"JOHN COOPER CLARKE: TEN YEARS IN AN OPEN NECKED SHIRT"

Year: 1982
Running time: 62 min.
Language: English
Director: Nick May

Synopsis: “In a vain attempt at bourgeois credibility, Lenny changed his name to John Cooper Clarke and under this title embarked on a poly-syllabic excursion through thrillsville U.K.. Yes it was be there or be square as, clad in the slum chic of the hipster, he issued the slang anthems of the zip age in the desperate Esperanto of the bop. John Cooper Clarke the name behind the hairstyle…” John Cooper Clarke is a poet, storyteller and comic commentator who became a central figure in the remarkable revival of British poetry in the late twentieth century. Often referred to as the Bard Of Salford he came to prominence during the punk explosion of the 1970s when he opened for bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Fall, Joy Division, the Buzzcocks and Elvis Costello. He survived the punk explosion and today has a large and varied following with his poems appearing signature pieces on TV in “The Sopranos” and in films such as “Control” and “All Tomorrow’s Parties”.  Ten Years In An Open Necked Shirt mixes concert footage and interviews with interpreted and dramatised treatments of his work. John Cooper Clarke and his story are as engaging as the imagery in his poetry. (Source: smartstreetfilms.com.au)