User reviews

Babs Johnson (Divine) lives in a trailer with her son Crackers, her daughter Cotton and her mother Edie (Edie Massey). She's in competition with a couple named Connie and Raymond Marbles (Mink Stole, David Lochary) to be named the filthiest person alive. The film shows their attempts to outdo each other.

This film is very much NOT for everyone. It's a in your face no holds barred assault in bad taste. Crackers has sex with a woman with a live chicken between them while his sister watches; the Marbles pick up female hitchhikers, impregnate them, keep them chained in the basement and sell the babies to lesbian couples; Divine and family have a party which includes cannibalism etc etc. It's disgusting but, in a way, not unwatchable. It's SO over the top and is so unapologetic about it that it's kind of fascinating. As director John Waters might say, it's bad taste done well. Also it's kind of amusing to watch--the acting is so wretched (especially by Massey) that you just watch it in disbelief. A friend laughed out loud at how bad Massey was (she improved in later pictures).

This is NOT for people who are easily offended. Even though it's over 30 years old it's STILL shocking. However if you have an open mind and can take a lot of extreme behaviour this is a must-see. The only part that really was too much is what Divine does at the very end.

A very strange, disturbing but intriguing film. I don't think I ever needed to see what a human being can do with his butt, and I doubt if I'll ever want to see it again. That said, there is much to be amused by, like Divine's take on Jayne Mansfield's classic walk in "The Girl Can't Help It" and putting slabs of meat between her legs in a grocery store. A gritty feel very much like a Russ Meyer film. Generally poor acting, with the notable exception of Divine.

This is chaotic cinema gold! I love the anarchic vibe of this picture. It has its flaws, and the script is not really Water's best, but it's sure iconic!

From the legendary John Waters comes this notorious exercise in camp and trash. It helped him to cement his reputation as a prime purveyor of purely sleazy and grimy material. The pacing isn't the greatest - some scenes really go on too long - but Waters comes up with some truly awe inspiring nuttiness. The viewer won't believe what they're seeing.

The great drag performer Divine plays a character named Divine, now assuming the identity of "Babs Johnson" and living in an isolated trailer in Maryland. Divines' trailer mates include a son, Crackers (Danny Mills), a "travelling companion", Cotton (Mary Vivian Pearce), and an egg-loving mother, Edie (Edith Massey), who's confined to a playpen much of the time. Divine takes great pride in her status as "the filthiest person alive", but the uptight Connie Marble (Mink Stole) covets that title and will do anything to get it.

Also among the sordid characters are Connies' perverted husband Raymond (David Lochary), put upon butler Channing (Channing Wilroy), who's employed to knock up the hapless ladies kept in the Marbles' basement, Cookie the spy (Cookie Mueller), and Edies' beloved egg delivery man (Paul Swift). All of these quirky freaks provide solid entertainment value - Connie sports red hair and Raymond sports blue hair - but Divine dominates them all with a knowingly hammy performance and an incredible "just go for it" attitude.

The various disgusting things that Waters has his people do really shouldn't be spoiled here, so that potential viewers can experience them fresh. The director fills the soundtrack with many catchy golden oldies and gives us a final scene that we're pretty much guaranteed to remember.

Waters did earn this viewers' respect for having the courage of his convictions. He succeeds at creating a cult comedy that is equal parts jaw dropping, offensive, and funny in the most appreciably offbeat way possible.

Seven out of 10.

'Pink Flamingos' is a family drama. Rather, it's a drama of two families: mapping onto two separate spaces and dwellings, one within the city, one on its margins. On the one hand, the suburban house and the straight (if perverse) couple (with its underbelly or torture and violence locked away in the cellar); on the other, the queer, mutually supportive (if homicidal) community of the trailer, which suburbia must eventually destroy, setting fire to the trailer--though of course, Divine has the last laugh. Of course, that's too schematic a summary: these are the 'filthiest people alive', and their aesthetics, activities and interactions must exceed all summary.

Pink Flamingos – The Movie is a rare bird which not only makes trash enjoyable but also a good film. Just a single clip of trashy reality TV shows Jerry Springer or The Maury Show on YouTube and what we witness is nonstop display of vulgarity, sleaze and uncontrollable behavior. On the other hand, we have a plethora of terrible films like The Room, the entire Friday the Thirteenth series, Caligula etc that are unintentionally hilarious but all in all unwatchable. Pink Flamingos is a sure shot delight for the voyeurs of violence, sex, deviance, coarseness and trash, albeit one that is made with uncanny expertise. John Walters is the small-scale Quentin Tarantino who can conjure unique, quirky characters and make them cult figures; we are not perturbed by the characters' wrongdoings and we usually end up rooting for them to commit another misdeed.

