Asian-American director Gregg Araki's first "heterosexual movie" (as the opening credits declare) is a lurid, drug-fueled romp about teen angst, sex, voyeurism, murder, consumerism and homophobia. It's also a lot of fun, in an ironically kitsch, acquired-taste sort of way.

At the time of its 1995 release The Doom Generation was firmly entrenched as part of the 'new queer cinema' (a movement which sought to break down notions of 'normal' heterosexuality through transgression and subversion rather than through polemic statements). The film sets out to explore a sexual dynamic that lies well outside the traditional boy-meets-girl (or even boy-meets-boy) structure of 99% of American movies, but it does do with its tongue firmly planted in (between) cheek(s).

The plot is extraordinarily simple. Teen couple Amy White (Rose McGowan, best known as small screen witch Paige Matthews from Charmed) and Jordan White (James Duval, more recently seen as Frank in cult film Donnie Darko) accidentally save the seductive, psychotic bisexual Xavier Red (Jonathon Schaech) from a violent gang of homophobes (played by members of industrial band Skinny Puppy) before throwing him out of their car a short time later. The trio meets again later that night at the scene of an accidental convenience store murder, forcing them into an uncomfortable intimacy as they flee the scene of the crime. Before long this intimacy develops significantly, in scenes which display a truly erotic frisson.

The film is deliberately trashy, satirizing western culture's love of consumption and surface beauty while simultaneously commenting on the homophobia underlying traditional macho braggadocio. It's also influenced by such classic genres as the road movie and the horror film, in particular taking the horror movie's obsession with bodily penetration and perverse sexuality (as typified by the likes of Alien and The Fly) to occasionally shocking extremes.

With its garish, adolescent energy and deft ear for teen culture's dialog and self-obsessed behavior, not to mention a too-cool-for-school soundtrack of mid-90's alternative bands (as well as a cameo by Janes's Addiction's Perry Farrell among others), Gregg Araki's The Doom Generation is an occasionally infuriating but wildly entertaining sex-murder romp whose ending is all the more powerful for the light tone the film has previously employed.

RICHARD WATTS

a very weird film that definitely isn't for all tastes

Author: cygnus x-1 from roanoke, va
11 January 2000

(my comments are based on the uncensored 85 min. director's cut. stay away from the butchered 72 min. cut R-rated version)everytime i have seen this movie i always have the same reaction. What a strange, fucked up film!! the film has a real sleazy look to it and it fits the subject matter like a glove. the movie is basically stating that todays teenagers are basically damned souls creating and existing in a hell of their own creation.

Rose McGowan fans should take note that she basically stays nude and in some provocative and graphic sexual situations throughout practically the whole movie. i've never been that big of a fan of hers. other than having fantastic breasts, up until seeing this movie i never found much to like about her. she seems to exist in her other movies just as window dressing.

well, for some reason she seems to really connect with her character in this movie and bring a highly believable sense of in your face sexuality that really makes an impression on the viewer. the other actors in the movie do pretty solid work but in my opinion this is really a Rose McGowan vehicle.

when violence occurs in this movie it's usually very quick, explicit and bloody. the numerous sex scenes and dialogue are also more explicit than most people would care for. the filmmakers leave nothing to the imagination and that is this movie's strong point in my opinion.if you really want to check something out that is different but at the same time a good movie, check this one out. but be warned it is a weird, weird movie.rating:7 (unrated version)

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Welcome on the road to Hell!! This is Araki's world

Author: Coventry from the Draconian Swamp of Unholy Souls
13 May 2004

The opening credits claim this is a `heterosexual' movie by Gregg Araki… Now that statement is still open for discussion. Something that isn't open of discussion is the fact Araki created one of the meanest, most good-looking pieces of trash of the 90's! Imagine yourself a lesser-hyped version of `Natural Born Killers' and exclude that last bit of political correctness. It seems like Araki was testing how far he could go…and then cheerfully exaggerated some more.

The Doom Generation is a speed-driven and absurd road movie against all forms of good taste. A young couple, accompanied by a trigger-happy madman, faces the most eccentric situations and deal with the most extravagant characters. The film contains a lot of violence but even more absurd and demoralizing humor, so the whole thing never really becomes disturbing or provocative. Lots of naughty language and nudity, though! Rose McGowan's character Amy is the closest thing to a cult/trash queen we saw in the 90's and her naked body is always a joy to behold.

James Duvall (sort of like Araki's lead in his entire teenage-alienation trilogy) is terrific as the confused teenager with the `whatever' attitude! Gregg Araki's visions are downright brilliant from time to time. Many people don't seem to think so (just check the other comments around here) but his film is extremely stylish and a perfect portrayal of a pop culture generation.

Heck, even his colorful slang – which includes a whole dictionary of genitalia synonyms – alone is worth the effort. The Doom Generation is one the most special films of the past decade and it really deserves the cult-followings it developed over the years. Check it out if you're open-minded, not quickly offended and not faint of heart!