gummo
(1997) [R] 1h 29min Dir. Harmony Korine
(1997) [R] 1h 29min Dir. Harmony Korine
synopsis:
Lonely residents of a tornado-stricken Ohio town wander the deserted landscape trying to fulfill their boring, nihilistic lives.
initial thoughts:
Oh, man. Yikes this was a mixed bag, for real. I mean it's just a tough film to decipher. Part of me wants to like it and part of me is terrible offended.
Stylistically, its really fantastic and creative. But, otherwise it's just a montage of scenes put together with basically no reason or thought.
So let me preface by saying, one of the major reasons I love film is because it's a gateway to see so many different walks of life. Here's the issue I have... it's hard to be empathetic towards people who are ignorant, racist, homophobic, misogynistic, and violent to harmless animals.
Now don't get me wrong, I love an unlikeable character. But if I am getting constantly offended and disturbed to the point of contemplating not finishing the film, it's too much.
I'm just curious as to why a movie like this needed to be made. Showcasing a community of such hate and ignorance is very problematic. The fact that the film does nothing to show consequence to the characters just makes it that much more problematic.
I love experimental film and I can watch a film with no plot and absolutely love it. Bit if the characters are such horrible, offensive people that do horrible things without any negative repercussions or at least a statement or POV from the filmmaker showing how dangerous this lifestyle is, it's hard to enjoy.
aesthetic / style:
+ Cinematography
+ Text over shakey cam shots
+ Quick photo montage inserts
+ Slow-mo Chloe Sevigny intro shot
+ Roy Orbison's "Crying" ♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎
Lonely residents of a tornado-stricken Ohio town wander the deserted landscape trying to fulfill their boring, nihilistic lives.
initial thoughts:
Oh, man. Yikes this was a mixed bag, for real. I mean it's just a tough film to decipher. Part of me wants to like it and part of me is terrible offended.
Stylistically, its really fantastic and creative. But, otherwise it's just a montage of scenes put together with basically no reason or thought.
So let me preface by saying, one of the major reasons I love film is because it's a gateway to see so many different walks of life. Here's the issue I have... it's hard to be empathetic towards people who are ignorant, racist, homophobic, misogynistic, and violent to harmless animals.
Now don't get me wrong, I love an unlikeable character. But if I am getting constantly offended and disturbed to the point of contemplating not finishing the film, it's too much.
I'm just curious as to why a movie like this needed to be made. Showcasing a community of such hate and ignorance is very problematic. The fact that the film does nothing to show consequence to the characters just makes it that much more problematic.
I love experimental film and I can watch a film with no plot and absolutely love it. Bit if the characters are such horrible, offensive people that do horrible things without any negative repercussions or at least a statement or POV from the filmmaker showing how dangerous this lifestyle is, it's hard to enjoy.
aesthetic / style:
+ Cinematography
+ Text over shakey cam shots
+ Quick photo montage inserts
+ Slow-mo Chloe Sevigny intro shot
+ Roy Orbison's "Crying" ♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎
final thought:
It's a beautifully shot film with some stylistic aspects that have stayed in my head long after I watched it. But I just have a problem with showcasing a community that doesn't necessarily needs to be showcased. Yes, some might find it interesting, but there are so many more interesting, less offensive, diverse, communities that should have the opportunity to be showcased.
worth watching?
If you love experimental film, you should see for the style and flow of the film. It's shot and edited very well. But, aesthetic can only take the film so far.
It's a beautifully shot film with some stylistic aspects that have stayed in my head long after I watched it. But I just have a problem with showcasing a community that doesn't necessarily needs to be showcased. Yes, some might find it interesting, but there are so many more interesting, less offensive, diverse, communities that should have the opportunity to be showcased.
worth watching?
If you love experimental film, you should see for the style and flow of the film. It's shot and edited very well. But, aesthetic can only take the film so far.
