THE PUBLIC IMAGE IS ROTTEN

After the breakup of the Sex Pistols, frontman John Lydon, the former Johnny Rotten, was ready for the next challenge. The Sex Pistols had been one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential bands, it upset the miasma and complacencies of the 70’s rock establishment. But Lydon’s next step was Public Image Ltd. The band accumulated a legion of fans, went through countless style and personnel changes, and was responsible for such classics as “Public Image,” “Flowers of Romance” and of course “This Is Not a Love Song.” Lydon opens up the book and recalls, philosophizes, summarizes, comments, complains, and praises these years. Recollections from past and current band members (even Ginger Baker) fill in the gaps and add their own perspectives. Archival footage, from the infamous Ritz Show to Lydon’s somewhat-infamous presence in a butter commercial, round out this incisive, entertaining documentary. Though Mr. Lydon may have become more reflective in the years since “Anarchy in the UK,” he remains his incisive, witty, acerbic, entertaining self. Fasten your seat belts.

—Brian Gordon

After the Premiere Screening: A conversation with director Tabbert Fiiller and the film’s subject John Lydon a.k.a. Johnny Rotten. Moderated by Variety's Cynthia Littleton.