@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
The War on Disco explores the culture war that erupted over the spectacular rise of disco music. Originating in underground Black and gay clubs, disco had unseated rock as America’s most popular music by the late 1970s. But many diehard rock fans viewed disco, with its repetitive beat and culture that emphasized pleasure, as shallow and superficial. A story that’s about much more than music, The War on Disco explores how the powerful anti-disco backlash revealed a cultural divide that to some seemed to be driven by racism and homophobia. The hostility came to a head on July 12, 1979, when a riot broke out at “Disco Demolition Night” during a baseball game in Chicago.
Quick Stats
5.8
TMDB Rating
5
Votes
51m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorLisa Quijano Wolfinger
WriterRushmore DeNooyer
CinematographyEzra Wolfinger
EditorJed Rauscher
Produced by
American Experience FilmsGBHLone Wolf MediaRobert Stone Productions
Where to Watch
Streaming
PBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelFree
KanopyRent
Amazon VideoBuy
Amazon VideoSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Felipe Rose
Self
Steve Dahl
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Linda Clifford
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Rich King
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D
Daphne Brooks
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Jefferson Cowie
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A
Adam Greenfield
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R
Ray Smith
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J
Joe Shanahan
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David Logan
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A
Ayana Contreras
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W
Wayne Williams
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D
Darlene Jackson
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D
Diane Alexander White
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P
Paul Natkin
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