This Filthy World (2006) User Reviews

John Waters' Fabulous World

[bowlofsoul23 · 8/10 · 18 April 2007]

It's really interesting that my favorite movie in the Istanbul Film Festival so far is the least cinematic of them all. Essentially, "This Filthy World" is just a means of taking John Waters' one-man show to people who can't see it otherwise. And thank God for that! (I can just imagine Waters saying that, can't you?) It's not particularly notable for its use of mise-en-scene, music, or art direction. But it's funny as sh*%.

Waters' shtick is well-known, and I love it. I don't care if he did make Serial Mom, I've always loved his movies. I love Polyester, Pink Flamingos, and Female Trouble. Trash as an art and comedic form just seems so naturally funny to me, as do Waters and his acolytes, or shall I say "tramps"? I think he would like that better.

This movie is his one-man show, stories about the films he saw while growing up (many of which I would love to get copies of), the people he grew up with (Divine, Mink Stole, and more), and numerous mis-adventures. He throws in quips about things that bother him, the humor of people in Baltimore (followed by the best line in the movie, quoted from a fellow Baltimorean: "Because you're an asshole!!"), and the growing outlandishness of sexual behavior, even for someone with John Waters' standards, adult diapers anyone? I never would have thought he was so funny on his own but he truly truly is. This is his torch song I guess, and you can tell he's a nice and loyal guy because he rarely has a mean word for anybody, and even his name-dropping in graceful. He's one of the few famous people that I think I would really love to hang out with. He shows us that not having talent or money can not only be cool but is actually a potential for success. That's comforting.

On one last note, I also found it interesting that Waters' favorite director was Joseph Losey. Never in a million years would I have thought of Losey as a candidate, Ed Wood perhaps, or one of the many other loony directors he mentions in the film. Although of all people he can probably appreciate how under-appreciated Losey was and is, his stubborn scrappiness, and even the importance of this quotation from the master director of Monsieur Klein: "Film is a dog: the head is commerce, the tail is art. And only rarely does the tail wag the dog."

A very gentlemanly dissection! ;-)

[Chris_Docker · 8/10 · 12 August 2007]

"Why dost thou converse with that trunk of humours, that bolting-hutch of beastliness, that swollen parcel of dropsies, that huge bombard of sack, that stuffed cloakbag of guts, that roasted Manningtree ox with the pudding in his belly, that reverend vice, that grey iniquity, that father ruffian, that vanity in years?" Shakespeare was no stranger to vulgar elegance. He made an art form of obscenities. It pulled in those (from all classes) who simply wanted to be entertained. Says Waters, "To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about." We don't always want to have our sensibilities elevated, our higher aspirations appreciated, and our refined tastes developed with dialectic. Calling a spade a spade might even help you avoid treading on it. We talk about the 'shit hitting the fan', but do we ever imagine what that would literally be like? John Waters makes us imagine.

When you ask someone what they like, they will invariably also tell you what they don't like. We justify our taste by expressing selective intolerance. Some people can't stand films with subtitles. Others can't stand the pap of multiplex movies. Some people detest nudity, while others detest censorship. Having defined what we don't want, we sit there in unproductive silence going, "Entertain me!" It could be said that This Filthy World ("Isn't it beautiful?") ignores the list of don't-wants and entertains you anyway. His immaculate and freshly starched style, penetrating insight, wit and gentle but brutal honesty, provide a safety net for us to identify with, rather than running out of the cinema or feeling personally attacked.

Filmed over two nights at the Harry De Jur Playhouse in New York City, the film provides Waters' insights on everything from the director's own childhood to his views on capital punishment, artistic censorship and why Dorothy was crazy to want to return to Kansas. He provides authoritative comment on his films (the most famous and critically acclaimed of which is still subject to the British censors' scissors), and delights us with his gourmet appreciation of all that is 'unmentionable'.

This hour-and-a-half retrospective analysis comes at a time when the 'trash aesthetic' is almost institutionalised. No longer a purely underground force attacking mainstream tastemakers, philosophical Warhol, breast-infatuated Russ Meyer, anti-establishment Troma, and a whole gamut of psychotronic paracinema of 'bad taste' with Waters as its queenly king, is controversially taken seriously. Academic film courses include subjects such as horror and pornography. Waters has exhibited at the Andy Warhol Museum. (Warhol, of course, has long been a respected name in art circles.) Critics regard Waters' outrageous 'Pink Flamingos' highly, even if it is part of the trash aesthetic. Directors like Waters did more than pave the way for trash (in every sense of the word). They paved the way for the intellectual deployment of themes and techniques that break down barriers or entertain in new ways. The vulgarity of the vernacular, expertly translated into images, challenging our established feelings: the 'entertainment' value ensures a steady cohort of supporters.

