Each new generation is accused of not knowing anything, not wanting to learn anything, being focused only on instant self-gratification, abandoning traditional values and common sense and thus bringing civilisation to ruin. This sentiment was exploited both by conservative politicians and film makers. One of the more interesting examples of the latter is Kids, 1995 drama directed by Larry Clark, which became one of the most controversial films of its time.
The plot is set in Manhattan during one hot summer day. Protagonist and part-time narrator is Telly (played by Leo Fitzpatrick), 17-year old boy whose life, like many of his friends, revolves around sex. Unlike them, he has great success with girls and he has also found a way to avoid risks that come with too much promiscuity. He simply seduces and have sex with younger girls who happen to be virgins. However, it turns out that self-proclaimed “Virgin Surgeon” wasn’t that careful after all. Jenny (played by Chloë Sevigny), girl with whom he had sex a year ago, gets tested and, much to her horror, discovers that she is HIV positive. She desperately tries to confront Telly with the news, while Telly hangs out with his best friend Casper (played by Justin Pierce) and plans to seduce and deflower girl named Darcy (played by Yakira Peguero).
Kids may be accused of many things, but lack of authenticity isn’t one of them. The script was written by Harmony Korine, 19-year old professional skateboarder who has based it on his very recent teenager experiences, his circle of friends and their lifestyle. Film’s director was Larry Clark, at that time known exclusively for his photographs dealing with drug use. Clark, whose intention was to make “teen version of Great American Novel”, has made the film on the streets of New York and used non-professional actors, with many of cinéma vérité scenes being shot (and in some cases improvised) on authentic New York locations. Film is made in semi-documentary style, with very simple plot that nevertheless keeps the narrative together and the naturalistic, yet emotionally devastating ending.
And what the audience sees in that narrative is fascinating and abhorrent, at least for the audience at age 30 or older who would for the first time see world of their teenage children without clean and syrupy makeover of conventional Hollywood film. Teenagers in this film have sex (depicted in explicit fashion, although Larry Clark is very careful not to show any nudity), drink, have drugs, support themselves with petty crime and occasionally indulge themselves in acts of random senseless violence, like in the disturbing scene when they gang up on a man and beat him with skateboards. There almost aren’t any adults in the film, apart from Telly’s apparently dysfunctional mother, taxi driver who unsuccessfully tries to cheer Jenny up and no-nonsense healthcare officials whose warnings about dangers of unprotected sex came too late. However, seeing this film from today’s perspective, much of its content doesn’t look that shocking or revelatory. Thanks to TikTok and other social media, most of teenagers’ antiques, often much more extreme than presented in Kids, are quite easy to see for their parents and concerned adults.
After its premiere at Cannes Film Festival, Kids was attacked by many critics of being exploitative and actually promoting teen sexuality or even catering to paedophilic segments of the audience. Arguments for that can be found in Clark using plenty of opportunity to shoot young members of his cast semi-nude or in underwear. It may be argued that Clark in the end isn’t that different from Cecile B. DeMille, film maker who delivered all kinds of “saucy” and titillating content in early Hollywood films under the guise of promoting conservative and socially responsible message. In this case it is need for safe sex and stopping HIV, which was much more dangerous disease and much more in public mind a quarter century ago. On the other hand, exploitative nature of Kids is somewhat difficult in argue in light that Clark made most of the images audience see unpleasant, which includes even the very un-Hollywood looks of the cast.
The film, however, had powerful supporters in brother Bob and Harvey Weinstein who distributed in the way that played controversies like a fiddle, creating a lot of interest and making both Clark and Korine into icons of “edgy” independent American cinema. Both Korine and Clark would later continue career by producing transgressive “edgy” films. Some of the cast also used their debut as a springboard for successful acting career, like Sevigny. Somewhat ironically, Leo Fitzpatrick, who played the best role or an arrogant, irresponsible and often despicable teenager, almost ended it with this film and only later returned and played remarkable role of drug addict Johnny Weeks in The Wire. Justin Pierce, who was only cast member to actually receive Independent Spirit Award, ended his life few years later. Rosario Dawson, who appears in the small role of Jenny’s best friend, would have very distinguished career in later decades.
Despite controversies and likelihood that some viewers might find its content questionable or telling them what they already know, Kids should still be recommended as a well-crafted piece of film making.
RATING: 8/10 (+++)
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