“Suicide rate high amongst gay teens” screams the headline at the start of Totally F***ed Up, correctly suggesting that the film you’re about to watch is not going to be a barrel of laughs. It isn’t. But what it is is a humorous, yet moving, study of the gay teen underground that’s self-consciously cool. Director Greg Araki chronicles the messed-up lives of six gay teenagers as they try to keep it together in the face of AIDS, homophobia, queer bashing and infidelity.

Originally released in 1993, Totally F***ed Up uses the now cliché plot device of having one of the characters filming a video diary about his friends. This allows the director to convey a candid and realistic view of life in LA. Think Sex, Lies and Videotape but with gay teens and you get the picture.

From the outset we’re led to believe that Andy is the totally f***ed up of the title. He’s a dope head who’s not at all comfortable with his sexuality; a self-confessed bisexual who can’t cope with the feelings he has for men. Heck, he can’t even stand Bette Midler!

But of the six friends he’s not the only one with the problems. Tommy, Andy’s best buddy, is seemingly the polar opposite, totally at ease with his sexuality and living his life too the full – especially the sex part. But it’s a lifestyle choice that his family is far from happy with.

Steven, the moviemaker seems to have the ideal relationship with his skater
kid boyfriend Deric, but events take an unexpected turn and honesty seems to be the hardest word.

And finally there’s cookie lesbian couple Michelle and Patricia - think Molly Ringwald meets Kelly Osbourne times two and you’ll get the idea - who also seem to have the perfect relationship. But even their world is troubled as they desperately want a child and experiments with a turkey baster prove far from successful.

Such characters are instantly recognisable. Yes, they may have their problems, but the fact that they are grounded in reality makes them appealing and everyone will recognise parts of themselves in at least one of the leads. Gay men will also appreciate the eye-candy on display and lesbians will be delighted to be presented with such positive role models. The script is also peppered with humour, which lightens the mood tremendously.

With its fashions and handheld camera work Totally F***ed Up may appear dated, but its original release provided a much-needed antidote to the teen romances that proliferated in the Eighties and early Nineties. Its themes are timeless, proving the cliché that the more things change the more they stay the same.

With the resurgence of mawkish gay movies in recent years, Totally F***ed Up is a refreshing change that deserves revisiting and bringing to the attention of a brand new audience. A perfect addition to any gay film collection.

Totally F***ed Up, by Greg Araki
Release Date: 1 November 2004
Barcode: 5038275100328
Price: £19

Why not buy Totally F***ed Up online and make your own mind up about a film that’s been described as “for anyone who has lived through the pain of alienation.”