The story here is narrated in an androgynous manner, probably by a flaming gay man or a transsexual, who takes us into the pink, tawdry and shabby trailer of Divine (who is living as Babs Johnson to evade police attention) and her family- her pretty, lusty blonde traveling companion Cotton who possesses the looks of a yesteryear's' star, her bucktoothed, long-maned chicken loving son Crackers and her egg obsessed cutie-pie mother Edie. Divine has long remained the undisputed 'filthiest person on the planet', unbeaten, unchallenged by anyone and is a small-time cult figure who makes it into shoddy newspapers. She is settled now, and does no harm to others other that warming beef between her legs to save on money. Her son seems more wayward at first, but only in sex (chickens are his favorite partners, it seems). Cotton exhibits only voyeuristic tendencies and likes to hang posters of beefy men next to her bed – but that seems acceptable. And sweet Edie only thinks and talks about eggs, their shape, size and color, Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme, what happens if all the chickens disappear?, when will the egg-man arrive etc. No one seems to transgress modesty to an unlawful extent except perhaps Crackers. But all this changes when the team is challenged by Raymond and Bonnie Marble, a husband-wife team who vie to steal Divine's esteemed (at least according to them) title. Raymond exposes himself to unsuspecting souls but that is just the tip of the iceberg- the couple discreetly orders their homosexual manservant Channing to impregnate kidnapped women, so that the new-born can be sold to happy lesbian couples. The pitiful kidnapped woman in tattered clothes and straggly hair castigates Channing whenever he enters the basement; she hasn't even seen the actual perpetrators of her misery. When this terrible couple takes on Divine and her flamingos, it is WAR!

I believe that the degree of crime committed by Connie and Raymond automatically makes them antagonists; while most of Divine's victims are simply killed without much introduction, we are constantly updated about Connie's victims' sufferings. Even the effect from the disturbing chicken scene with Crackers and the spy Cookie is palliated by the previous scene where we are told of Cookie's deception. . Divine and her gang shoot, chop and eat their victims in one scene but it is too hilariously over-the-top to be offensive. The sexuality on the other hand is something that is bound to gross out or p-ss off certain audiences, with the idea of incest itself can be unnerving for many, but again who really finds Divine to be role model or even a woman, with her androgynous appearance and her ludicrous make up (actual name: Harris Glenn; yes, a man!).

The entire setup seems like shots from a sleazy reality show, the budget of the film being so tight the entire product was the master copy. We see choppy editing, shadows creeping up often in the background, cameras shaking furiously while closing in on a person and passersby gawking at Divine's appearance as if completely unaware of the film. However, it is this low-quality which make the action look more authentic, as if Divine is an actual C-grade celeb who has made her name through malefaction. The songs, a mix of rock and roll and country make the scenes more lively and enjoyable, and also mitigate the actual violent acts that occur when the music is played.

Watch Pink Flamingos if you want to see a kick-ass trashy exploitation film. It is hilarious at moments (the 'trial' scene) and deliciously (in a slightly gross way), wickedly and divinely entertaining.

My Rating: 7.4 out of 10

...enjoyable too in a freakish sort of way!! This is one of John Waters early works (and it shows). But he was starting out and learning his craft by trial and error. This was made back in the early 70's - it doesn't stand up to today's young movie makers starting out. But hey, times were so much different then!!! The facilities that were available to the likes of John Waters back then are comparatively prehistoric to what is available nowadays. John Waters bravely puts out his own personality and dark depths of his mind for anyone to see. There's plenty to be revolted by in this movie, but don' be too hasty to dismiss it as cheap, vile trash. It does have some merit...without it and future films, we wouldn't have the John Waters that we have today. Certainly not a movie for everyone.....but if you like some BAD taste, then you'll find something to amuse yourself in this. Most of his actors appear in his later productions too. Parts of the movie will gross you out!

Despite the overwhelming fame as " the filthiest film ever made " Pink Flamingos , to say honestly , is but a cult practice in extremely fixed budget and by a bunch of young actors and a young director as well . It's not hard to know from their general performances : emotionless script-reading and the extremely simple storylines-that they were lacking experiences during the time the film was casting , by the way all those got greatly improved in Waters's next film : Female Troubles , so go watch that . But on the other hand , sometimes I was laying on my bed wondering whether there is a simple point of Pink Flamingos that outweighs Female Troubles or even Desperate Living , and I thought there is such . After a bunch more time spent watching this hilarious film I finally figured it out that : Pink Flamingos contains a sense of recklessness , and by duration of time , that becames a virtue of honesty and great access to humor . Maybe in a clearer way to say is that , the plot has no meaning at all , and that is in fact a great meaning by itself . It might not by the will of John Waters's will at that time I suppose, he objectively created a effect of sarcasm on basically everything , and for me , that to say is pretty marvelous and absolutely hilarious.

