16 Comments

John Waters is who I think Jared Leto thinks he is...but he has too much vanity. And obviously isn't as creative. But when the industry says they celebrate radicals? It's radicals that still fit into a formula. The wonderful thing about John Waters is that there IS no formula for his work. He's just plain weird and subversive and not just for the sake of it.

Expand full comment

If John Waters actually does make a new movie I cannot wait to see who he casts, besides as usual ensemble of Dreamlanders, but you know he wouldn't fuck with Jared Leto.

Expand full comment

Jared Leto LOL

Expand full comment

I really hope John Waters goes through with making Liarmouth into a movie, because I SO want to know who of the new stars he would cast.

Expand full comment

This man was one of the funniest interviews I’ve ever seen. He was in Toronto during TIFF years back. I was in the studio audience for a taping of George Strombo’s tv show. Even before they were rolling, the banter was amazing! He’s so quick. I can’t bring myself to watch the gross films, but I appreciate him nonetheless.

Expand full comment

That video of his apartment tour is so vintage and amazing.

Expand full comment

This post made me thankful for the single, tame film class that was focused on spaghetti westerns I took in university! Damn.

Expand full comment

I took a class on exploitation cinema and lived to regret it.

Although I do wonder what the no sex scene people would make of sexploitation and a film like Student Nurses.

Expand full comment

A little late to the party but thanks so much for this post, Sarah. It brought to mind so may wonderful and hysterical memories!

I was a teen in the 70s, so naturally, as any self-respecting teenager would do, I HAD to see Pink Flamingos. So began a long love affair with Divine and the wonderfully demented John Waters. Now I need to hunt down his catalogue for a re-watch!

Expand full comment

I’m so glad you wrote this because I think I’d hate it. Dodged a bullet yet again thanks to Sarah.

Expand full comment

John Waters' films are definitely not for everybody, but you should look up some of his talk show appearances because John Waters the person is delightful. He's a GREAT interview. He's one of those people they have on just cuz, he's so much fun.

Expand full comment

I love John Waters, both the films I've seen and the man. He makes a great interview,, he's so intelligent and humorous and slightly off in a way that endears him to me. I haven't seen all the sexploitation films, and i'm too old and lazy to seek them out now, but back in the late 70's I saw one of them that had Divine starring. I don't actually remember which movie it was, but the setting has stayed with me all these decades. I was young and living in midwestern college town, and my sister, husband and I went to see this movie at a drive-in theater. The drive-in specialized in corny yet X-rated movies and weird stuff, and it was situated in a location where you felt like you were in the deep woods, but there was a busy road nearby. The screen was situated in such a way that it was angled toward the road, and you could see whatever movie was playing as you drove by, hovering above this heavily wooded area. I can still see Divine in all her glory, hovering over that road, shocking the passersby. Loved that place, saw a lot of really bad films there. Ahhhhhhh, memories....

Expand full comment

Oh that sounds amazing. Drive ins are making a lowkey comeback and it's so fun. Such a great way to see a movie.

Expand full comment

Yes, back in those days when I was growing up and then a young adult, there were lots of drive-ins, and cozy movie theaters with balconies and elaborate architecture. All of that is gone from here now. I'd like to see them make a comeback.

Expand full comment

You had me at Serial mom. I loved that movie, absolutely hilarious. Not sure about seeing some of his other work LOL

Expand full comment

If you like Serial Mom, try Cry Baby and Hairspray for sure. Then try A Dirty Shame or Polyester if you're feeling adventurous.

Expand full comment