So, you think you've seen everything? Nothing shocks you, anymore? Well, put your indomitable 'movie-goer mettle' to the test by stepping into the ring with any of John Waters' Double Features From Hell selected titles and watch as your 'movie-goer grit' goes helplessly up in flames.
King of cinematic muck: film-maker John Waters
(Image courtesy of MB Publicity)
So, what don't we already know about this cringe-worthy but radically brilliant and indeed, darkly multifaceted, film-maker? The man has the veneer and the cunning smarts of a vulpine, priding himself in being able to pull us into his fox-hole of filthy celluloid debauchery; but, call him, or his films, any blistering name you like and he'd take it as the utmost compliment.
Dashingly devious
(Image courtesy of MB Publicity)
For the younger generation amongst us, they may be forgiven for not being all too familiar with his name when put in isolation; but, utter the words 'Pink Flamingos' into the wind and watch those within earshot have their hair stand on end, in recognition of the deliriously sick American cult classic that is Waters' most depraved trash masterpiece to date.
Now, come this weekend on the 21st - 23rd Oct, John Waters presents a selection of titillatingly nasty but stylishly camp movies made by other equally deviously-creative movie-makers, that challenge not the public's expectations and acceptances, but their tolerances. With a game of dominance between director and his viewers already set to start at a stalemate, it's only a matter of time before we will see the friendly struggle result in mayhem – outwardly, on the screen and inwardly, in the audience seats, as viewers try to make sense of what they've just seen.
Cecil B. Demented: safe to say, don't need to be asked twice to view Waters' films this weekend (Copyright Artisan Entertainment)
Waters will grace viewers with his post-screening Q&A afterwards, and in doing so, will probably gauge the audience's reactions to make sure they'd be as livid and as disgusted after the viewing as he'd hope them to be. Mission accomplished?
Playhouse venue at the Sydney Opera House
(Image courtesy of Sydney Opera House)
The film features will be screened at the enviable Playhouse venue of the Sydney Opera House, working around very un-PG rated themes of Shock, Terror, Goddess and Sex – a walk in the park for Waters fans, really, but do carry a vomit bag. Two of his works will be featured amongst his salacious pickings: Cecil B. Demented and A Dirty Shame.
With double features like this Waters flick, Dirty Shame, you're sure to be laughing mad, too (Copyright New Line Cinema)
Both films directed by Waters himself, Demented tells the story of a kidnapped A-list Hollywood actress who is forced to relinquish to the acting demands of a mad-as-a-hatter rogue director and his brood of equally miscreant teenage film-makers; whilst, Dirty Shame is about sex, lots of sex, and more sex, following in the tale of a woman turned carnally bonkers in her quest for ever-more spiraling sexual gratifications.
John Waters, aims to distress
(Image courtesy of MB Publicity)
These films, plus the line-up of other taboo-ish films Waters has in store for you, are set to surely knock your scruples around a bit; but chances are, for those with an 'iron glut' for exploitation films, you'd be chalking it up to a little guilty pleasure. Below are the screening times of "John Waters Selects Double Features From Hell" film festival:
SHOCK: FRI 21 OCT, 7PM
Irreversible (directed by Gaspar Noe {2002}) &
Antichrist (directed by Lars von Trier {2009})
TERROR: SAT 22 OCT, 12PM
United 93 (directed by Paul Greengrass {2006 ) &
Cecil B.Demented (directed by John Waters {2000})
GODDESS: SAT 22 OCT, 5.30PM
Boom! (directed by Joseph Losey {1968}) &
Fuego (directed by Armando Bo {1969})
SEX: SUN 23 OCT, 12PM
Zoo (directed by Robinson Devor {2007}) &
A Dirty Shame (directed by John Waters {2004})
ALL SESSIONS 18 and over