This cult-classic was definitely not for everyone. Some will surely not stomach the pervasiveness and gory details inculcated with these types of films. But as disgusting and disturbing Pink Flamingos was, one cannot deny that this was one of the bests and memorable in its time. From the interesting protagonist to the cheap production and shallow storyline, one can only love it or hate it. But surely it was bound to be remembered for its uniqueness. I just wished that the film had longer running time in order to establish a more comprehensive background to the story, and extend its notoriously detailed explicit scenes.

"Pink Flamingos," directed by John Waters and released in 1972, is a film that defies every conventional norm you can imagine. Known for its outrageous and provocative content, it has become a cult classic, but be warned-it's not for the faint of heart. The film tells the story of Divine, a drag queen who fights to maintain her title as "The Filthiest Person Alive" against a competing couple, the Marbles. This isn't just a movie; it's an experience that tests the limits of taste and decency. Writing a film review for "Pink Flamingos" feels like an adventure in itself. It's not just about analyzing a movie , it's about making a case for why this film is worth your time (or not) and sharing that with others. So, do I think people should see "Pink Flamingos"? Well, that's a loaded question. If you appreciate films that push boundaries and challenge societal norms, "Pink Flamingos" is definitely one to watch. It's unapologetically shocking and revels in its grotesque nature. Divine, played by the larger-than-life Divine, is unforgettable, a character so audacious and fearless that you can't look away. Her battle for filthiness is over the top and absurd, yet somehow, it captures your attention and dares you to keep watching. In conclusion, "Pink Flamingos" is a film that can be celebrated or criticized, depending on your perspective. It stands as a bold statement against conformity and censorship, but also treads dangerously close to the line of bad taste. Should you watch it? If you're ready for a film that challenges you and makes you think, then yes, give it a shot. But if you're easily offended, this might be one that you should skip.

It's really funny but to be honest, it's one of those movies I'd really only watch once even though I technically enjoyed it. As a queer person, I recognize that this movie is a part of the culture and I think that contributed to my enjoyment of it, same with Rocky Horror Picture Show. Personally, I think Divine is what made this movie go from average weird art film to cultural icon, I think my review would differ greatly had Divine not been so good with the comedic timing and awkward dialogue. I would recommend this movie to anyone who can handle horror but wants to watch a comedy. John Waters said he was high when he wrote Pink Flamingos but not high when he filmed it but honestly, I think he was high for both. And I mean that in a positive way.

Trailer trash queen Divine lives with her morbidly obese Mama Edie in a baby crib, her crazy son Crackers, and his gal pal Miss Cotton. She's named "The Filthiest Person Alive!" by a tabloid paper. Rival couple, Connie and Raymond Marble, want the title for themselves. They kidnap girls, impregnate them, and then sell the resulting babies to lesbian couples for the money. They recruit Cookie to seduce Crackers into revealing Divine's location.

Filmmaker John Waters is doing it all for this trash cult indie classic. He's all shock to the system and quite frankly funny in his absurdity. Some of it is downright disturbing especially when the comedy doesn't work. It becomes disturbing absurdity without the fun. The filmmaking skills are rudimentary. It's really outsider stuff. It's all about the shock and awe and there is plenty of that.

Great soundtrack, great photography, great dialogues, nice customes, acting isn't really on the strong side on this particular one but it's a fun* movie that you'll never forget.

Not sure why you would want to see this movie, but I'm kind of glad I did for some reason.

This is the first John Waters movie I saw that I can't recommend multiple viewings-it almost made me sick the second viewing, oh well. Without going into the plot as I'm sure most viewers know by now, it's a love it or hate it movie, but I give it at 10 for its time of originality. I for one like Serial Mom with Kathleen Turner, also by John Waters, a lot better than this. This may have been his first movie ever made, but Serial Mom was my first JW movie, therefore it's my favorite. Different tastes for different people, I guess. Even though I did like the film, I felt two viewings was plenty, Serial Mom I've lost count with how many times I've watched that, I even own it, so you can tell I love that one, a friend of mine has Pink Flamingoes that I bought for him, and I'm happy with that. It is funny but gross, so I like it, I don't love it.

It took me awhile before I could actually sit down and watch this movie, it took me even longer to review it. I mean, I really could not see how to critique a film like this! Often hailed as the "best worst movie" and quite commonly referred to as the sickest piece of entertainment ever created, John Waters' Pink Flamingos is quite the movie. First off, let me get this out of the way, I did enjoy this, moreover, I thought it was genuinely funny in parts. However, it is still a filthy, disgusting, disturbing and immoral picture.

