THE LIVING END (1992)

 Written, Directed, Edited & Cinematography by: Greg Araki

Cast: Craig Gilmore, Mike Dytri, Darcy Marta, Johanna Went, Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel 

Luke is a gay hustler. Jon is a movie critic. Both are HIV positive. They go on a hedonistic, dangerous journey, their motto "Fuck the world".

Even though this is writer/Director Greg Araki’s first film. This is one of the latest of his films I have actually watched. I have seen all of his work from the film THE DOOM GENERATION (His first self proclaimed openly heterosexual film. His third actual film and the second in his teenage apocalypse trilogy) on.

I didn’t like that film. The film did fascinate me with its style, anger and punk sensibility. Which is why no matter what I always give Araki’s film a try.

This is his debut film. Where he pretty much made the film on his own. but also this was the start of the New Queer Cinema movement. 

Here the film doesn’t pull any punches. It is punk all the way. Angry, in your face, violent, no rules, and funny. The film has it’s messages and stylish selections throughout.

This wasn’t a film where it’s main characters were gay and sexless. Nor supporting characters in some straight love story. Or comic relief. They were the protagonists and very sexual which we see and good looking. Though also both are dying.

The film offers commentary on the world through side characters and their matter-of-fact dialogue. That works on a commentary of the social scene at the time.

It also offers a violent story with two lovers on the run. That actually seems like it is headed for tragedy and violence. It shockingly becomes something that is personal, emotional and actually about the characters making. A connection In all the chaos that is supposedly normal life. 

The characters and film both have a nihilistic outlook but end with finding connections and hope on the edge. Leaving a message of living life to the fullest While young. As the characters are the ultimate attractive outsiders who manage to find one another amongst the chaos.

The film wears it’s influences in it’s background with various new wave and Avant-garde film posters pampering the walls. Not to mention a cameo from cult actress Mary Woronov.

The film has a certain energy and excitement that it never keeps up with at first and that you think will keep up, but it slowly starts to pump it’s breaks and go slower and takes its turns with the characters. Losing its urgency but allowing for more depth. Still driven by music or the soundtrack. That comes off as inner monologues at times. 

Though there are straight supporting characters the film stays mainly with the main couple.

The film is less violent and more talkative than one would expect. 

As the film goes along they are lovers on the run whose relationship starts off more sexually and exciting. Though as the film goes along they get to know each other and form a bond and relationship. Driven by sex and end up finding love in their own nihilistic lives.

Random strangers in the background carrying messages that end up being the film's sly commentary. As well as comic relief.

I can’t say I love this film, but it kept my interests mostly throughout and was refreshing to see a love story that was sexual and not fluffy necessarily that just  happened to be a homosexual love story. It’s down and dirty and penetrating In many ways 

An interesting take on modern love at the time. 

Grade: B