Review of Trans (1998) by Bryan K — 31 Jul 2014

The film does a lot of things right. When it comes to atmosphere, from the first sprint through an orange grove to the swamps to the interstates, the film's portrayal of Florida is immersive. Much like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, though the state itself has nothing to do with the film, the portrait painted is memorable.

The narrative itself is solid in its chaotic depiction of youth. Where it fails, though, is in becoming way too over-stylized. There are so many sequences that are distorted or amplified, with no coherent method, that the film ends up feeling in many places like a mix tape for the director.

Shame, considering that it already had a great atmosphere that would have carried it a long way. The soundtrack and cinematography obstruct more than they enhance.