The Bootleg Files: Mondo Trasho

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 831: “Mondo Trasho” (1969 underground comedy directed by John Waters).

LAST SEEN: On Archive.org.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: As a VHS title.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Music rights clearance costs are too high.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

It is difficult to appreciate “Mondo Trasho” today because the 1969 work was the first attempt at feature-length filmmaking and it pales in comparison to the classic works that he would be churning out during the 1970s. Even Waters has been harsh on his film, claiming in interviews that it was overlong – “It’s got 20 minutes of good footage in it” he said about the 90-minute work – and complaining that his black-and-white cinematography was overexposed.

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Serial Mom (1994): Collector’s Edition [Blu-Ray]

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Felix Vasquez

John Waters has always been great about featuring the anti-culture of America and showing how charming the anti-nuclear family can be. “Serial Mom” is one of the more mainstream cinematic efforts that feature one of the finest performances from Kathleen Turner. It’s just a shame that “Serial Mom” never knows what kind of movie it wants to be. At times it’s a satire on the phony façade of white bread suburban life, sometimes it’s a satire on the spectacle American can build out of murderers, and other times it’s reminiscent of a classic slasher movie. All we know is that Waters depicts main character Beverly Sutphin as a John Waters character stuck in “Leave it to Beaver.” Sutphin is a happy homemaker who takes pride in her family and preparing good meals and recycling.

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Hairspray (2007): 2 Disc Shake & Shimmy Edition (DVD)

Posted on November 25, 2007 by Felix Vasquez

Alright, I’ll just come out and say it. The remake of “Hairspray” is great. There. Maybe it’s because my expectations were high, maybe it’s because I’m such a fan of the original “Hairspray,” or perhaps it’s my utter obsession with everything Brittany Snow, but “Hairspray” is damn good. The music is energetic, the pacing is competent, and shit will you find yourself tapping your feet from minute one. I was hoping it would be good, but in a way I also wanted it to fail. The original “Hairspray” is my favorite John Waters film after all, and I just didn’t think anyone could live up to it. You have great references to the original, Michelle Pfeiffer returning to the musical genre, and John Travolta in drag once again doing what he does best. I don’t think there’s much to hate in this. Sure, in the end it pretty much attempts to take away the surreal atmosphere Waters inserted, but hell the acting, the choreography and pretty much everything is top notch.

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Hairspray (1988)

Posted on July 15, 2007 by Felix Vasquez

Though it’s true I’ve never been much of a John Waters fan, the prospect of the upcoming remake has entertained me some. Not only is the prospect of seeing John Travolta in drag a hilarious option for movie viewing, but, yes, I think it looks entertaining in spite of the serious possibility it will be completely watered down, and void of any of the civil rights commentary posed. Before that, though, I thought I’d see “Hairspray” for the first time to see what the big deal is. Like all of Waters’ films, it’s a cult classic, and one that’s an acquired taste.

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Cecil B. DeMented (2000)

Posted on January 5, 2007 by Felix Vasquez

You think you’ve seen and heard it all in your life. And then you realize that the homicidal cult of psychotic movie freaks who are intended to be the twisted villains of this John Waters pic, are people you tend to agree with. I agreed with everything these psychos screamed from beginning to end, and that’s frightening. I admit that. Now lock me up before I do something rash in the name of good filmmaking. I’ve not always been a fan of John Waters films, particularly his dark comedies, but with “Cecil B. Demented” I was surprised to see that not only did he concoct a damn fine movie, but he also manages to convey obsession for the film medium that’s amped thirty percent into the sociopathic circle (Look for Maggie Gyllenhaal in a funny performance as a sadistic goth).

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