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Decoder (15*) + Introduced by Stewart Home

Stewart Home's Occasional Barbican Film Club

Still from Decoder

For the latest instalment of his Occasional Barbican Film Club, Stewart Home takes inspiration from Lauderdale Tower in this 80s anti-capitalist piece where punk meets popcorn. 

Decoder is the second feature film by Muscha, the iconic figure of the 80s punk scene. Portraying the thriving cyberpunk and counterculture movements in West Germany in the 80s, the film features era-defining bands such as Soft Cell, The The and Einstürzende Neubauten among other notable figures.  

The story follows a man who learns that the soundtrack being played in the fast food chain he works in is being used to manipulate customers, he decides to take the sound system into his own hands. Decoder blends arresting visuals, urban industrial aesthetics, science fiction, conspiracy theory and documentary footage of street violence, with a searing attack on consumerist culture. 

Tagged with: Cinema

West Germany 1984 dir Muscha 87 mins

This film is screened with English subtitles.

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.