Gummo (1997)

After watching "Gummo" (incidentally, what does this expression? Will refer to the rubber glue, breathed the stars of the movie?) all I can think of is that the director of the movie, the "enfant terrible" Harmony Korine, at home should be something like the terror of travel agencies, the worst ambassador with whom they could count.

I have never traveled to USA but I've always thought that if they did little longer I stay away from a big city and I introduced into the Middle America would find populations as shown in "Gummo", with not a few dysfunctional by their sidewalks, but not the kind or generous amount as they appear here. But it seems requisite in this mixed bag that has become the independent film, counting among its players with some other unknown (or most as in this case) to reduce costs and everyone has at least those five minutes of fame that Warhol promised, as the protagonists make marginal characters, largely, or both simultaneously.

The fact that "Gummo" only show in any way isolated people, uprooted and ignore a high technical quality, does not mean we do not have a solid structure. From its very introduction to the fixed plane of the last short scene from the movie, it maintains a consistency in the course of the same speech. The circle just closed and left inside and unable to escape each and every one of its protagonists.

Perhaps saddest of all, it's hard to feel any special sympathy for any of his characters. Away from paternalism or easy compassions are presented (it is welcome) as being very individualized and gifted, but strong, yes strong personality that just trying to survive without considering any other issue. Nothing to do with the endearing "ragazzi di vita" Pasolini's film, so to speak.

That, ultimately, this film like it or dislike it-impossible to situate it in terms of any kind of warmth, will depend mostly on what the viewer may be interested in the "ugliness" and the capacity thereof is willing to bear. Certainly not to fill the night after having been a bad day or have the head for a few problems when watching it. Special mention the poor quality of good art technique of film footage, shot with handheld cameras and images allegedly manipulated to produce distortions and, incidentally, an upset stomach, and like any average viewer.

In my view, the overall story is too improbable and can only be seen from a manifest (commendable or not is another matter) will challenge rather than a criticism of the intricacies of a social system. I think the more repulsive everlasting film image of the flag of the Stars and Stripes on most porches populations as presented in the film and that, precisely, do not remember seeing any in it. Posts to continue absurd riddles, add your own, why is it so hard to find cats in Xenia (Ohio)? ...it just happened a tornado called Harmony.


4/10