Nighttime Los Angeles glimmers in subtle gradations of light. The city is a battleground. Cops stand by in riot gear. Tanks sit on street corners. Surveillance helicopters buzz overhead.
Fires burn in garbage cans.
Teenagers throw rocks at the cops, or smash the windows of cars. Some drag queens mug a Santa Claus, as the camera glides by in a long tracking shot. Visual clutter is everywhere. The New Year's Eve celebration that closes the film is packed with crowds, confetti, and fireworks. Huge video screens magnify the scenes in front of them.