"Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" and the tracks it inspired

This movie was very influential on the Hardcore and Techno scene. Intermersed within the text are examples of tracks that sample or reference the movie in one way or the other.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

"Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" is a powerful and unsettling film directed by John Hillcoat, which tells the story of life in a maximum-security prison. The film is set in an Australian prison, but its themes are universal and apply to prisons and detention centers all over the world. "Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" was released in 1988 and has since gained a reputation as a cult classic.

Sonic Subjunkies - Central Imdustrial

The film is a collaboration between Hillcoat, writer Evan English, and musician Nick Cave, who also appears in the film. Cave's music plays a central role in the film, setting the tone for the bleak and brutal world it portrays.

Brain Reset - Surface

The film is divided into three acts, each of which is introduced by a title card that highlights the themes of the upcoming section. The first act, "Crisis," sets the stage for the rest of the film. We are introduced to the prison and its inmates, most of whom are violent and dangerous criminals. The prison is overcrowded, and tensions are high. The guards are corrupt and brutal, and the prisoners are subject to abuse and violence on a daily basis.

The Future Sound Of London - Central Industrial

The second act, "Repression," delves deeper into the lives of the prisoners. We see how they are treated by the guards and how they cope with the harsh conditions of the prison. The film explores the psychological toll that life in prison takes on the inmates, as well as the impact it has on their families and loved ones on the outside. The prisoners are dehumanized and stripped of their dignity, and the film does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of their existence.

Current 909 - The Future Of Human Containmemt

The third act, "Punishment," is the most intense and brutal of the three. The prisoners stage a riot, and the film becomes a harrowing depiction of violence and chaos. The riot is fueled by the prisoners' frustration and anger, and it quickly spirals out of control. The guards respond with extreme force, and the prisoners are subject to even more violence and abuse. The film does not provide easy answers or resolutions to the violence, instead, it highlights the cycle of violence and abuse that perpetuates itself in the prison system.

Sonic Subjunkies - Central Industrial Part 2

One of the most striking aspects of "Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" is its use of music. Nick Cave's haunting score is a perfect fit for the film's bleak and oppressive tone. The film also features a number of musical performances by the prisoners, which serve to humanize them and remind us that they are more than just violent criminals. The music provides a glimpse of hope in an otherwise hopeless world.

Current 909 - The Lockdown

The film is shot in a documentary-style, which adds to its realism and intensity. The camera is often handheld, and the lighting is dim and moody. The film's use of close-ups and tight framing serves to emphasize the claustrophobic and oppressive nature of the prison.

Low Entropy - Nobody Is Ever Free

"Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" is not an easy film to watch. It is brutal, intense, and unrelenting in its portrayal of life in a maximum-security prison. However, it is also an important film that shines a light on the dark and often-hidden world of the prison system. The film's themes of violence, oppression, and dehumanization are as relevant today as they were when the film was released over thirty years ago.

Fifth Era - Let The Day Perish

In summary, "Ghosts... of the Civil Dead" is a powerful and disturbing film that is not for the faint of heart. It is a harrowing portrayal of life in a maximum-security prison that will leave a lasting impression on those who watch it. The film's themes are universal and apply to prisons and detention centers all over the world. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and the impact it has on those who are caught up in it.