netflixed

Gummo is a searing portrait of a community for whom the American Dream is an unattainable fantasy. It stands second only to Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as a sort of raw, punishing portrait of a civilization choking on its own self-righteous and wholly mythic ideals. I think I'll cheer up by watching Stroszek or Eraserhead.

Don't get me wrong: this is a well-made film. It's quite beautiful and moving. But be forewarned that you may find the subject matter somewhat troubling. I won't go into details.