This Filthy World

All this really is, is a lecture from John Waters telling stories from his life. That being said, Waters has lived a pretty interesting life, so this could have been twice as long as still been entertaining.

I love how he explains being influenced by William Castle and "the Tingler", as well as the work of Kroger. I love the idea of books being sexy. And even the thought that Aileen Wuornos deserved thanks from Charlize Theron for the Oscar.

The Michael Jackson joke was alright, and the Whitney Houston drug joke is even more powerful now that she is deceased (I wonder if he still tells it). Best of all was the concept of a trial tour, where people travel the country to go to notorious trials. I had never thought of that...

Well, this is not what others call "a movie", but for me definitely the very best cinema experience of the year (Berlin Filmfestival)! 450 gags within 84 minutes, if you know his movies-- and still 250, if you're a newbie...for me a definite one to-take-onto-the-island!!!!

This stand-up-oneman-show (John Waters about life and his movies) was recorded for netflix, an American online videotheque (who released it exclusively to its customers first) and was released as a regular buy-DVD in the UK in November. It is worth every cent /penny and contains two very entertaining Q&A sessions, that are nearly as long as the feature itself!

Well, what can be said about what is just a stand-up gig...I'm not sure this is particularly suited to the big screen, but that's not to say it wasn't enjoyable to watch.

I have to be honest and say I didn't know much about John Waters at all before this, and had only vaguely heard of Hairspray. I'd seen Killer mom as a kid and remember it to be a good movie. So, on to 'This Filthy World'. It started slowly and I thought it was going to be pretty bad, my initial thoughts were he may be a good filmmaker, but he ain't no stand-up. But as it wore on, he warmed on me and found him to be a very interesting guy and I did laugh a few times. He discusses most of his films, how he made them and provides anecdotes surrounding them. John Waters was there himself after the film for a Q&A, and it was the biggest waste of an opportunity I've ever seen. The compere/interviewer asked questions like "so what do you think of the internet" and the audience asked equally as mundane questions. The best question was "what's been your favourite Christmas present ever"...so you can imagine what the rest were like.

Overall, I'd recommend this but wait until it's out on DVD.

Coincidentally, I saw this one-man show right after watching Trantasia. How appropriate. Getting to know John Waters and his mind was a worthwhile experience.

He talks about how he got started and gives brief discussions on all of his films, interspersed with some of the things that interest him. Believe me, you will find out about things that you never knew existed! It is not a comedy act, just a chance to see some of the things that make Waters tick. Of course, if you are not a Waters fan, it will bore you, but for those who appreciate his art, it was enchanting.

Check it out.

John Waters did a one man show a year or two ago around the country. This film shows the whole show. Basically it's just Waters talking about good (and bad) taste, all his movies, his battles with the ratings board (over "Low Down Dirty Shame"), the actors he worked with, various sexual acts and his life in general. This movie is frequently hilarious and never boring...but not for everybody. The language is VERY raw and Waters doesn't shy away from anything (the comments about fisting got to me a little). This isn't for people who are easily offended but for those who love Waters and his films this is lots of fun. An 8--only because it IS a stage show and gets somewhat stagy a few times.