Scarred
R. LEE | Malibu, CA, USA | 12/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A revealing portrait of life in the underbelly of America with a gripping, hard edge look at Hollywood's meanest streets. It chronicles the trials and tribulations of a teenage mom who turns to prostitution to support her baby. Beautifully shot by Michael Miner (who co-wrote Robocop), it has an explosive noir street look that reminds one of Taxi Driver and Midnight Cowboy. Jennifer Mayo delivers a remarkably natural performance, and Jackie Berryman is quite endearing as supporting lead. The story spirals through a strange, lurid demi-monde of pimps and degenerates, both frightful and hilarious, but what prevails is the stubborn core of truth in Rose-Marie Turko's writing and directing. An impressive first feature with lots of pizzazz and invention. The barber shop pimp scene is a must see. Repo Man's Alex Cox served as assistant director and has a couple cameos. The film features a driving, at times excellent rock score, including the Plugz who scored much of Repo Man. A classic piece of Hollywood Boulevard history."