Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

What We Do Is Secret (2008) movie poster

Characters & Themes

What We Do Is Secret (2008) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2008 · 92 min · English
Directed by
Rodger Grossman

The film explores the turbulent story of The Germs, a groundbreaking punk band that emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in the 1970s. It follows their rapid ascent to fame, fueled by raw energy and a rebellious attitude, while also portraying the internal struggles and personal demons that ultimately led to their downfall. The biographical drama captures the intensity of their performances and the complex relationships within the band.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like What We Do Is Secret
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch What We Do Is Secret (2008)

Where can you watch What We Do Is Secret? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video Free, Tubi TV and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

4 main characters · contains spoilers

What We Do Is Secret Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of What We Do Is Secret (2008), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Jan Paul Beahm / Darby Crash

    Darby Crash, originally known as Jan Paul Beahm, is a complex character whose passion for music is coupled with a tumultuous personal life. His transformation into the punk rock icon Darby Crash illustrates his quest for self-identity amidst the chaotic world of Los Angeles punk. However, his descent into addiction poses significant challenges that complicate his relationships and ambitions.

    • 🎤 Vocalist
    • 🎸 Punk Rock
    • 💔 Tragic Hero
  • Georg Ruthenberg

    Georg Ruthenberg is Darby's close friend and an integral member of Germs, contributing his guitar skills to help shape their sound. His musical partnership with Darby highlights their shared aspirations, but as tensions rise within the band, Georg's position becomes precarious. Despite the challenges, his loyalty and dedication remain evident throughout their journey.

    • 🎸 Guitarist
    • 🤝 Loyal Friend
  • Terri Ryan

    Terri Ryan plays bass guitar for Germs, representing the fierce spirit of women in the punk rock scene. Her presence in the band speaks to the inclusivity of the movement, but also reflects the turbulence the group faces. Terri’s character navigates her own challenges, balancing her passion for music with the chaotic dynamics of the band.

    • 🎸 Bassist
    • 👩‍🎤 Trailblazer
  • Becky Barton

    Becky Barton is a pivotal character in the film, whose tragic loss profoundly impacts the band's trajectory. As a drummer, her energy and talent contribute to Germs' early sound. Becky's death acts as a catalyst for the series of events that lead to instability within the group, highlighting the theme of vulnerability in the midst of rebellion.

    • 🥁 Drummer
    • 🌹 Loss

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:47

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does What We Do Is Secret Take Place?

The setting of What We Do Is Secret (2008): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1975 - 1980

This film unfolds during the late 1970s, a pivotal era in music history marked by the explosion of punk rock. It captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of youth during this time, as bands like Germs emerge amidst the socio-cultural upheaval. The period also reflects on themes of addiction and the fleeting nature of fame, paralleling the struggles faced by the band.

Location

Los Angeles, Whisky a Go Go, Roosevelt Hotel, Starwood

Los Angeles serves as the vibrant backdrop for this story, known for its diverse culture and influential music scene. The Whisky a Go Go and Starwood are iconic music venues that showcased rising punk rock bands during the 1970s. The Roosevelt Hotel adds a historical aura, having hosted numerous legendary performers and events in the heart of Hollywood.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🎤 Music Venue
  • 🏨 Hotel

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:47

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

What We Do Is Secret Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is What We Do Is Secret (2008) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Punk Rock

    The film delves into the punk rock movement, exploring its rebellious nature and the band's quest for identity within this chaotic environment. Through their music and performance, Germs embodies the angst and defiance of a generation. The chaotic performances symbolize both the liberation and the tumultuous challenges of being a part of the punk scene.

  • Tragedy

    Tragedy intertwines deeply with the narrative as the loss of band member Becky spurs turmoil within Germs. The film highlights the emotional strain and personal battles of the characters, especially Darby Crash, who grapples with addiction and heartbreak. This theme underlines the darker side of fame and the fallout from the lifestyle embraced by the band.

  • Addiction

    Addiction is a critical theme, portrayed through Darby Crash's struggles with heroin. The film examines how addiction impacts relationships, leading to conflicts within the band and ultimately fueling its decline. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers lurking within the rock and roll lifestyle.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:47

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

What We Do Is Secret Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about What We Do Is Secret (2008): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

What locations in Los Angeles are featured in the film?

The film is set in Los Angeles during the late 1970s punk scene. Key venues include the Whisky a Go Go and Starwood, both iconic clubs that showcased rising punk rock bands. The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood adds historical context, having hosted legendary performers. These venues represent the heart of the LA punk movement where The Germs rose to prominence.

  • los angeles
  • whisky a go go
  • starwood
  • punk rock venues
  • 1970s
Q2

When does the story take place?

The film takes place between 1975 and 1980, during the late 1970s punk rock explosion in Los Angeles. This era was marked by socio-cultural upheaval and the emergence of rebellious youth movements. The time period reflects the raw energy and defiant spirit of the punk era while also setting the stage for themes of addiction and the fleeting nature of fame.

  • 1970s
  • 1975
  • 1980
  • punk rock era
  • los angeles punk
Q3

Who was Darby Crash?

Darby Crash, born Jan Paul Beahm, was the frontman of The Germs punk band. Originally from Lakewood, California, he transformed into the controversial punk icon that defined the LA scene. His quest for self-identity through music was coupled with a tumultuous personal life. His transformation from Jan Paul Beahm to Darby Crash illustrates his search for identity within the chaotic world of punk rock.

