Trash Humpers (2009) (Movie Review)
Directed By: Harmony Korine
Starring: Harmony Korine, Rachel Korine, Travis Nicholson
Rated: UR/1:33
In the Summer of 2010, the underground trend of trash-humping JUMPED the NASHVILLE CITY LIMITS as the film Trash Humpers spread across the nation, screening in movie theaters, galleries, bars and grills and anyplace, really, indoors or out, that could draw a crowd to see the thing. Filmmaker Harmony Korine often accompanied the film, standing around and answering questions when he wasn’t doing something else. It was something to see, but the only problem was, all you could do once you’d walked away was revisit the images seared into your brain for the rest of your life. The film follows the lives of a small group of sociopathic elderly people in Nashville, Tennessee.
I have heard nothing but good things regarding director Harmony Korine and his mind-bending film called, Trash Humpers. Naturally, I really wanted to check out the movie and watch elderly psychos running wild in my home state. Sadly, I think most that have seen this movie have confused a mess for creativity. There’s a good concept here, but it gets pushed away to the point it isn’t visible anymore due to the chaos on screen that seems to do nothing more than bore you one moment and give you a headache the next. I think had anyone other than Harmony Korine made this movie it wouldn’t have seen the light of day unless someone had taken it and randomly stuck it in public places for people to find. Which was an original idea for this movie before they learned it would kill the copyright.
I’d like to sit here and tell you that this film is brilliant. That underneath it all we have a movie that has hidden meaning and is way before its time in its genesis. That just isn’t the case here, folks. This is just a mess tossed together on old VHS tape that hides behind the idea of being called art. I didn’t find anything funny, clever, or interesting. I just found people in bad makeup smashing things and repeating annoying phrases and music lyrics. I know Harmony Korine has done good things. I remember Kids and I thought it was a powerful film back in the day. I am sure Spring Breakers is a lot of fun. Trash Humpers, is none of those things and not worth your time.
