The
Doom Generation by Gregg
Araki
Gregg Araki's
self-described "heterosexual film" positively drips with
homoerotic undertones as it follows the on-the-run exploits of a
tough Valley Girl, her naive boyfriend, and a mysterious bi-guy.
Filmed in an explosive style, and infused with the darkest of
humor, this descent into teen hell makes for a tumultuously
nihilistic ride.
The
Living End by Gregg
Araki
This self-described
"irresponsible" black comedy centers around two
HIV-positive men who set out on a lawless road adventure. Produced
on a miniscule budget, the film presents an in-your-face reaction
to society's disregard for the plight of PWAs. Film writer Jon
finds his uneventful life changed forever when he meets and
becomes involved with fellow "positive" Luke, a
free-spirited and rageful drifter who precipitates their
angst-driven journey into anarchy. The script might be thin and
there is less-than-professional acting, but this eye-opening drama
is a classic of 1990s independent queer cinema. A filmic rallying
cry of, "Yeah, I'm HIV-positive and I blame society!"
Nowhere
by Gregg
Araki
The conclusion of Gregg Araki's
"Gen-X" trilogy stars James Duval as a
"clueless" college kid trying to cope with masturbation,
drugs, bisexuality, more drugs, teen suicide, kinky sex, more
drugs oh, and alien abduction. One could easily be tempted to call
Nowhere, Araki's angst-fest, his Pink Velvet. He
captures entertainingly weird Lynch moments and an oddly
fascinating outlook on '90s life. Araki regular Duval and an
eclectic young cast are pessimistic high schoolers mired in pop
culture hell as they ditch class and kill an afternoon with sex,
deep thoughts and black forest cake while waiting for a party that
evening. It's there everybody gets wasted and awaits the
Apocalypse. Throbbing to a great soundtrack, Nowhere is
mesmerizingly shallow, and Araki touches upon many the same themes
he tackled in The Doom Generation, though with slightly
less successful results. Although not fully gay, there are some
great moments including Duval falling in love with the blond
beauty Montgomery (Nathan Bexton). They almost get it on until
Montgomery ruins it all by suddenly turning into a six foot bug!
