Judging by the title, you may think SPRING BREAKERS is going to be some sex-obsessed teen comedy with cheeky shenanigans and the like. But once you find out that Harmony Korine is behind the project, you should realise that this is bound to be dark, confrontational, and maybe even unlikable. Korine has given us controversial artistic efforts such as GUMMO and JULIEN DONKEY-BOY. SPRING BREAKERS follows a group of college girls that are desperate to have the most memorable spring break ever. They encounter a rapper known as Alien, an unrecognisable James Franco, who promises to make their dreams come true, but exactly how far is he willing to push them, and far will they be pushed?
I’m not a fan of Korine’s directorial work. I just find his films so unlikable that I am merely annoyed and frustrated when they finish. I haven’t been able to relate to any of his characters, and GUMMO is one of the rare films I consider a complete waste of time. I usually get something out of even the worst films, but GUMMO left me hollow. However, I did love Korine’s work as the writer of KIDS, so I hope they’ll be more relatable characters and funny dialogue in SPRING BREAKERS.
SPRING BREAKERS is currently playing the festival circuit. It stars James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine. For other stills, check here.
Source: Venice Film Festival
