They were once regarded as “the greatest rock group of the 21st century”.

One of the dominating forces in the mid-2000’s music scene was Los Angeles based, post-hardcore band, The Icarus Line, whose provocative stage presence and divisive music was so different from that of other popular bands at the time. However, the volatility and ever-changing music industry eventually affected The Icarus Line, hard. In 2015, eight albums later, the band split up and left frontman Joe Cardamone broke, confused and feeling lost. Director Michael Grodner’s debut film The Icarus Line Must Die is a gritty punk rock biopic that explores this tumultuous time in Cardamone’s life.

When he was at the top of his game, Joe Cardamone was regarded as the man, the myth, and the legend. His band, The Icarus Line, appealed to the punks and weirdos of the music scene. The Icarus Line was akin to metaphorical gasoline violently thrown on the fire that was rock music at the time, but this is not when we meet Joe. The story begins at the point in his life when band members are quitting and record labels are ignoring his latest work- forcing Cardamone to work in a recording studio for extra income. He also begins receiving mysterious death threats from blocked numbers on his cell phone.

While there isn’t much of a solid plot in the film, The Icarus Line Must Die acts more like a character study of Joe Cardamone as he deals with these situations. It portrays his humbleness when asking for help from peers and record labels, his desperation when selling instruments for extra cash, and his attempt to protect his wife from a possible, unexpected deadly attack. Cameos from fellow LA grunge rocker Ariel Pink, Pearl Charles, and Cardamone’s wife, Charlotte, round out this limited cast.

Locals will love that we are taken on a tour of East LA throughout the film… ‘The Icarus Line Must Die’ also acts as a cinematic map of cool spots you definitely want to check out.

Locals will love that we are taken on a tour of East LA throughout the film; from Permanent Records on York Blvd. in Highland Park, to TAIX on Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park, The Icarus Line Must Die also acts as a cinematic map of cool spots you definitely want to check out.

The Icarus Line Must Die, much like the band itself, strays from expectations. Part dramatic narrative, part art film, the various experimental techniques displayed here are best seen and approached by the open-minded. It is shot completely in black and white, an edgy look that perfectly fits the band’s image. Aside from incorporating original Icarus Line songs, the music composition unexpectedly plays like a western. Both moody and tangy, and the audio is a vital part of propelling the story forward by setting the tone of uncomfortable situations and inconsistency.

One line in the film really stands out: “Be truly loved or truly hated, anything in the middle is garbage.” Like music, the same can be said about films. The Icarus Line Must Die may very easily fall into either of these two polarizing categories– fans of the band or music lovers, in general, will no doubt be fascinated with this glimpse into Cardamone’s personal life, and how that translates into his larger-than-life stage presence. Those who are not open to unconventional filmmaking (and subpar acting) may want to sit this one out or may run the risk of a frustrating watch. The Icarus Line Must Die is not out to win any Academy Awards or achievements in filmmaking, but what we do have here is a passion project from a passionate person and Joe Cardamone’s creative outlet is definitely for our enjoyment.

‘The Icarus Line Must Die’ is not rated. 83 minutes. Opening this Friday at the Laemmle Royal Theatre.