Harrowing as its glimpses of economic and psychological ruin are, Gummo doesn’t merely wallow in its characters’ dire straits.

Like a kid acting up for attention, the wise-ass Korine wants desperately to be in your face - to offend and provoke. And he does a damn good job getting his way. If for no other reason, "Gummo" deserves to be seen.

After his persuasively disturbing screenplay for Larry Clark's Kids, Harmony Korine 's Gummo comes as a disappointment.

Although Harmony Korine is considered an important filmmaker and an auteur director in his own right, his debut is a tough hang and only reserved for those with a strong stomach for misery and the grotesque.