girlzwillbegirlz Review of Die, Mommie, Die!

Die, Mommie, Die! (2003)

Lukewarm,lackluster spoof. Charles Busch should've been more Norma Desmond & less Olivia de Havilland

[3/10 · 15 July 2005]

I seem to be in the minority in my opinion of this movie. I love the films that DMD was referencing & supposedly parodying (40's & 50's womens films/ 60's drug flix)but was quite disappointed with the final result. It looks great, has some funny lines "The cuisine in Hades must be top notch", and a good performance by Stark Sands but in general the film's direction, pacing and performances are utterly lackluster. Apparently this is the director's first film & unfortunately it shows. Part of the problem also lies with the star. While Charles Busch might be a fabulous drag actor on stage, he is completely unbelievable as a woman on the big screen. I never forgot that I was watching a man in drag during the movie, which is what a really good drag performer (such as Divine or Varla Jean Merman)is able to do. As another reviewer at IMDb succinctly put it: "He manages to be believable in character without being believable as a woman". I don't think better, kinder cinematography would've helped, because to be perfectly honest, in spite of the fabulous wigs & wardrobe, I don't think he has a face for the big screen, nor a strong screen presence. Also I heard someone say on the DVD commentary that Busch toned down the theatricality of his stage performance for the movie which I think was a big mistake. His performance is too subdued & understated, too much of a sincere homage & not enough of a parody of that style of acting. He should've been more Norma Desmond and less Olivia de Havilland. It's only in the last 15 min. or so(starting with Angela's acid trip) when we get to see him playing both sisters, that his performance comes alive a bit. A much better, funnier drag film called "Girls will be Girls" came out the same year as DMD and stars 3 actors in drag all of whom are amazing, hilarious and completely convincing as women. And the direction of the film and tone of the performances hit just the right notes between camp & believability. Had the director of "Girls...", Richard Day, and the wonderfully talented & funny drag actor Varla Jean (aka Jeffrey Roberson)from the same film been the director and star of Die Mommie Die...now THAT would've been a spoof worth watching.