Jordan White (James Duval) and Amy Blue (Rose McGowan), two troubled teens, pick up an adolescent drifter, Xavier Red. Together, the threesome embark on a sex and violence-filled journey through an America of psychos and quickiemarts.While this is probably not a good movie, it holds a certain nostalgia value for me. Gregg Araki really struck a nerve with those coming of age in the 1990s who had an interest in the Gothic an industrial music scene. With the inclusion of references to Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and Skinny Puppy, it was perfect for that demographic.The 1990s had a nihilistic undertone that was not seen in the 1980s or 2000s, leading to such films as "Seven", "Dark City", and the popularity of Tim Burton and David Fincher. This fit in that trend easily and possibly propelled it. The follow-up, "Nowhere", similarly fit in, catching the tail end. (The trend essentially died with "The Matrix".)

Totally brilliant psychedelic film by the director of Mysterious skin and Nowhere, Gregg Araki(one of my favourite directors).He managed to create another brilliant sexual film with that bit of weirdness that I love in films, with brilliant acting by the cast (especially James Duval), with brilliant shots that could only come from a brilliant director like himself.I don't understand why the overall rating is so low, maybe this film is just too far for most peoples stretch, a bit to arty and deranged, a bit to creative.To be seen to be believedA clear 8 out of ten.

There is more depth and thought to this movie than first meets the eye but the Doom Generation unfortunately falls to the ills of poor acting, poor screen writing, and major gaps and holes in the storyline. The first half of the movie, aside from setting up the storyline, is almost a waste of time.Still, the movie is an interesting study in the dark thought and actions of 3 teens on a road trip to hell finding elicit drugs, sex, and violence just at about every stop over. Amy and Jordan are two X Generation punk rockers best described as Stoned most of the time and looking for excitement. They picked up an older but even more-so on the edge low life named X or Xavier who was running from the 'Skin-heads'. As the movie goes along, the depth of depravity increases until Jordan who I find is the most redeemable character being the most harmless starts asking the question 'Is there any meaning in life'.Still I enjoyed some of the thought especially towards the end of the movie. There are some themes around redemption and salvation that I find interesting. There is a lot of sex in this movie of which while I found provocative in the beginning, a major turn off towards the end of the movie where especially for Amy and X, there was nothing sacred in sex. At the conclusion of the movie, Jordan it seemed was the redeemable character as he confesses his love for Amy. And, for those who are squeamish, avoid the ending at all costs. I found it a bit unnecessary and the ending scene in the car almost pointless.

Now, here's a fine example of hard-hitting, 90's Exploitation. Brought to you by Gregg Araki. The Doom Generation is a gritty, super-dismal, often hilarious tale of murder, betrayal, and sleaziness. We begin with a young couple, hanging out at a club, Amy Blue (meth-head), and Jordan White (pot-head). Amy is a vindictive little nightmare, who's just looking for an argument. And Jordan, well, Jordan doesn't do a whole lot of thinking, but is a good guy, who loves Amy, despite her personality issues. Amy and Jordan take it to the car, so they can lose their virginity, but are soon interrupted...Meet Xavier Red (killer), X for short.Xavier rudely enters Amy's car, rudely demanding she start driving so that he may live, rudely insulting her, subtly insulting Jordan, but he doesn't mind. Amy on the other hand, is about to blow her top, but at least she has someone to argue with now... no wait, he just went too far. Alright guy!! Out of the car.Later in the evening, the teenage, odd couple are rescued by their new pal, X from a trigger-happy, convenience store clerk. after X literally blows the mans head off. They all 3, right then and there, decide to take a road trip together, leaving behind everything. The night sure is going to hell, but at least Amy has someone to argue with again, that's what's important. It doesn't take Xavier long to make his intentions clear, with Amy, and despite the fact that she despises him, she's all for it. They don't try all that hard to hide this from Jordan, but it's cool, Jordan doesn't mind, "X seems like a nice guy". Amy doesn't mind Xavier's insults, Jordan doesn't mind that the man is sleeping with his girlfriend, and no one seems to be all that bothered by the fact that X kills someone every time they stop somewhere.The Doom Generation is harsh, and mean-spirited, and can be ugly, at times, just a swell movie, probably Araki's best. The religious, and apocalyptic metaphors won't go unnoticed, and neither will Rose McGowan, as a foul-mouthed teenager, with a chip on her shoulder, with James Duval's performance making her seem even worse. Some things occur, seemingly with the intention of confusing us, but that's OK, confusion only makes this seem more like exploitation from decades past. For something slightly similar, check out Nowhere... which reminds me, if you ever see both these movies, you might notice that it would be a much better fit if they switched the titles, just a thought. Although, The Doom Generation is deeper than it may seem, it's still a grim good time, with no redeeming qualities, Generation-X-ploitation. 9/10