In the last few months I have watched all of his films and read his book. While I have been obsessed with other artists, this has been my most intense and committed deep dive. I was first introduced to him through his more structured works (The Beach Bum and Mr. Lonely) then I started to unpack his more perverse and experimental projects. I found many of his films unbearable upon first watch (KIDS, Trash Humpers, Baby Invasion) but even then there is always a strong statement behind what he creates and these pieces proved to be constantly on my mind. One of the interesting aspects of his method is the fact that the harder something is to watch, the more it has an impact on you. He is more interested in creating viscerally poignant works than following the traditional conventions of cinema, and he has stated that he believes art to be perfect in the fact that it simply exists. What Harmony was able to create with Gummo is an amazingly unique directorial debut, and all of his projects since are impressively committed to his style and artistic vision. None of his works appeal to everyone, but none of his works necessarily seek to. Harmony Korine is a man that dropped out of NYU to skateboard and make movies. The more I have sought to understand what he creates, the more he has become an artist that I deeply respect.
For their statuses as tasteless provocateurs who seek to shock and offend… interestingly enough I found this little summary of a conversation between them in 2013 that kind of highlights their similarities, though they are obviously also very different
the killing of a sacred deer?? insane. the lobster?? insane. the favourite?? insane!! all his films are so unique and provide interesting commentary on society today. he’s crazy talented. can’t wait to watch poor things
this guys somehow been in nothing I’ve heard of but everything I’ve seen as of late. he‘s mastered the “being the european guy in the room” role and has been in so many culty films, notably a lot of Von Trier stuff which I can take or leave I’m. Sorry. he has a great scene in My Own Private Idaho performing a kind of desperate musical number (his OWN ORIGINAL SONG) holding a lamp. he also has a name-droppy criterion closet video which is my favorite kind.
Maybe the robots will kill me first for saying this, but I hate AI. It’s a threat to creativity and our function as a species. Also, cheating isn’t cool.