June 1, 2015
This is a book in three parts. The first two parts were 2 star at best. At absolute best. They were John Waters idea of a) the best road trip novel possible and b) the worst road trip novel possible. Although he says he wrote them first, I wonder if he didn't write them later sitting with his editor who was trying to get him to make something of length to publish as a book. Maybe he just threw out this crazy idea (being John Waters this is probably his modus operandi) and the editor either said YES! or 'Uou're going to do it anyway so go ahead'.
The third part is absolutely excellent. It's the actual road trip from his home and office in Baltimore to his apartment in trendy gay San Francisco. He sets out with a rucksack, cardboard signs, business cards printed with 'thanks for the lift' and his credit cards. He meets some quite extraordinary people, most of whom seem quite fictional creations that are try-outs for future bizarre films he might make and checks in each night with his two secretaries back in his office.
What emerges is that John Waters is every bit as eccentric as everyone thinks that anyone who could make "Pink Flamingoes" must be. He's a tremendously polite gentleman who just doesn't think the way anyone else does. I'm not entirely convinced any or all of the book is actually true but it doesn't matter either way because it was 100% John Waters.
Note: If you've never watched Pink Flamingoes, watch it, but don't read more than a brief synopsis first or the ending will be spoiled for you. Also don't watch the film (or at least the ending) unless you have a Very Strong Stomach and are not eating at the time. Anyone whose seen the film will be nodding sagely at this point. Don't ask, just finish the popcorn first.
Book read October 2014
The third part is absolutely excellent. It's the actual road trip from his home and office in Baltimore to his apartment in trendy gay San Francisco. He sets out with a rucksack, cardboard signs, business cards printed with 'thanks for the lift' and his credit cards. He meets some quite extraordinary people, most of whom seem quite fictional creations that are try-outs for future bizarre films he might make and checks in each night with his two secretaries back in his office.
What emerges is that John Waters is every bit as eccentric as everyone thinks that anyone who could make "Pink Flamingoes" must be. He's a tremendously polite gentleman who just doesn't think the way anyone else does. I'm not entirely convinced any or all of the book is actually true but it doesn't matter either way because it was 100% John Waters.
Note: If you've never watched Pink Flamingoes, watch it, but don't read more than a brief synopsis first or the ending will be spoiled for you. Also don't watch the film (or at least the ending) unless you have a Very Strong Stomach and are not eating at the time. Anyone whose seen the film will be nodding sagely at this point. Don't ask, just finish the popcorn first.
Book read October 2014
