Exhibitionism, voyeurism, sodomy, masturbation, gluttony, incest, murder, cannibalism, coprophagy… This is neither an excerpt from the penal code, nor an updated list of cardinal sins: it’s just everyday routine according to Babs Johnson (played by the immortal Divine) and her oddball companions. No wonder that the trailer dwellers from a Baltimore suburb enjoy the reputation of the “filthiest people alive”. Although their status seems undisputed, Connie and Raymond Marble come forward as challengers, claiming the title. The duel of vile, base and heinous acts that ensues resembles many a Super Bowl in its ferocity. Pink Flamingos is the most famous homily by John Waters, aka the Pope of Trash. It’s amazing how this 1972 film has withstood the test of time: today, it turns out to as outrageous, controversial and obscenely funny as it did when first released. So fear not! Come, all ye faithful, and see for yourselves if you’re depraved enough to appreciate it.
Born in 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland. Since childhood interested in macabre and black humour, he completed one semester of a film school in New York. His amateur films shot with friends exhibited conscious violation of moral and aesthetic standards (Mondo Trasho, Multiple Maniacs). His Pink Flamingos was a great commercial success, enabling him to make higher-budget movies, the most popular of which was Hairspray, adapted to a Brodway musical and to a high-budget remake with John Travolta. Waters is also a stand-up comedian and actor appearing in films of his friends.
1969 Mondo Trasho
1970 Multiple Maniacs
1972 Różowe flamingi / Pink Flamingos
1974 Kobiece kłopoty / Female Trouble
1988 Lakier do włosów / Hairspray
1994 W czym mamy problem? / Serial Mom