Introduction
Released in 1999, “Human Traffic” offers an exhilarating and unabashed exploration of the rave culture that dominated the 1990s. Directed by Justin Kerrigan, this British independent film serves as a quintessential portrayal of youth, rebellion, and the vibrant energy of the rave scene. Over a single weekend, we follow five friends—Jip, Lulu, Moff, Nina, and Koop—as they navigate their existential crises through the escapism offered by rave culture in Cardiff, Wales.
The film skillfully blends dark humour and satire, playfully mocking the absurdities of modern life, consumerism, and rave culture. This style not only lightens the mood but also addresses serious themes, offering a critical yet humorous and cynical perspective through which the audience can explore the characters’ struggles and broader societal issues. For many, this movie is considered an iconic representation of the rave scene and party culture of the late ’90s.
Narrative Focus on Personal Crisis
The protagonist, Jip, is a focal point of the film, grappling with his relationship to his mother, his intense personal insecurity, and paranoia, especially regarding his sexual adequacy. He humorously refers to his issues as a “Monumental case of Mr. floppy,” portraying his stressed and ego-driven persona, which underscores his deep-seated anxieties and self-doubt.
Character Dynamics and Relationships
Jip’s relationships with his friends, particularly his best mate Koop and Koop’s girlfriend Nina, play a crucial role in the narrative. Koop acts as a reliable and steadfast friend but harbors toxic jealousy towards Nina. Meanwhile, Nina openly embraces her down-to-earth hedonist lifestyle. The intricate dynamics between Koop and Nina underscore the potential perils inherent in such relationships, highlighting the tensions without veering into a darker exploration of where these real-life relationships might lead.
Semi-Documentary Style
“Human Traffic” employs a semi-documentary style with direct-to-camera monologues, giving viewers an intimate look into the characters’ thoughts and lives. This technique helps to break the fourth wall, allowing characters to speak directly to the audience. By doing so, it draws viewers deeper into the narrative, creating a more engaging and immersive experience, which I love.
Fast-Paced and Energetic Editing
The editing is also fast-paced and energetic, mirroring the frenetic lifestyle of the characters. Techniques such as split screens, rapid cuts, and stylized visuals enhance the film’s vibrant, chaotic feel. These dynamic visuals reflect the disjointed and adrenaline-fueled world the characters inhabit.
Fragmented Storytelling
The narrative structure is non-linear, often jumping between different times and perspectives. This fragmented storytelling style mirrors the disjointed, drug-fueled experiences of the characters, effectively capturing the erratic and unpredictable nature of their lives. The non-linear approach also allows for a more nuanced exploration of each character’s internal and external conflicts, adding depth to the film’s overall narrative.
Iconic Scenes and Musical Moments
“Human Traffic” is packed with memorable scenes that capture the essence of its time. First off, the record store scenes with Koop are truly some of the most memorable. In one scene, they engage in a humorous yet insightful discussion about a hip-hop album that’s notably expensive because the artist is on death row. This dialogue not only adds a layer of cultural commentary but also highlights the deep connection the characters share with music and its surrounding narratives.
The Record Store
Following this, the film features the iconic “Any Jungle in guy?” scene, where the character known as ‘the Junglist’ (who is also played by the director) is recognized and greeted enthusiastically in the record store with a new album. This encounter swiftly transitions into an impromptu dance-off set to Aphrodite’s legendary track “Stalker,” showcasing the spontaneous energy and unity found for music within the rave scene.
Spliff Politics
Howard Marks delivers the ‘Spliff Politics’ monologue in ‘Human Traffic’ with sharp wit and deep insight, creating another iconic moment in the film.. This scene isn’t just memorable—it’s practically legendary. The late Welsh legend pops up in a killer cameo, dishing out a motivational speech about the subtle art of spliff politics. Marks, who passed away in 2016, was not just a cameo star; he was an international cannabis smuggler turned pop culture icon, thanks to his best-selling autobiography, ‘Mr. Nice.’ His appearance in the film not only adds a layer of authenticity to the storyline but also ties in perfectly with the film’s exploration of ’90s subculture. Trust me, it’s a standout scene that perfectly captures the era’s vibe.
Enchanging Pleasentries
The bar scene beautifully contrasts polite pretense with honest feelings when Jip encounters someone he’s not fond of. Initially, Jip and a local (played by Walking Dead alumni Andrew Lincoln) exchange forced pleasantries: “Yeah, yeah, take care,” “See you around,” “Nice to see you,” “Nice one, cheers. See ya.” Jip’s voice-over then reveals the honest version of the conversation: “It’s a shame we had eye contact,” “We pretend to like each other,” “I don’t dislike you, but I don’t like you either,” “We just surf the wave of social politeness.” The segment bluntly ends with “Wanker,” highlighting the tension between societal norms and genuine feelings.
