Gummo

From effedupmovies.com, to a low-quality DVD kindly given to me by Xander, to showing it to friends with varied opinions, to watching it in a group with Xander’s 4k Criterion, to Xander lending me that same 4k Criterion, to me buying my own 4k Criterion, to finally, seeing it on the big screen. It’s been a long journey but finally my dreams have come true, I’ve witnessed the deranged beauty of Gummo the way it should be experienced, the way I hoped to one day experience it. Although it’s my eighth viewing, it felt like watching it for the first time all over again. Surreal to watch this in the cinema, with an audience, the slow claps echoing our row’s joyous clapping were the cherry on top for this spaghetti-ridden night. Genuinely unbelievable little film, maybe the best ever. So dear to my heart, most won’t understand, my girlfriend definitely doesn’t understand, but that’s why I was accompanied by my dear friends who get it. So funny, so fucking funny, and so strangely heartwarming. I would consider this a comfort film of mine. Sue me! Films that portray culture, people, time and place, in this authentic way will always be a favourite of mine. And Gummo is the perfect example, the golden child of these time capsules. I also find it to be a truly empathetic film in its portrayal, these are real people, beautiful people. Mostly. Don’t know if I’d say the same for the pure white trash on display but it’s real, that’s what matters. Talking to the disabled cast, the outsiders, they’re given life here. I don’t like the idea that it could be considered a “freak show”, this is a film that allows them to be themselves, to simply exist as they are. The moment between Solomon and the girl with Down Syndrome is one of the most beautiful scenes in the film. A beautiful, intimate moment shared between two unlikely people in this decaying city. People confined to the routine of this uninhabitable life, it’s a saddening reality. Now let’s talk music. Recently went through Sleep’s albums so hearing Dragonaut blast through the speakers, fuck me, had me soaring down those streets along with them. Loved Sleep for a long time but only recently did my deep-dive on their full discography. Taking this as my chance to promote Dopesmoker. You want to feel high? Go listen to Dopesmoker by Sleep. Go on. Hour-long stoner metal goodness. Anyways, as I was saying, it’s just the perfect soundtrack, every single track. Chef’s kiss. Straight up stole my playlists, that’s including Madonna. The infamous spaghetti bathtub scene has transcended uncomfortability for me at this point. It’s now become what it feels like becoming an iPad kid watching YouTube with every meal. So relatable. You slurp that spaghetti and eat that watery soaped-up chocolate kiddo! I guess I’ll wrap it up here… This is my longest review to date… What Gummo does to a Jordan… I’m high on life right now. Not glue. That was, yeah, the best. Gummo, Xander, Banjo, I love you all. And to my new friends, I love you too. I love movies! You know when a movie makes you chuck in an “I love movies!” at the end of your review it’s definitely a good one. She’s a keeper alright. If you’re still here, hello, goodbye, see you at my ninth Gummo review.