In the 1998 film SLC Punk, the two main characters, Steven Stevo Levy and Heroin Bob Williams, are dedicated punks living in Salt Lake City in the mid-1980s. In one scene, they travel to Evanston, Wyoming, to buy beer from a store called Porter's Fireworks and Liquor. While the film doesn't specify the type of beer they buy, some viewers have noted that the characters would have had to cross state lines to get decent beer. In reality, Utah's strict liquor laws have long been a source of frustration for its residents, and this was especially true during the time period depicted in the film.
What You'll Learn
Characters in SLC Punk! drink beer from Wyoming
In the 1998 comedy-drama film SLC Punk!, the characters Steven "Stevo" Levy and "Heroin" Bob Williams are dedicated punks living in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the mid-1980s. The film, written and directed by James Merendino, is based on his experience growing up in the city and many of the characters were inspired by people he knew.
In one scene, Stevo and Bob drive to Evanston, Wyoming, to buy beer from a store called Porter's Fireworks and Liquor. Evanston, Wyoming is a real place, and one of the few locations outside of Salt Lake City where filming took place.
While the film does not specify the brand of beer that Stevo and Bob buy in Wyoming, it is implied that they are seeking out alcohol because of the conservative nature of Salt Lake City. In one scene, Stevo's father justifies his affluent, Reaganite lifestyle by saying, "I didn't sell out, son. I bought in." This exchange highlights the class and cultural differences between Stevo and Bob and the straight-laced, conservative world they are reacting against.
The fact that Stevo and Bob have to cross state lines to buy beer adds to the sense of rebellion and transgression that defines their punk identities. It also underscores the film's exploration of the tensions between individual freedom and societal expectations, and the challenges of maintaining a countercultural lifestyle in a conservative environment.
By drinking beer from Wyoming, Stevo and Bob are not only satisfying their thirst but also asserting their independence and rejecting the values of the mainstream society that surrounds them. This act of consumption becomes a form of resistance and a way to subvert the social order, even if only temporarily.
Vegetarian Beer Drinking: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
They also drink PBR
In the 1998 comedy-drama film SLC Punk!, the two main characters, Steven "Stevo" Levy and his best friend, "Heroin" Bob Williams, are dedicated punks living in Salt Lake City in the mid-1980s. They spend their days going from party to party and fighting with members of other subcultures, particularly rednecks.
While the film does not specify the brand of beer that Stevo and Bob drink, it is likely that they would have opted for a cheap, regional beer that was accessible to them. PBR, or Pabst Blue Ribbon, is a popular beer choice among punks, known for its low price and wide availability.
PBR has become associated with punk culture, especially when it comes in $1 pounder cans. It is often the cheapest option at bars and clubs, and its association with punk is so strong that some punks drink it tongue-in-cheek.
In addition to PBR, other cheap, regional beers such as Lionshead, Old Style, Rainier, Hamms, and Olympia are also commonly consumed in the punk scene, depending on the region.
SLC Punk! accurately captures the punk rock culture of the mid-1980s in Salt Lake City, and the choice of beer reflects the economic realities and preferences of the time.
Beer and Painkillers: Mixing Tylenol and Alcohol
You may want to see also
The film is set in the mid-1980s
The film outlines the daily life of Stevo and Bob as they go from party to party, living in a dilapidated apartment and fighting with members of other subcultures, particularly rednecks. The film is a dark comedy that captures the punk-rock underground scene of the time, with a mix of fights, gunfire, robberies, and wanton acts of abandon. It also explores the characters' mental and physical illnesses, catalysed by their descents into drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll.
The film is set in the fall of 1985, and one of the key scenes involves Stevo and Bob driving to Wyoming to buy beer, which is still a reality for Salt Lake City kids today. The film also features a young Jason Segel, who plays clean-cut, preppy Mike, with a violent temper.