Special Guests
Carl Cox, a titan in the world of electronic music, appears as a club owner/manager Pablo, bringing authenticity to the film’s depiction of the club scene. Jib lies his way into a meeting with Pablo, claiming to be a reporter from Mixmag, in hopes of sneaking into the club. His presence is a bridge between the cinematic narrative and the actual rave culture, enhancing the film’s realism and appeal.
These scenes are pivotal as they blend humour with a poignant snapshot of youth culture, illustrating the characters’ passion for music and their ability to find joy and connection in shared moments. The record store becomes a microcosm of the larger rave scene, a place where musical tastes and personal identities collide and coalesce, further enriching the film’s narrative.
Music and Soundtrack
The music in “Human Traffic” isn’t just background noise; it’s a central character. The soundtrack, brimming with tracks from Fatboy Slim, Orbital, Underworld, CJ Bolland, and Energy 52, epitomizes the era of Big Beat and Trance that elevates the narrative. The tunes are integral to the film’s atmosphere, capturing the ecstatic highs and introspective moments of the rave experience.
For those of us who lived through the ’90s rave culture, ‘Human Traffic‘ feels like a vivid flashback to our own past. The relentless beats that served as the backdrop for those endless nights still resonate with us, as does the distinct fashion that defined our crowd. Watching the film, what really strikes a chord is the portrayal of the iconic behaviors so characteristic of the scene—behaviors that many of us recognize in ourselves and our friends. The movie amusingly captures clubbers discussing how ‘raves used to be,’ a sentiment that still resonates with the older rave crowd today. This nostalgic echo adds a layer of authenticity and connection that makes ‘Human Traffic’ not just a film, but a mirror reflecting a pivotal part of our youth.
Comparison with Other Club Films
While “Human Traffic” stands out as a seminal portrayal of the ’90s rave scene, it is worth comparing it to other films that have tackled club culture, such as “Trainspotting” and “Go.” “Trainspotting,” directed by Danny Boyle, primarily deals with the darker, grittier aspects of drug use in Edinburgh, but also includes memorable sequences set in the club scene. “Go,” directed by Doug Liman, revolves around a drug deal gone awry over the course of one night, featuring sequences that capture the late ’90s rave scene in Los Angeles.
Despite the merits of these films, “Human Traffic” arguably captures the pure essence of club culture with greater authenticity and vibrancy. It focuses solely on the joy, camaraderie, and escapism of the rave scene, devoid of the heavier dramatic narratives centered around addiction and crime that “Trainspotting” and “Go” delve into. “Human Traffic” resonates as a celebration of youth culture and music, presenting a relatively lighter and more focused depiction of the rave scene that many find more relatable and uplifting. This distinct approach helps the film stand out as perhaps the most genuine cinematic representation of what it meant to be young and immersed in the beats of the ’90s rave culture.
The Case for a Sequel
Given the rich narrative and the nostalgic capture of an era in “Human Traffic,” there’s a compelling case to be made for a sequel. The original film not only provided a vivid snapshot of the ’90s rave culture but also left audiences connected deeply with its characters and their journeys. A sequel could effectively explore the evolution of these characters into the new millennium, examining how their lives and the culture around them have transformed over the years.
Furthermore, the landscape of electronic music and club scenes has dramatically evolved since the late 1990s, offering a new backdrop against which the lives of Jip, Lulu, Moff, Nina, and Koop could be revisited. How they navigate the advancements in technology, changes in musical taste, and the different social dynamics of modern club culture could provide fresh narrative ground while maintaining the original’s core themes of friendship, music, and freedom.
A sequel could also tap into the current wave of ’90s nostalgia, resonating with those who lived through the era and educating a new generation on the pivotal cultural movements of the time. With the original film’s enduring popularity and the continued relevance of its themes, a sequel to “Human Traffic” is not just warranted but could be a vibrant continuation of a story that still has much to say.
Conclusion
“Human Traffic” is more than just a film about music and partying; it’s a resonant story about finding identity and freedom in a world that often seems confining. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, the film offers a nostalgic look back at a time when the possibilities were endless. With its realistic depiction, fantastic soundtrack, and relatable characters, “Human Traffic” captures the spirit of an era and continues to resonate with generations old and new.
“Nice one, Bruv!”
Now, if you enjoyed this read, check out this: The Late 90’s Essential Chill Out Albums
