The key to John Waters' humour has always seemed to be a certain flippancy and distance from the people and subject matter involved, but in "Cecil B. DeMented" I think Waters is hitting too close to what he really cares about. As a result the humour is nearsighted and his gags not nearly as odd as usual, as he seems too busy reinforcing his points to sit back and wonder whether what he's doing is really funny or interesting.
And other problem is the fact that his 'points' -- the ridiculousness of both Hollywood AND desperately independent filmmakers -- leave no room for anybody else. All of the characters are under fire...a constant BARRAGE of fire that is 95% vitriol and 5% joke. This makes for an uncomfortable situation. In a usual John Waters film you can find something fascinating about every character, but here the characters are reduced to mere mouthpieces for the movie's 'points.' The trademark quirky John Waters characterizations are nowhere to be found (even Cherish's tragic backstory seems anemic in comparison).
There are some very, very funny moments in this film (the "Rear Entry" porno spoof, the nasty kid laughing at Mink Stole's heart attack, and the "Patch Adams" Director's cut) but otherwise the entertainment has been left behind in favour of getting as many digs at cinema in as possible. The result is a messy satire (even by the usual Waters standards) MINUS the entertainment. I wonder if the only people who will REALLY enjoy this film will be the very people Waters is spoofing?
And other problem is the fact that his 'points' -- the ridiculousness of both Hollywood AND desperately independent filmmakers -- leave no room for anybody else. All of the characters are under fire...a constant BARRAGE of fire that is 95% vitriol and 5% joke. This makes for an uncomfortable situation. In a usual John Waters film you can find something fascinating about every character, but here the characters are reduced to mere mouthpieces for the movie's 'points.' The trademark quirky John Waters characterizations are nowhere to be found (even Cherish's tragic backstory seems anemic in comparison).
There are some very, very funny moments in this film (the "Rear Entry" porno spoof, the nasty kid laughing at Mink Stole's heart attack, and the "Patch Adams" Director's cut) but otherwise the entertainment has been left behind in favour of getting as many digs at cinema in as possible. The result is a messy satire (even by the usual Waters standards) MINUS the entertainment. I wonder if the only people who will REALLY enjoy this film will be the very people Waters is spoofing?
