Harmony Korine’s latest film, Baby Invasion, has sparked significant discussion in the entertainment world. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, is described as a first-person shooter experience blending movie and video game elements. Critics have noted its aggressive, anti-audience style, with some calling it a disturbing yet innovative piece that defies traditional cinematic norms. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the film’s bold, surreal approach, while Vulture mentioned it made some viewers feel uneasy due to its intense and unconventional presentation Tribune Content Agency
Harmony Korine’s latest experimental film, “Baby Invasion,” premiered to a raucous midnight screening at the Venice International Film Festival, earning an 8.5-minute standing ovation. Known for his unconventional storytelling, Korine delivered another sensory overload with his new film, which combines video game-like visuals with a provocative, chaotic narrative.
We Survived ‘Baby Invasion’: Inside Harmony Korine’s Insane Experimental Film That Earned an 8.5-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice https://t.co/J8ToCAFVU4
— Diane Pernet (@asvof) September 1, 2024
“Baby Invasion” takes viewers on a wild ride featuring baby-faced criminals wielding heavy weapons, engaging in bizarre antics, dancing to a pulsating techno score by Burial, and indulging in over-the-top behavior. The film, which runs for an hour and 20 minutes, left the audience both bewildered and exhilarated. After the credits rolled, cheers erupted, and the crowd chanted “Harmony! Harmony! Harmony!” as Korine danced along with the music, encouraging the enthusiastic response.
The film’s unique presentation includes Twitch-style comments scrolling rapidly on the screen, adding a layer of surreal interactivity. One such comment humorously suggested that the “plot deserves an Oscar,” though the film’s narrative is less traditional and more a collection of striking visuals and fragmented storytelling. Much of the story is conveyed through voiceovers by an ASMR artist Korine discovered on OnlyFans, with a white rabbit featuring prominently, possibly symbolizing the wealthy targets of the baby invaders or acting as a symbol of luck as they ransack luxury estates in Florida.
At a press conference earlier, Korine shared his critical view of the film industry, suggesting that Hollywood is creatively stagnating and losing talented minds to gaming and streaming platforms. “Hollywood needs to encourage the youth… Why we’re starting to see Hollywood crumble creatively is because they’re losing a lot of the most creative minds to gaming and to streaming,” Korine stated, emphasizing that movies are no longer the dominant art form for emerging creatives.
Korine is no stranger to shocking Venice audiences. Last year, his film “Aggro Dr1ft,” shot entirely in infrared and featuring a surreal mix of twerking strippers and demonic crime lords, also debuted at a midnight screening. Despite its controversial content, it received a 10-minute standing ovation, partly thanks to the presence of rapper Travis Scott in his first major film role.
mybargain Venice 2024: Harmony Korine’s ‘Baby Invasion’ earns an 8.5 minute standing ovation at festival premiere https://t.co/iOyq7pPEox pic.twitter.com/JvgNgEi0pT
— Mybargain (@mybargainorg) September 1, 2024
Korine’s relationship with the Venice Film Festival dates back to 1997 when he presented his directorial debut, “Gummo.” Initially, the film was not well received, but it later garnered a special mention from Venice’s FIPRESCI jury. Korine returned to Venice in 2012 with “Spring Breakers,” which won the Future Film Festival Digital Award, solidifying his reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging cinematic conventions.
Key Points:
- Harmony Korine’s film “Baby Invasion” premiered at the Venice Film Festival, earning an 8.5-minute standing ovation for its experimental and unconventional style.
- The film features a mix of video game-like visuals, chaotic scenes, and a narrative communicated through ASMR voiceovers and Twitch-style comments.
- Korine criticized Hollywood for losing creative talent to gaming and streaming, calling for a renewed focus on encouraging young creatives.
- The director’s past work, including “Aggro Dr1ft” and “Gummo,” has also shocked audiences and received mixed reactions at Venice.
- Korine’s history with the Venice Film Festival includes premieres that have both challenged traditional filmmaking and garnered significant attention.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
