“GLUE”–interacting sexually

“Glue”

Interacting Sexually

Amos Lassen

Picture This! seems to have a knack for releasing quality coming-of-age movies and their newest film upholds that quality. “Glue” is one of those films that stay with the viewer for a long, long time. It is a small film with a small cast which focuses on Lucas who is 16 years old, his closest friend, Nacho and Andrea, another friend. The action all takes place during three weeks as our characters “chill” and sniff glue and enjoy each other sexually.

In no way is this a typical coming-age-film as it angrily destroys so many things associated with adolescent anger. There are, of course, the usual coming-of-age activities—body comparison, long and awkward periods by which our characters remain tight lipped, conflicts with parents, using music as a means of expression and other typical activities that many teenagers go through. Our characters are not simply passing through a phase; they make decisions which will affect them for the rest of their lives. We know that even with the nihilism that is present in the lives of our characters, they will become like their parents but as we see them they are separate from society and looking to find themselves.

The film is shot in the style of cinema verite with an emphasis on earth colors and time signified by the passing of clouds. The film shows us a youth discontent with the modernity of the world attempting to find his way back to nature and this is underlined by the absence of gender identity. Nacho, Lucas and Andrea engage in various forms of sexual activity but totally without the sexual confusion that many teens face. They just enjoy sex and have sex by instinct without adhering to traditional gender roles. Sex, for the three, is quite simply fun.

The humor in the film is quite subdued and the lack of optimism in the lives of the characters is felt throughout the film. It is a portrait of the youth of today and has a great deal to say—especially to those who are bound to the rules and mores of a larger society. It gives us a new and honest way to look today’s youth and I, myself, have never seen teen portrayed quite this way before.