a book
Shock Value
John Waters · 2005 · 256 pages
To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about. If someone vomits watching one of my films, it's like getting a standing ovation. Thus begins John Waters's autobiography. And what a story it is. Opening with his upbringing in Baltimore ("Charm City" as dubbed by the tourist board; the "hairdo capital of the world" as dubbed by Waters), it covers his friendship with his muse and leading lady, Divine, detailed accounts of how Waters made his first movies, stories of the circle of friends/actors he used in these films, and finally the "sort-of fame" he achieves in America. Complementing the text are dozens of fabulous old photographs of Waters and crew. Here is a true love letter from a legendary filmmaker to his friends, family, and fans.
recommended by 2 people
sourced from public statements
Natalie Wynn (Contrapoints)
“Then when I was working on Opulence, I needed a voice actor to do a line from John Waters's book. And it was my co-director, Theryn, who suggested, "Don't you think Buck Angel sounds kind "of like John Waters?" And I said, "Well, he just messaged me on Insta, "let's see if he wants to do it." And I just loved the idea of having Buck Angel as John Waters in the video credits. Like a trans icon playing a gay icon.”