  • darby crash
  • jan paul beahm
  • germs frontman
  • punk singer
Q4

Who were the key members of The Germs?

The Germs consisted of Darby Crash on vocals, Georg Ruthenberg on guitar, Terri Ryan on bass, and Becky Barton on drums. Each member contributed to shaping their raw, aggressive sound. Georg was Darby's close friend and musical partner, while Terri represented the growing presence of women in the punk scene. Becky Barton's tragic death profoundly impacted the band's trajectory.

  • germs band members
  • darby crash
  • georg ruthenberg
  • terri ryan
  • becky barton
Q5

What role does the punk rock movement play in the film?

The film explores punk rock as a central theme, depicting The Germs as embodying the angst and defiance of a generation. Their chaotic performances symbolize both the liberation and the tumultuous challenges of the punk scene. The punk movement represents the band's quest for identity within a chaotic environment, highlighting rebellion and self-expression as core values.

  • punk rock movement
  • germs
  • la punk scene
  • rebellion
Q6

How is addiction portrayed in the movie?

Addiction is a critical theme centered on Darby Crash's heroin struggles. The film examines how addiction impacts relationships, creating conflicts within the band and fueling its decline. This theme serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers within the rock and roll lifestyle, portraying the destructive consequences of substance abuse on both personal and creative levels.

  • addiction
  • heroin
  • drug abuse
  • darby crash
  • rock lifestyle
Q7

Who was Becky Barton and why is her loss significant?

Becky Barton was the drummer for The Germs whose tragic death profoundly impacted the band. Her energy and talent contributed to the group's early sound. Her loss acts as a catalyst for instability within the group, highlighting the theme of vulnerability amid rebellion. The tragedy spurs emotional turmoil, particularly affecting Darby Crash and accelerating the band's downward spiral.

  • becky barton
  • germs drummer
  • tragic death
  • band loss
Q8

What are the main themes explored in the film?

The film explores three interconnected themes: punk rock identity and rebellion, tragedy through Becky Barton's death, and addiction through Darby Crash's heroin use. These themes intertwine to show the darker side of fame and the destructive consequences of the punk lifestyle. The story serves as a cautionary tale about how the very rebellious spirit that fuels artistic creation can also lead to self-destruction.

  • themes
  • punk rock
  • tragedy
  • addiction
  • cautionary tale
Q9

What is the overall tone and mood of the film?

The film has a dark, intense tone characterized by constant portrayals of internal band conflict, Darby's spiraling addiction, and chaotic violent performances. The pacing is fast, reflecting the rapid ascent and self-destructive speed of the band. The emotional weight is heavy, dealing with suicide, drug abuse, and tragic waste of talent, resulting in a unequivocally sad ending.

  • dark tone
  • intense
  • punk drama
  • emotional weight
  • sad ending
Q10

How are women represented in the punk scene depicted in the film?

Women are represented through Terri Ryan, the bassist for The Germs, who embodies the fierce spirit of women in the punk rock scene. Her presence highlights the inclusivity of the punk movement while also reflecting the turbulence the group faced. Terri navigates her own challenges, balancing passion for music with the chaotic dynamics of the band, representing the growing role of women in a male-dominated scene.

  • women in punk
  • terri ryan
  • germs bassist
  • female musicians

Movie threads

More Movies Like What We Do Is Secret, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes What We Do Is Secret tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Biographies of tragic artists like in What We Do Is Secret

Intense biographical dramas about creative geniuses destroyed by their own demons. Explore more movies like What We Do Is Secret that delve into the turbulent lives of musicians, painters, and writers. These similar biographical drama stories capture the chaotic rise to fame and the tragic personal downfall driven by addiction and internal conflict.

  • tragic
  • chaotic
  • rebellious
  • raw
  • desperate
  • anxious
  • Tone: dark, tragic
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a meteoric rise in a specific creative scene, fueled by raw talent and rebellion. This success is paralleled by a descent into personal chaos, often involving substance abuse and fractured relationships, leading inevitably to a bleak or tragic conclusion that questions the cost of genius.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on the artist's journey as a cautionary tale. They combine high emotional weight with a dark tone, presenting a fast-paced, intense look at how talent can be consumed by the very chaos that fuels it.

Movies with a raw punk vibe like What We Do Is Secret

Films that capture the desperate energy and rebellious spirit of the punk scene. If you liked the raw, chaotic energy of What We Do Is Secret, discover other films with a similar punk rock aesthetic. These movies share a fast pace, rebellious characters, and a dark, tense tone that captures the spirit of subcultures defined by music and defiance.

  • raw
  • rebellious
  • anxious
  • chaotic
  • urgent
  • desperate
  • Tone: dark, rebellious, tense
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread are less about a specific plot and more about immersing the viewer in a world of defiance and chaos. They often feature characters navigating subcultures, driven by a desperate need for authenticity and freedom, resulting in a viewing experience that feels immediate, loud, and unpolished.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by a shared mood and aesthetic rooted in punk philosophy. They prioritize raw emotion, fast pacing, and a dark or tense tone that reflects internal and external rebellion, creating a consistently high-intensity, anxious viewing experience.

If you liked this

Movies Like What We Do Is Secret

Similar movies to What We Do Is Secret: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

What We Do Is Secret (2008) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about What We Do Is Secret in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app