For Young Americans this film may hold some interest as a snapshot of some the issues they face. For the rest of us, this is a depressing tale of wannabeism and unfulfilled sexual angst.
I wanted to like it as initially the main character had boyish/idealistic charm, yet after a short time it became clear it was lack of experience and education ( which features in this film). Unfortunately, I know Americans who have grown up in insular environments, but there are no redeeming features from this movie. 'Realism' does not a good movie make.
While I realise that the American Dream is just that for many in the USA, 'gritty' dramas about the brutality of the daily existence of many in the USA does not good cinema make. Disappointed and frustrated that issues that were touched on were not expanded (prostitution) while others such as Viet Vets were made painfully overexplained. Could have been so much more.
I wanted to like it as initially the main character had boyish/idealistic charm, yet after a short time it became clear it was lack of experience and education ( which features in this film). Unfortunately, I know Americans who have grown up in insular environments, but there are no redeeming features from this movie. 'Realism' does not a good movie make.
While I realise that the American Dream is just that for many in the USA, 'gritty' dramas about the brutality of the daily existence of many in the USA does not good cinema make. Disappointed and frustrated that issues that were touched on were not expanded (prostitution) while others such as Viet Vets were made painfully overexplained. Could have been so much more.