The Decline of Western Civilization is a 1981 English-language Documentary History film written and directed by Penelope Spheeris and produced by Penelope Spheeris and Jeff Prettyman. The Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980 is the focus of this film. With Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X. Written by Rich Swenson. The decline of western civilization stars Black Flag in the title role along with an ensemble cast including Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, The Germs, X and Alice Bag Band. Cinematography was done by Steve Conant and editing by Charlie Mullin. The movie has a running time of 100 minutes. It was released on 1st July 1981 and it received positive reviews from critics when it was released. Distribution rights for the motion picture were acquired by Nu-Image Film.