SLC Punk! captures the anger and rebellion of the 1980s, with Stevo's blue mohawk and diatribe at his parents being memorable scenes. The film also explores the impact of the Reagan era on the punk movement, with the extra sheen of squeaky-clean Mormonism in Salt Lake City breeding a raucous and edgy underground manifestation of punk rock ethos. The film is a cult classic that has gained a following in punk circles around the world and continues to be referenced in pop culture.
Beer and Amox-Clav: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
SLC Punk! is a dark comedy
The 1998 film SLC Punk! is a dark comedy that follows the lives of two dedicated punks, Steven "Stevo" Levy and "Heroin" Bob Williams, in the conservative city of Salt Lake City during the mid-1980s. The film explores the daily lives of Stevo and Bob as they navigate their way through a world of drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, all while trying to maintain their punk lifestyle in a city that seems to be against them.
The film is written and directed by James Merendino, who based the story on his own experiences growing up in Salt Lake City. While the film is not autobiographical, many of the characters were inspired by people he knew. SLC Punk! captures the essence of the punk movement of the 1980s, with its anarchic spirit and rebellious nature. The film also highlights the contradictions and clashes between different tribal groups, such as the punks and the rednecks, with Stevo and Bob often getting into fights with members of other subcultures.
One of the notable aspects of the film is its aggressive and kinetic shooting style, with sweeping crane shots, fast dolly moves, and jump cuts. The film also features an impressive cast, including Matthew Lillard as Stevo, Michael Goorjian as Heroin Bob, Annabeth Gish as Trish, and Jennifer Lien as Sandy.
In one particular scene, Stevo and Bob drive to Wyoming to buy beer, as it is still a very real thing for kids in Salt Lake City to cross state lines to get their hands on some decent beer. This scene captures the lengths to which the characters are willing to go to maintain their punk lifestyle, even if it means breaking the law.
The film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its portrayal of the punk movement and others criticising its accuracy in representing the SLC punk scene. However, it has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a badge of pride for many from Utah. SLC Punk! is a dark comedy that captures the rebellious and anarchic spirit of the punk movement, while also exploring the personal journeys of its characters as they navigate their way through a conservative and often hostile environment.
Beer and Belly Bloat: Is Your Beverage to Blame?
You may want to see also
It was released in 1998
The 1998 film SLC Punk! is a comedy-drama that follows the lives of two dedicated punks, Steven "Stevo" Levy and "Heroin" Bob Williams, in the conservative city of Salt Lake City during the mid-1980s. The film was written and directed by James Merendino, who based the characters on people he knew while growing up in the city.
The film was released in the United States on April 16, 1999, but it actually premiered earlier at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 1999. Interestingly, German investors pulled some strings to release the film in Germany in September 1998, thanks to the presence of German actor Til Schweiger, whose character is a Euro trash drug dealer.
SLC Punk! is known for its unique, aggressive shooting style, with sweeping crane shots, fast dolly moves, and jump cuts. The film also features an impressive cast, including Matthew Lillard as Stevo, Michael Goorjian as Heroin Bob, Annabeth Gish as Trish, and Jennifer Lien as Sandy, among others.
The film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a badge of pride for many from Utah. It captures the punk rock spirit of the 1980s and the rebellious nature of the characters, who fight against the conservative Reagan-era types and their ideals.
While the film has received mixed reviews, with some criticising its portrayal of the punk scene, it has undoubtedly left a lasting impact and continues to be referenced in pop culture even decades after its release.
Beer and Farxiga: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The characters in SLC Punk! drink a variety of beers, including Budweiser, Wyoming Beer, and pills (Percodan) that they refer to as "vitamins".
SLC Punk! follows the life of Steven "Stevo" Levy, a college graduate and punk living in Salt Lake City during the mid-1980s. The film centres around Stevo and his best friend, "Heroin" Bob, as they go from party to party and fight with members of other subcultures.
SLC Punk! was written and directed by James Merendino, based on his experience growing up in Salt Lake City.
SLC Punk! premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 1999, and was released in the US on April 16, 1999.