Mod Fuck Explosion
 Written/Directed by Jon Moritsugu

 

 

 
The biggest advantage to working with Jon Moritsugu is that he knows how to "expose" a film. Sure, he's a die-hard indie and not interested in the commercial aspects of filmmaking, but he does get his films around. "Mod Fuck Explosion" must have appeared in at least 20 film festivals, is available on his site, and he got himself listed on www.IMDB.com, with the complete cast and crew, which got me on IMDB, too. Thank you, Jon.
I had a blast working with Jon. He let me run wild with the part of Mum, mother of the protagonist, London, and her brother, X-Ray Spex. And I did RUN WILD. I decided to enhance her drug taking, alcoholic, agoraphobic, son-lusting, character. I made her just a little bit psychotic, but with a great sense of humor. She would use a different accent for each of her chunks of dialogue. So: to encourage her daughter to dispense with her virginity, she spoke with a French accent; while discussing the epicurean delights of dinner, she spoke in an English accent; when angrily warding off a demon, she switched to Brooklynese. I also developed a technique of, not popping pills, but sticking my tongue in the pill bottle and swallowing whatever stuck to it.
And the seduction scenes between Mum and her son, played by Victor of Aquitaine led to an enduring friendship between us. Victor's true passion is music, which he composes and sings hauntingly. Check out Victors website, listen and buy.

So, Mod Fuck Explosion is about the miseries, violence and alienation of youth expressed through rival gangs who look very much like Mods (on mopeds) and Rockers (punks on bikes). It's an interesting juxtaposition of cultures and trends expressed before by The Who in "Quadrophenia." Trouble with Mods is they're neat, clean, like to ride shiney scooters and don't really do too well in a fight. Witness -- my dear X-Ray drawing his last after a run-in with the punk biker gang. You will only see this scene here. Jon edited it out of the film, but I'll never forget a mother's agony at seeing her son-lover bite the big one.

While the rumble takes place, my daughter, London, played by Amy Davis, wanders around the city with a friend (perhaps boyfriend), played by Desi Des Valle. It's reminescent of "Rebel Without A Cause," another sad tale of misunderstood and confused youth. IN MFE, London and friend wander around the abandoned mansion, sans the Sal Mineo character.

Since mom is agoraphobic, all my scenes are played in the apartment. I deal with my own demons, my addictions, my neuroses, and say hello to the kids whenever they come by for a change of clothes or a hot meal.
Of course, I couldn't forget the producer, Henry S. Rosenthal. I first met Henry when he was a guest on my show, "Movie Close Up." We spoke, not only of his illustrious film career, but also his experience hosting a public access show of his own. He would invite people to bring an attache case filled with their favorite things and explain them. Henry loves things. He has a 5 story warehouse filled not only with his family and office, but things. Henry has great things. He was also a rock musician in a band of some note, though I'd have to research to find the name of it again. And of course, there are the many and various films he has produced. He is not one to make the next Hollywood success, but always looks for something different, daring and controversial.

And best of all, we were still friends by the end of the film.

Jon has gone on to make more films. I particularly liked "Fame Whore." His work is becoming funnier, dryer, wittier and more relevant. His latest is "Scumrock." Check out Jon's various web sites. For instance: www.imdb.com

And Victor has a burgeoning singing career as well as acating. See, listen, buy at: www.themeditations.com

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