When I first really got into gathering my DVD collection, one of the first films I sought out was Gregg Araki’s Nowhere. The final chapter in his “Teenage Apocalypse” trilogy of really fucked-up, star-studded queer comedies, it wasn’t an easy movie to find. But I got my hands on a region-free one and have cherished it ever since. I’ve always had a soft spot for the filmmaker’s trippy Gen-X take on Hollywood and celebrity.
And now Nowhere is finally getting a proper uncut 4K restoration that is touring the country now courtesy of Strand Releasing, ahead of the film’s home release. Uh, yes please! This is the first time the full uncut edition will have been seen since the Sundance world premiere.
If you’re interested in seeing if Araki is bringing Nowhere to your town, you can check the listings here. Unfortunately, it’s not coming anywhere near DC which, I have to admit, is a real kick in the gut. I’m betting we could pack the house if Araki were to bring it here.
Released in 1997, Nowhere starred James Duval as Dark, who is coping with his cheating bisexual girlfriend Mel, played by Rachel True, and his own confused feelings for a classmate, Montgomery, played by Nathan Bexton. Dark, Mel, and their colorful group of friends have a wild night trying to get to a huge party at Jujyfruit’s place, but face alien abductions, suicide, gun-toting vigilantes, washed-up celebrities, and a fateful game of Kick the Can.
Described by Araki as “Beverly Hills 90210 on acid”, the film had a killer cast of red-hot rising stars including Shannon Doherty, Christina Applegate, Ryan Phillippe, Heather Graham, Jordan Ladd, Guillermo Diaz, Scott Caan, Mena Suvari, Denise Richards, Rose McGowan, and many more.
And of course, the soundtrack was just as timely, featuring Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Hole, Sonic Youth, and more.
“Due to circumstances beyond my control, “Nowhere” was never properly distributed on DVD in the U.S. — just VHS (!) and I guess, laserdisc (?!),” Araki told Indiewire. “So, for the past 20 or so years, every time I appeared for a panel or Q&A, fans have been asking if/when “Nowhere” will get a proper release. Well, I’m thrilled to say that day is finally here!”
Strand has yet to give Nowhere‘s 4K restoration a hard release date, but a new trailer is sure to whet fans’ appetites. You can bet I’ll be getting my hands on this one.