A graffiti writer never expects to get caught - just like a cop never expects to get shot.

Thus opens , directed by Adam Bhala Lough. This is one of several recurring themes woven into the study of a young graffiti artist as he awaits news of university applications.

Set in New York in early summer, the action spans several days and centres on Anthony, Justin, and Justin?s kid brother, graffiti artists or ?bombers? who struggle to find their moment of fame through a medium that by its very nature is ephemeral. The action becomes an ever-tightening spiral of ?bombers? being chased by members of the Vandal Squad determined to eliminate their self-expression.

This theme of a race to elude capture is reinforced throughout the film with images of Anthony running through empty alleyways until the final shocking twist at the film?s climax.

The film seeks to explore several ideas about graffiti: is it legitimate art form or a destruction of private property? Anthony claims that he is compelled to express his artistic nature through paint, but as he has a wealthy patron and the opportunity to express himself legitimately on canvas, is this justification enough?

Another apologist claims graffiti is the easiest way for an average kid to get fame using himself as a medium.

A member of the Vandal Squad, poacher turned gamekeeper, explains that growing up he had two choices: paint or (crack cocaine) pipe. He could snub his nose at society through paint or join a gang, and as he points out, the gangster, shot in the back, is now being pushed around by others in a wheel chair while the painters all have steady jobs.

Yet another young bomber claims to be reclaiming public space and uses walls to spread her political message across America, scorning Anthony for doing nothing more than writing his name.

Justin, who spends his nights ?bombing? the city, during the day holds a steady job, refuses to get involved in drugs and admonishes his younger brother for skipping school; the most convincing arguments against graffiti come from a ?dirty? cop.

Though there are some glimpses of truly artistic compositions, these are not the creations of Anthony and his friends who seem more interested in instant fame than skilfully crafted art.

If you can get past the expletives (that are not deleted), you will find an interesting exploration of an urban phenomenon that provokes many. The rawness of Anthony?s life and compulsion to ?bomb? are given a gritty edge with original scores of electronic music, passages of eerie discordance and slow-motion silence.

Middle class America is banished to the fringes of this society, though a brief visit home suggests Anthony at least had a more conventional upbringing in a white clapboard house.

Though a romantic interlude provides a brief respite from the relentless chase, the intensity of the film is not leavened with humour. This exploration of a gritty aspect of urban living will not be to everyone?s taste, but should be a springboard to some interesting discussion.