Gummo Movie Review 1997

"Kids" scripter and first time helmer Korine shamelessly parades out the freaks and calls it entertainment. More like a series of grisly images than a cohesive narrative when nihilism pervades a group of disaffected Xenia, Ohio teens who explore every brand of atrocity for kicks. Disturbing, not only in the graphic violence of the bored juvies but also in the frightening lack of a point to this uneven and self-indulgent shock-fest. Touted as modern movie's golden-boy, 23 year-old Korine doesn't let any dark humor slip in to detract from the purely revolting scenarios. The images that do summon up some truth about growing up in a dead-end town are far overshadowed by the collection of images as a whole. Renowned French cinematographer Escoffier lends style to this lost cause.

Distribution

New Line Home Video, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, Phone: (310)854-5811, Fax: (310)854-1824, URL: http://www.newline.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 88 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Teen Angst, Strained Suburbia, Pure Ego Vehicles, Killer Kiddies, Skateboarding

Screenplay

Harmony Korine

Cast

Chloe Sevigny, Jacob Reynolds, Jacob Sewell, Nick Sutton, Carisa Bara, Darby Dougherty, Max Perlich, Linda Manz

Cinematography

Jean-Yves Escoffier

Director

Harmony Korine

Other

Christopher Tellefsen

Producer

Cary Woods, Fine Line Features