But we cannot judge a film-about-films on the strength of the films it refers to, or even entirely on the merits of its main protagonist. This Filthy World is not a John Waters film: it is a film of him performing a one-man stand-up show. Fortunately he is a charismatic entertainer. His camp sophistication encompasses a delicacy and charm when he discusses the most sordid of scenes. Immaculately groomed and attired, he looks and sounds the epitome of good taste. It is the actual content that you will find hilarious or offensive.

The film does have some shortcomings. Waters is not primarily a stand-up comedian and his monologue, a steady torrent, could be better paced. He talks precisely and quickly, with good enunciation. But from a purely cinematic point of view, a mixed interview format could have brought more contrasts and made for easier viewing. Although not essential, This Filthy World is best appreciated if you have at least a passing acquaintance with his films, whether the old classics like Female Trouble (which has been re-classified by the BBFC, with previous cuts waived) and the landmark Pink Flamingos (which is only available with cuts in the UK), or his more mainstream offerings such as Hairspray (recently re-made by others), Serial Mom, or Cecil B. Demented.

Even if you are new to the films of John Waters,it is hard not to tickled by his explanations of such strange practices as tea-bagging, or the more extreme practice of helicoptering. His creepily gross descriptions evoke shock and laughter in a way that most stand-up comedians today can only envy.

Professor Susan Hayward has said, "Queer camp is about trashing stereotypes with flash and flounce and dress in excess. It is about ridiculing consumer passivity through deliberate vulgarity." Provocative, vulgar and refined all in one, this film is Waters own take on Waters.

For John Waters fans, This Filthy World is essential viewing. As a commentary on his work, it should find a worthy future home as one of the Extra Features in a fully restored boxed-set of his classics.

A very different concert film

[preppy-3 · 8/10 · 18 June 2007]

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.

Offensive yet very clever

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 19 July 2008]

I think I have somehow been switched to the Bizarro World--after all, what else could explain how John Waters has gone mainstream?! Back in the 60s, 70s and early 80s, he was the creator of many sick and twisted comedies that most "nice" people didn't go to see. However, over the last two decades, thanks in part to some of his more mainstream films, he has become a very popular director and raconteur.

Here in this film, Waters is in the midst of a nation-wide tour where he does, in essence, a stand-up routine. He discusses his films, his life, his opinions and tells stories--most of which are very funny and some of which are very filthy. While this makes this film a bad idea for viewing by kids, it makes it an excellent guilty pleasure for adults to watch while the kids are asleep! Witty, clever and very iconoclastic--it is amazing to see how funny and insightful Waters is--showing he's much more than a talented (but twisted) writer and director.

My favorite part? When he talked about Dorothy and "The Wizard of Oz"--priceless!

Inside the mind of John Waters

[lastliberal · 8/10 · 18 May 2008]

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.

Some great moments

[mls4182 · 7/10 · 5 June 2022]

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.

Waters Doing What He Does

[gavin6942 · 8/10 · 10 September 2013]

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...

Worth a watch

[Apalerwuss · 7/10 · 16 August 2007]

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.

Out on DVD in UK ----Hilarious!!!!

[vinylforever · 10/10 · 26 December 2007]

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 worth it

[amaz007 · 8/10 · 21 April 2009]

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.

Joyous to see a man proudly dub himself a "filth elder"

[StevePulaski · 8/10 · 1 December 2011]

Any inspiring film student or anyone who dares call themselves a "cinephile" should feel obligated to watch at least a few of John Waters's films. They're not for everyone without a doubt, but they're a rare breed; well-made shock films. They have a certain style, wittiness, and art that isn't captured enough today. Waters' earliest films, most stamped with an "NC-17" rating, are some of the most wonderfully conducted bad taste films out there. And his style definitely needs to be revived in some way.

We don't have shock cinema like we used to. Now, we have films like Hostel, Saw, and those of the torture porn genre. We no longer have films that don't include sex or violence that still achieve an NC-17 rating. Mostly because I think we've reached a void where we believe we have to include at least one of those to be moderately successful.

Clerks, the film I still cite as my favorite of all time, was originally stamped with an "NC-17" rating just because of its explicit dialog. No sex, violence, or drug use (minor smoking sequences, but nothing extreme). Just very dirty, perverse conversations conducted in explicit and broad detail. Never have I heard such proudly cruel language in such a film. On top of being proudly cruel, just constant and shameless. There was a movie that wasn't afraid to be daring.

