30 Facts About The Movie Kids

The Making of "Kids"

The 1995 film "Kids" is a raw, unfiltered look at teenage life in New York City. Directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine, it stirred controversy and conversation. Here are some fascinating facts about its creation.

1. Larry Clark's Directorial Debut
   Larry Clark, known for his photography, made his directorial debut with "Kids." His experience capturing youth culture influenced the film's gritty realism.

2. Harmony Korine Was Only 19
   Harmony Korine wrote the screenplay when he was just 19 years old. His youth helped him authentically capture the teenage experience.

3. Shot in 23 Days
   The entire film was shot in just 23 days. This tight schedule added to the film's raw, urgent feel.

4. Non-Professional Actors
   Most of the cast were not professional actors. Larry Clark cast real teenagers from New York City to maintain authenticity.

5. Chloë Sevigny's First Film
   Chloë Sevigny made her film debut in "Kids." She was discovered by Clark while hanging out in Washington Square Park.

Controversy and Impact

"Kids" didn't just make waves for its content; it also sparked significant controversy and had a lasting impact on cinema and society.

6. NC-17 Rating
   The film received an NC-17 rating due to its explicit content. This rating limited its audience but also heightened its notoriety.

7. Banned in Some Countries
   Several countries, including South Africa and Ireland, banned the film due to its explicit nature and themes.

8. Critical Reception
   Critics were divided. Some praised its raw honesty, while others condemned it as exploitative.

9. Influence on Indie Cinema
   "Kids" is considered a landmark in independent cinema, influencing many filmmakers with its raw style and unflinching subject matter.

10. Soundtrack by Lou Barlow
    The film's soundtrack, composed by Lou Barlow of Sebadoh and Folk Implosion, added to its edgy, underground feel.

Behind the Scenes

Behind-the-scenes stories often reveal the true essence of a film. "Kids" has its share of intriguing behind-the-scenes facts.

11. Improvised Scenes
    Many scenes were improvised. This approach added to the film's naturalistic dialogue and interactions.

12. Real Locations
    Filming took place in real New York City locations, including Washington Square Park and Central Park, adding to the film's authenticity.

13. Budget Constraints
    The film had a modest budget of $1.5 million. This constraint forced the crew to be creative and resourceful.

14. Harmony Korine's Cameo
    Harmony Korine makes a brief cameo in the film as a club kid.

15. Controversial Script
    The script itself was controversial, with some scenes being toned down or altered during filming.

Cast and Characters

The characters in "Kids" are unforgettable, and the actors who portrayed them have interesting stories of their own.

16. Leo Fitzpatrick as Telly
    Leo Fitzpatrick, who played Telly, was discovered by Clark at a skate park. His portrayal of the reckless teenager was both praised and criticized.

17. Justin Pierce as Casper
    Justin Pierce, who played Casper, was also a non-professional actor. His performance was widely acclaimed.

18. Rosario Dawson's Debut
    Rosario Dawson made her film debut in "Kids." She was discovered sitting on her front porch in the Lower East Side.

19. Chloë Sevigny and Harmony Korine's Relationship
    Chloë Sevigny and Harmony Korine dated during the making of the film, adding an extra layer of intimacy to their collaboration.

20. Character Inspiration
    Many characters were inspired by real people from Korine's and Clark's lives, adding to the film's authenticity.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

"Kids" left a lasting legacy and continues to be a point of reference in discussions about youth culture and cinema.

21. Cult Classic Status
    Despite its controversy, "Kids" has achieved cult classic status, with a dedicated fan base and continued relevance.

22. Influence on Youth Culture
    The film influenced fashion, music, and attitudes among teenagers in the 90s and beyond.

23. Documentary Style
    Its documentary-style approach has been emulated by many filmmakers seeking to capture realism.

24. Social Commentary
    "Kids" serves as a social commentary on issues like HIV, drug use, and teenage sexuality, sparking important conversations.

25. Educational Use
    Some educators use the film as a tool to discuss the consequences of risky behaviors with students.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Even a serious film like "Kids" has its share of fun and surprising trivia.

26. Harmony Korine's Skateboarding Background
    Korine was an avid skateboarder, which helped him connect with the cast and understand their world.

27. Unscripted Moments
    Some of the film's most memorable moments were unscripted, capturing genuine reactions from the cast.

28. Influence on Fashion
    The film's depiction of 90s streetwear influenced fashion trends, with brands like Supreme gaining popularity.

29. Larry Clark's Cameo
    Larry Clark makes a brief appearance in the film as a man in the park.

30. Sequel Rumors
    Over the years, there have been rumors of a sequel, but nothing has materialized. The original remains a standalone piece of cinematic history.

Final Thoughts on the Movie "Kids"

"Kids" isn't just a film; it's a raw, unfiltered look at youth culture in the '90s. From its controversial themes to its guerrilla-style filmmaking, it left a lasting mark on cinema. The movie's candid portrayal of teenage life, complete with its highs and lows, sparked conversations that still resonate today. Whether you love it or hate it, "Kids" undeniably pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. Its impact on indie filmmaking and its influence on future directors can't be overstated. If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth a watch, if only to understand why it remains a topic of discussion. So, next time you're in the mood for something thought-provoking, give "Kids" a shot. It might just change the way you see the world.