TIFF12: Spring Breakers

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TIFF12: Spring Breakers

Before I get into the review, I just want to say that I think every festival needs a film like this. And not to say that it’s a break some other films, but out of the 7 films I’ve now seen, this one included, it’s such a refreshing break.

Spring Breakers is a film about a group of girls who rob a local diner in order to get to spring break. As you can expect from Harmony Korine, the film includes a very sexualized, drug and alcohol infused existence. This takes up just enough amount of time to make you wish you were back at spring break yourself. Too much excess leads to the girls behind bars until they’re bailed out by Alien (James Franco). From there the grass in on the greener side image of spring break the girls have in their minds slowly begins to diminish. For some faster than others. And yeah.

For those who are aware of Harmony Korine’s previous work, you’ll instantly feel at home with his shooting style. Everything seems very raw, fluid, and regardless of the subject matter, something you can look at and appreciate because of the the truth behind it.

Despite the films main plot that follows the girls during their crime spree, the real story is about how these same girls come from a small town where nothing happens, people are born there and die there, and it’s all just the same. And I think every teenager, 20 something, 30 year old and above can relate with wanting to experience something more, and hoping that experience brings with it enlightenment of sort. And like life, the change we’re looking for either brings out the best of us, or the worst.

Overall the film is very much a visually stunning film, that doesn’t compromise for one minute. And it goes without saying that afterwards, everyone will be talking about the scene where Alien plays “Everytime” by Britney Spears on piano for the girls. Amazing scene.