But it also captured the way people are in real life. When two men talk about their relationships and sex-life, anything is bound to come up. That is why Clerks is my favorite film. Its captivating realism and its sense of urgency compliment it in a way no film I've seen does before.

I've trailed off course. Most likely because when I think of Waters's cinema, I try and think of how it relates to other films that I've developed an increasing fondness for. We have him to thank for threatening the very limits of people, film, and common, adequate decency. John Waters: This Filthy World is Waters conducting his famous "This Filthy World" lecture/standup routine in front of a full house at The Harry DeJour Playhouse in New York City.

Waters chronicles his early childhood life, going to drive-ins, talking about films he liked as a kid, underrated directors he enjoys, and his early 8mm and 16mm films like Hag in a Black Leather Jacket, Eat Your Makeup, and Mondo Trasho, those of which are often shown at his festival John Waters: Change of Life. To my knowledge, those short films aren't commercially available, except for some very rare, out of print VHS tapes.

He then starts to get into his full length films one by one. But he does them so fast we don't get a very solid understand. It isn't like Kevin Smith's Q&A sessions where we can't possibly leave the room without our question being answered. Though it is more concise than the work of Kevin Smith, it lacks many things I wanted to know.

For instance, how did Waters pay for many of his early films back when it was difficult to get money for films that relied on shock aspects? Also, I wanted to hear more about Waters' opinion on the critics when it comes to his films. All of his films have garnered severely mixed ratings from different critics. Some love them, some hate them. I wanted to know what he had to say.

Not to mention, some of his later films a lot of his fans say derailed in quality compared to his older films. I hear many fans cite Cecil B. Demented and A Dirty Shame as some of his most tragic works. A Dirty Shame was a too little, too late effort from a man who simply doesn't fit in during the present time. The film focused on fetishes, which aren't really funny because the fact is that some people have the strangest, most incomprehensible desires and pleasures in the world that it doesn't come as surprising or shocking. It just comes off as failed comedy.

Thankfully, Waters early cinema was a provocative art form. Somewhere along the way, I believe after Divine's tragic death in 1988 - three weeks after the release of Hairspray, Waters became more focused on serious films that lacked that same sort of shock-art but were still convincing in their role as eclectic and different films. After Hairspray, Waters directed a Johnny Depp film called Cry-Baby which obtained a heavy cult following in later years. After that, many of his films completely abandoned the idea of shock.

John Waters: This Filthy World was directed by Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jeff Garlin. The downside is neither of them are seen together, sitting down for an interview, during any time of the documentary. It would have been great to hear how Garlin was inspired by Waters work (he must've to propose and direct a documentary on his standup) and what he personally thinks of Waters. In that respect, the documentary is empty, but holds enough so it can equip a solid recommendation.

At one point in the film, Waters states he wants "young people" to look up to him as a "filth elder" because he believes all younger people should have one. I wouldn't know a better name or a better person worthy of that title.

Starring: John Waters. Directed by: Jeff Garlin.

Worth Watching for Fans

[Michael_Elliott · 1 June 2012]

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.

Not Really "a film" as Such...

[derek-duerden · 8/10 · 20 December 2021]

...however, if you like John Waters (and even if you don't), this clearly shows his easy charm and skills as a raconteur.

If you *are* familiar with the work, this is a fascinating skim through some behind-the-scenes anecdotes and backstory, and also shows his real affection for his cast of players (especially Divine and the Egg Lady...).

Special mention also for the knowing set design - the confessional booth and the bin liners alluding to his "pope of trash" moniker.

Very entertaining, if you like this sort of thing.

Nuggets of wisdom from the filth elder himself

[KaZenPhi · 8/10 · 11 January 2022]

"All young people need someone bad to look up to and I hope I can be that for you"

This is a recording of John Waters's stand-up material recorded on the road. Rather than a regular comedy stand-up it's a revue of his personal and professional life from his early life, his classic entourage including the immortal Divine, all the way to the present. It's filled with wonderful anecdotes and genuinely inspiring wisdom for artists or everyone really. But that doesn't mean it's not also hilarious.

Far from being a self-aggrandizing kitsch fest this is actually rather self-deprecating and gives a lot of love and credit to all the artists and people who have proven to be influential on John Waters's life, among them a quote particularly butch stripper who looked like Johnny Cash who turned out to be one of his earliest artistic influences.

This filthy world has the same mixture of irreverent dark humour and love for the weirdos, outcasts and underdogs that make his feature films so remarkable and enduring. It's oddly uplifting and inspiring. Even if you're not a fan of Waters's work yet you'll get something out of it, but of course the entertainment value is multiplied if you know the people he is talking about.