Young people try to find their lives in a labyrinth of cruelty.

It is about life at the extreme. It has everything and can relate to everyone, although most of us may take comfort that our lives have not been quite as horrible. The film is a combination of story types-comedy, drama, melodrama, tragedy, psychological piece, and blood-fest. There’s plenty of sexuality, but it is pretty tame when viewed today.

I especially like the use of the Wizard of Oz as a backdrop for the film. The insertion of Cage’s idolization of Elvis is a fun balance against Dern’s Wicked Witch.
By: Mary Phillips