jonevans

John Moritsugu juxtaposes two eras in "Mod Fuck Explosion," illustrating the timeless qualities of teenage life. Ironically, the ephemeral nature of adolescence remains a focal theme. Using 60s London as a template, Moritsugu updates the clash of Mods versus Rockers to a modern nondescript American city. Apart and helplessly in the middle of this conflict is London, an aimless youth struggling to define herself in the context of her disfunctional family and dispassionate friends. Ultimately, the climactic scene of the actual fight between the two gangs seems almost an afterthought. London and her equally misguided boyfriend M16 are conveniently absent. However, they do not experience any catharsis from leaving the gang. Exemplifying an axiom of teen life, they remain mired in their own troubles, unable to consummate their relationship. Moritsugu frequently employs gruesome imagery to graphically illustrate irrational violence and substance abuse. In fact, many characters seem perpetually in a drug-induced stupor. Much like George Kuchar, Moritsugu uses many strictly one-dimensional characters to contrast with his protagonist, London. Yet, Moritsugu is less adept than Kuchar and sometimes seems to indulge in capricious anecdotes that do little to advance the film. "Mod Fuck Explosion" manifests a unique vision merging elements of "West Side Story" and "Quadrophrenia" into a contemporary drama, exposing the most banal elements of adolescence.