Is Secret

“Everything starts with a germ,” explains lead singer Darby Crash (Shane West) of The Germs, “the most unpredictable, the most chaotic, and the least understood band in the whole Los Angeles punk rock scene.” In December of 1975, Crash, then known as Jan Paul Beahm, makes a five-year plan inspired by David Bowie. After recruiting other high school outsiders, his first task is to get a gig on stage, and after that, learn how to play instruments. Accompanied by bandmates, dubbed Pat Smear and Lorna Doom (Bijou Phillips), Crash makes a reputation by self-mutilating on stage, and audiences go crazy for it. Soon their underground success lands them a record deal, produced by Joan Jett. But when their antics get them banned from every venue in Los Angeles, The Germs must assume false names and stage surprise gigs to please their fans. As with most rock legends, fame isn't enough for Crash, whose heroin addiction quickly progresses to deathly proportions. Rodger Grossman's debut as writer, director, and producer, WHAT WE DO IS SECRET, aptly chronicles the volatile rise and fall of Darby Crash and The Germs. – EJB