This Filthy World

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!

If you are a fan you will know the stand up routine and most of what he is talking about and enjoy it. What makes this most worth the watch is Q & A session in the extras. This is truly great. It show's you how well he interacts with his audience and also how quick witted and insightful he really is. This is the type of footage you would only get if you went to see him live. Even if you are not a fan, this section is interesting from a social perspective. You also get to understand why he made the films the way he did in the fashion which is now considered so cult-like. You find out what films he likes most and what it was like to work within an industry when shock value in cinema was new.

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 is very funny and down to earth. You really get the impression he is a nice guy and very likeable. He would probably never admit it but I think he is also a very moral person as far as how he treats his fellow man.

This show has moments of greatness and a few moments where it seems he us trying too hard. Some editing would have made it even better. He does get a bit raunchy for my tastes but I think he feels that is expected of him.

I think Waters is more fun/silly than he is filthy.

This Filthy World (2006)

*** (out of 4)

This one-man show features John Waters on stage in Australia where he discusses his life, films and hopes for the future. Being Waters you know this isn't going to be your typical, uplifting conversation as he starts off talking about the three negative influences in his life and then moves onto filmmakers that he learned the most from and sure enough it's gimmick master William Castle. Waters talks about several sexual things including new positions, people from Baltimore and countless other subjects but I think the real interest for fans is going to be him discussing all of his movies in the order that he made them. This is where we get some incredibly funny stories and especially with some of his earlier films like MONDO TRASH and MULTIPLE MANIACS. The story about them in an unknown farmer's pig pen filming is priceless. The PINK FLAMINGO stuff is all familiar stories but they remain entertaining no matter how many times you see them. He then gets into details about coming out of the midnight movie stuff and hitting mainstream with HAIRSPRAY and CRY BABY. All in all this is a pretty funny show even with the few dry moments that are scattered throughout. No matter what you think of his films, Waters is a pretty unique filmmaker and he's always got some great stories to tell. This here will mainly appeal to his fans or those who aren't easily offended but it's worth sitting through.