BAD CINEMA.

Well, I'm not exactly sure where to start with the film we watched to represent 'Bad cinema. The 1995 film 'Kids' was described as 'the most important film of the year' at the time it was released, however it's importance was dashed with the controversy over it's rating and it's content. Issues such as drug use, HIV, other STI's and underage sex are minor issues today in comparison to the 15 years ago when the film was released. However I must admit I did find some scenes more than disturbing, to be exposed to a rape scene is shocking enough but the amount of time that scene lasted was completely unesscary and had my belly churning! Yet, although there were a number of times I was actually cringing I actually believe that that was the effect that the producer was aiming for. It's not the most comfortable idea to think of a teenage boy deliberately seeking virgins in order to 'de flower' them, but we all of course it's a matter that occurs every day.



A question that would be difficult to answer would be, which age range was the film actually aimed at? Some would say that the film is clearly of an adult nature and therefore it represents to adults the intentions of young people and how they behave. Others may disagree and suggest it is directed toward younger people to demonstrate 'bad' behaviour of young people and the conesequences of their actions, therefore it should be used as a detterent. For example, telly the main character, unknowingly goes around sleeping with a number of girls unprotected and infecting them with HIV. Although it was inevitable that the character of 'Jenny', who was the one girl out of the group who hadn't slept around, would be diagnosed with an STI rather than the other more 'promiscuous' friend. There was a clear moral to the story though, some people will go around and do what they want, when they want not considering the consequences in later life. In sleeping with so many girls, one person managed to infect at least 3 other people, and this is the kind of issue that is ever present in real life.







Some women in the lecture were discussing how they were going to show their young daughters this film when they reached the age of ten to really show them what boys are like! However, I think that this would may lead to long lasting physcological damage. (haha) Although, this film should be an example that opens the eyes of young people and encourage safe sex and even waiting until you feel old enough and ready. This film tackles a number of issues; underage sex, rape, drugs, theft. Yet what is also important to remember is that the film had a distinct lack of parental guidance.I personally believe that this represents how far things can go without the aid of a good role model in your life when you are growing up in your teen years.
The way in which issues were tackled went well within the flow of the film, however to endure the length of the rape scene was extremely uncomfortable. Yet we must remember that as awful as it may be to see in a film, the actual occurence of rape would be a million times worse.
To end my rant about this I must admit I enjoyed the film in parts and I do believe that it is a good representation of 'kids' although I'm not sure how a boy that looked like 'Tilly' could actually get that many girls!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXRWhdQT_M4