To summarise the odd story: Divine/Babs Johnson is known as the "filthiest person alive." She lives with her mum (who has an egg fetish and adores The Egg Man), her retarded son Cracker and daughter Cotton in a trailer. Quizzically enough, there is actually a family who are jealous of Divine's title. The Marble family are envious of Divine and try to outdo them in the category of filthy. Their method…kidnap women, have their cross-dressing butler rape them, sell the babies to lesbians and then use that money to sell drugs to elementary school children. How's that for a plot?! Just to tick off a few of the many delights to be found within this movie: incest, egg fetishes, cannibalism, rape, sh*t eating, chicken sex and copious male and female full frontal nudity. Well, if you are open minded, or have an odd and sick sense of humour you will love it! Pink Flamingos is a non-stop parade of foul scatological and sexual humour. If you do not enjoy that, you may enjoy the pure randomness of some scenes, for instance, a wedding in a wheelbarrow and the most repulsive party scene you will ever see. Notice the amount of synonyms used for disgusting? Admittedly, some parts were hard to watch and very wrong (and would personally never want to see again) but there were still many scenes that honestly just had me in fits of laughter. I do not expect this to be for everyone, but for those that like controversial and extreme underground flicks, this is right up your alley.

Don't expect any good acting or a great quality plot and camera-work. This is not Oscar-material, this was not meant to be a social satire or thought provoking. It was made to gross out everyone it could. Waters is known for his rather different comedies and this is no exception. Just sit back and try and stomach the outrageous events that go on. And trust me, you NEED a strong stomach! I can not stress that if you are prude and easily offended stay very far away from this movie.

3½/5

I have watched several of the old Divine movies directed by John Waters and I always liked them, but this one stood out I think as being maybe the most disgusting one that I have seen.

Oral sex and sex with a chicken is one thing, but cutting the chickens head off and molesting its bloody headless body is another. The nudity, the filth, the eating dog crap all of that was just part of the plot to show Divine is the filthiest person alive and when someone else tries to take that spot, you see what happens.

I have to say it wasn't laugh out loud funny or anything, but it was full of laughs mostly from dialogue and the filthy stuff you see amazes you and it should keep you locked it.

If all of those things don't bother you then watch it, if you like John Waters or Divine don't miss it, but if you're just simply wanting to laugh then this may not be your movie. - this isn't comedy this is cult.

I expected this to be crass, outrageous, and disgusting. It was. However, I did not expect it to be so genuinely giddy, self-aware, and downright hilarious. This has got to be one of the most quotable films I've seen in a long time. The writing is great, and the conviction through which the dialogue is delivered by the performers totally sells it; elevates it, even. Divine in particular commands every scene she's in and manages to be outlandish in a way that is both repulsive and hypnotic. No, it isn't perfect. The pacing is a bit odd, the camerawork is beyond basic and the colors are drab. However, these shortcomings lend an endearing quality that only adds to the trashiness that the film gleefully revels in. Had it been more competently made, I don't think it would've had the same effect. I couldn't call it a favorite, but it is certainly memorable and its best moments are pure gold.

Strong 3.5/5

If you know anything at all about John Waters' infamous Pink Flamingos, you will know that it's filthy, and if pure unadulterated sleaze is what you want - you cant go wrong with this film! I really don't know exactly what point John Waters was trying to get across with this; the film takes on a sort of sitcom style and mixes this with a barrage of filth, but there's no real point to the film other than simply showing how it's central characters live. The film is also really amateur and features no end of mistakes; yet in spite of this, Pink Flamingos is still a successful film as John Waters obviously wanted to disgust his audience, and the film certainly serves in doing that. Pink Flamingos focuses on the title 'The Filthiest Person Alive'. This is a title most people would want to avoid at all costs, but it's hotly contested in this film. The holder of this prestigious crown is a woman named Divine - murderer, thief and all round disgusting human being. She faces competition, however, from couple Raymond and Connie Marble, who believe that they are the filthiest people alive.

Overall, I'd have to say that this film is not the most disgusting thing I've ever seen, but even so; it is pretty offensive. There are all sorts going on - from nudity (male, female and...errr...'other'), disgusting sex acts and nasty things being eaten. This is all brought up a level by the atmosphere - John Waters has created a truly sordid and filthy essence for his film, and just watching it is enough to make most people feel dirty. The cast is colourful to say the least and features drag queen and John Waters regular Divine at the helm. He's really not a great actor; but this film simply could not have been made without him in it. There's a very good reason why he earned a place in cinema history as the icon of bad taste. After the version of the film I saw there was word from the director and he talked about some of the scenes that were deleted. It looked to me like about 200% of the film ended up on the cutting room and that's really a shame. One of the problems with this film is that there's not really a strong plot to go on and had some of the deleted scenes had been left in; the film could have been much more. Even so, while Pink Flamingos will certainly not be everyone's cup of tea; if you want pure filth on screen; this is a good place to look for it!