From the Scene interview I thought it was going to be disturbing, especially since it was all filmed in my neighborhood. I spent a lot of time squinting to see street signs and hoping my trash can might be the next victim. It was possible, but my house was not included. Instead of being bothered by absolutely any of the vile acts, I found myself thoroughly enjoying every scene. I laughed more than I did in The Hangover and the characters in that movie did more damage aside from the occasional murder. What I really liked about the movie though was that it made me feel less weird. I doubt on any account this was Korine's intention, but that doesn't matter.
Last year I had a job at a clothing store, where mothers would often drop off their kids. Left on their own, the pre-teens would run and scream and giggle. Playing with, and often breaking, whatever they could reach, completely disregarding any normal public behavioral restrictions. There was no use trying to help them. They didn't want anyone to pay attention to them. It was uncomfortable, but only because I know I did the same things. Seeing little girls be so weird reminded me of the videos I made with my friends from fourth through seventh grade. In my adjusted memory, these were spoofs of popular movies and music videos with a few original shorts featuring a character named Betty Sue with pursed lips and a nasally southern accent.
When we found these tapes again, I was sixteen. After skimming through hours of weird games and dancing, I almost wished I hadn't looked. The characters in Trash Humpers could have easily been the girls in those videos if they'd continued to film their boredom as age only made them stranger. The humpers' bodies deteriorating along with their mind or any sense of embarrassment.
Playing with a doll that sings, they squeal and replay its song over and over. When forced to listen to an adult tell any story about their life, the humpers slouch in their seats and jump at the chance to laugh when the time comes. Ungrateful for the care given to them by the siamese twins who shelter, feed, and try to entertain them, the humpers resemble those children left alone at the store. Equal parts silly and sadistic, it should be scary. The lack of narrative or even names, made it easiest to just laugh.
