About this episode

The episode discusses the 4k restorations of John Waters' films Hairspray and Desperate Living, featuring commentary from Waters and insights into his impact on cinema.

The topic: Criterion released two director-approved 4k restorations for John Waters’ 1988 film Hairspray and his 1977 film Desperate Living . The disc releases include exclusive commentary tracks from Waters and some of the actors as well as bonus interviews. Waters’ trash cinema: Known for his provocative, camp films, Waters is considered one of the formative directors of gay cinema. His ‘trash trilogy’ of Pink Flamingos (1972), Female Trouble (1974) and Desperate Living (1977) showcased taboos and profanity that garnered Waters a cult following.  Mainstream attempt: But he also brought in a more mainstream audience with his much more tame and accessible film Hairspray (1988) about an overweight teen in Baltimore who dreams of being on a local TV show that features adolescents dancing. And you can’t talk about Waters without talking about his frequent collaborator and drag performer Divine, featured in a majority of Waters’ films. Divine played Tracy’s mother Edna Turnblad in Hairspray . It was his last film role before he died. Guest: John Waters , American filmmaker known for his gay, cult classic films that delve into…

People in this episode

Guest: John Waters

Topics covered

• John Waters
• 4k restoration
• Criterion
• cult cinema
• gay cinema
• Hairspray
• Desperate Living

Keywords

• John Waters
• Hairspray
• Desperate Living
• 4k restoration
• Criterion
• cult films
• gay cinema
• Divine

Sponsors

Preppi

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Hairspray, Desperate Living, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble

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