DVD Corner

Gummo Criterion 4K UHD Review

There’s no other film like “Gummo.” 

Set in a post tornado ravaged Xenia, Ohio (but really shot in Nashville), 1997’s “Gummo” is an experimental indie film that feels like a fly-on-the-wall documentary (especially with the camcorder footage sprinkled about). There’s no traditional narrative story here as it floats around from character to character and scene to scene. It’s very much about the imagery, the place, and the feelings this poor rural midwestern American town evokes. Within this story, we see characters like the stray cat hunting friends Tummler and Solomon, Bunny Boy (who wears pink rabbit ears), and blonde sisters Dot and Helen as they go about their daily lives. 

Love him or hate him, nobody makes movies like writer/director Harmony Korine. The indie auteur really thrives on boundary pushing and controversial films that wind up becoming cult favorites like “Gummo.” To say “Gummo” is not for everyone is an understatement. Those sensitive to stories involving animal cruelty, sexual abuse, crime, and racist and sexist tirades should probably steer clear of this one. Others may find it to be pretentious slop. However one may feel, this challenging film is an honest, unsettling, tragic and bizarre look at the issues pervading a community in a rundown and poverty stricken small town in America. It’s a snapshot of the America you don’t see in Hollywood films. Korine doesn’t judge but rather shows you what he sees whether it be a man smashing a table and chair, 2 brothers violently beating each other playfully, Solomon eating a spaghetti meal during a dirty bath, or Bunny Boy playing an accordion on a toilet. He’s showing us (the viewer) a broken world filled with boredom, alienation, hopelessness, and mental health issues, but Korine is also showing us that these characters are making the best of what they have.

Most of the cast is comprised of people Korine grew up with or ran into, but there are a few named actors here including a young Chloё Sevigny as Dot (who also acts as the costume designer), Linda Manz, Max Perlich, and Jacob Reynolds who has appeared in a number of films like “The Road To Wellville” and “For Love Of The Game.” Everyone is entirely convincing and, as stated before, it all feels like you are watching a documentary much of the time.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p In Dolby Vision HDR. How does it look? I never thought I’d see a 4K edition of this movie (let alone a Criterion 4K) but here we are. The 4K digital restoration is frankly incredible. The film has never looked better.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a crisp 2.0 track.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* “Gummo” trailer
* “Harmony Korine On Gummo”- A newly recorded 11 ½ minute interview with the filmmaker who talks about his childhood, influences, casting “Gummo,” and his vision of “Gummo.”
* “Werner Herzog And Harmony Korine”- A nearly 55 minute 1997 Q&A between the directors from the Telluride Film Festival premiere of “Gummo” that covers life experiences, writing, set experiences, the music, and more.
* “Split Screen: Projections: Harmony Korine”- A 2000 episode of the series featuring John Pierson talking to Harmony Korine.
* A booklet containing an essay by film critic Hype Williams. 

October 15, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movie, Chloe Sevigny, Criterion Collection, Gummo, Gummo Criterion 4K UHD Review, Harmony Korine, Indie Movie