Movie Reviews for The Living End: Remixed and Remastered

The Living End: Remixed and Remastered

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Movie Reviews of The Living End: Remixed and Remastered

Movie Review: Brilliance! Araki's film is a gem!
Summary: 5 Stars

"The Living End" is an independent film in every sense of the word: no music, no production design or apparent costume design, no special effects or widescreen ratio, and no Hollywood gloss. What it does have it a simple story of two men involved in a "Thelma and Louise" storyline who share an offbeat, unconventional yet touching romance. Moments of black comedy tinged with violence and preachy dialogue provide a nice collaboration, though there are a few pitfalls involving the inclusion of supporting characters.

The story goes like this: two guys are introduced to us in separate lifestyles. Jon has just discovered that he is HIV-positive, though his outlook on life is not so hindered as he expected it would be. Luke, a drifter, makes his way to the city, where, upon brutally murdering three gay-bashers, he hitches a ride with unsuspecting Jon back to his place, where quaint small talk turns into a night of passion.

Right from the beginning, their attachment to one another is kinetic and bursting with energy, moreso than in the regular romances Hollywood pelts us with. Yet they have their disputes, and after a fight over Luke beating up a gay-basher, Jon demands that he leave, only to find that he cannot stop thinking about him. When Luke returns, he reveals that he has killed a cop, though Jon seems unmoved by the revelation, and continues to hold and embrace him, a very touching moment.

The two embark on a journey to nowhere, where they discover their love for one another and the many differences they share on their outlook on society and life itself. Luke knows that he loves Jon more than anything else in life, but Jon becomes unsettled by Luke's violent acts and short fuse. The movie then generates into a question of whether they will be together in the end or not.

Their relationship is unlike anything I've ever seen in a movie. At times, the rebel storyline takes a backseat to the passion shared by the two lovers. Luke's revelation of murder to Jon while in his arms is a very affecting moment, while sexual scenes shared between the two evolve into something more passionate and intimate, becoming more than just sex. Director/writer/editor/photographer Gregg Araki balances the sexual with the intimate in just the right manner.

Araki also balances their relationship with violent acts and black comedy, the kind which leaves us confused as to whether or not we should laugh or think harder. The dialogue shared between Jon and Luke involves a lot of societal discussion, mainly about how AIDS has become a social disease instead of a physical one. Luke's disdain for society's treatment of him leads him on in his rampage, while Jon follows him because of his deep emotional attachment to him.

More than just an examination of societal issues, the movie also uses the relationship between Jon and Luke to look at differences that can occur in a relationship. Jon is put off by the violence in his newfound love, and does not share the same beliefs as Luke. But that doesn't stop them from being together, nor does it succeed in tearing them apart. I think this is probably one of the strongest movie relationships portrayed in a film ever.

The convincing elements of the movie are due in major part to actors Mike Dytri, playing Luke, and Craig Gilmore, playing Jon. Their chemistry is full of sexual and emotional energy, and in these types of scenes, their talent is beautifully put to good use. Dytri does a good job of portraying Luke as hardened but retaining a soft spot for Jon, while Gilmore portrays Jon as timid yet strong.

So many good things come from this movie that my only complaint arises from the somewhat uninvolving storyline centering around Jon's friend, Darcy (Darcy Marta). While Jon is away on his adventure, she waits at home, sitting by the phone waiting for his call, driving her cheating boyfriend crazy. Her character seems a bit misplaced and uneven, though Marta's acting is certainly high-caliber.

I remember, in my preteen years, I once wrote a small series of short stories involving adventures between two men in love. Seeing "The Living End" brought back memories of those stories, while also moving me in a way that seems hidden from me. I can't really say why this movie hooked me as it did: perhaps the wonderful acting and the articulate romance, or the offbeat feel of the movie that is a welcome touch after so many glossy movies. What I can say is that this is one of the best movies I've ever seen, and one of the most convincing. See it for what it really is: a heartfelt passionate love story amidst angst and societal furor.

Movie Review: Why I love Araki!!
Summary: 5 Stars

What happens when two HIV+ men go on a road trip?? Things that Thelma herself would turn her nose at.. In Araki's first feature length film, he tells the story of two HIV+ homosexual men whoblame the world.. they decide to jump in their car and ride off into the sunset, no looking back.. What ensues is a no holds barred, nothing is sacred, murderous romp.. one of them is a little gun happy and leaves a wake of bodies in their path..

I enjoyed this film immensely.. it is a love story with a twist.. a very, VERY, VERY bizzare twist... I would suggest this as a favorite of mine to any person who enjoys a film of high calibur...

Movie Review: Araki's best
Summary: 4 Stars

As Hollywood comes out of the closet and has now made the "it's okay to be gay" statement, 'The Living End' had them one-upped 8 years ago with its stark portrayal of two HIV positive gay men on a road trip to nowhere as they run out the clock together. This is more moving, disturbing, and funny than any of the syrupy crap mainstream Hollywood has churned out on this subject.

Movie Review: 'Thelma and Louise' with a twist
Summary: 5 Stars

Gregg Araki expertly and faultlessly takes the 'buddy' film and elevates it with black humor, nihilism, and a bittersweet love story in this little gem. He angrily 'dedicates' it to a Republican government which cares nothing for the suffering of it's citizens with AIDS. Sad to say, not much has changed since the days of Bush I when this remarkable film was made.

"The Living End" opens with Jon (Craig Gilmore) being rather glibly told he is HIV+. Dazed and confused, his outlook on life and work is forever altered. One gets the impression that he was rather a 'goody two-shoes' prior to this announcement, but that all changes when he meets Luke (perfectly played by Mike Dytri), a stunningly handsome, sweet hunk on the lam. A veritable magnet for trouble with his in-your-face anger toward the homophobia which surrounds them, he is also HIV+. Jon and Luke begin a violent, surreal, humorous crime-spree and passionate love affair (one of the most honest on film). They fight, break up, make up, make love, and ultimately come to terms with each other. The world around them is hateful and senseless, but they will protect each other.

"The Living End" (Araki's masterpiece and the best HIV film ever made) has finally been released on DVD by Platinum Discs, for which I am deeply grateful. But it truly deserves a full re-mastering on the level of Criterion, with comment by its extraordinary participants. I mean, whatever happened to the magnificent Mike Dytri?!