American independent cinema in 1990s represented not only refreshing alternative, but often an anti-thesis to mainstream Hollywood in smug, overconfident and self-righteous Clinton’s America. An example of that can be found in Girls Town, 1996 drama written and directed by Jim McKay. The plot is set in bleak industrial city of Hackensack, New Jersey and deal with four girls who are best friends in high schools. They are about to graduate and must deal with the fact that they will most probably part ways and never see each other again. When Nikki (played by Aunjanue Ellis) suddenly commits suicide, the remaining three friends are determined to find the reasons behind the act. They take possession of Nikki’s diary and discover that she was raped. After discussing matter they confess that all three suffered various forms of abuse from men and decide to launch their own private crusade against those who harmed them. Their first target is a car belonging to man who raped Emma (played by Anna Grace). Patti Lucci (played by Lili Taylor) takes vengeance on Eddie (played by John Ventimiglia), small time criminal who made her pregnant, by robbing his apartment. They finally confront Richard Helms (played by Tom Gilroy), news editor who raped Nikki.
Jim McKay represented feature directorial debut for Jim McKay who, until that time, worked mostly on music videos. But you couldn’t tell that after watching Girls Town, which reflects less influence of MTV and more influence of independent film makers like John Cassavettes or Mike Leigh. McKay shot the film without the conventional screenplay and instead established workshop for actors allowing them to develop plot, characters and dialogues themselves. The result is film with a weak plot that could, due to its feminist content, could be described as poor man’s Thelma & Louise. However, at the same time Girls Town features very good cast which apparently took great pleasure working on the film. Lili Taylor, an actress who was at the time enjoying status of America independent cinema’s big star, is especially efficient in the role of high school student who was forced to grow up too fast. Well-acted and well-directed, Girls Town could recommended to all those who like unconventional cinema, despite its rather depressive subject.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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