Once labelled “The Pope of Trash” John Waters is the writer-director who shot to infamy with cult classics Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Hairspray and Serial Mom.
Waters balances his oddball nature with an urbane, witty and compassionate sensibility. And this is what shines through beautifully in This Filthy World - the documentary portrait of his recent stand-up show, in which he delves deep into his movies and camp obsessions.
Waters specialises in drop-dead hilarious observations, and what he says is all the more interesting for the disarming warmth and honesty of his delivery.
Some fans may be familiar with the amusing anecdotes that take us behind the scenes of his movies. More engaging is the tour he takes us on through the absurd highways and by-ways of American culture, whether it's attending sensational trials or documenting the more obscure sexual practices at play in America.
Director Jeff Garlin, best known for playing Larry David's agent in Curb Your Enthusiasm, smartly keeps the format simple and elegant: this is just Waters talking on a stage artfully decorated with trash.
As smart, dirty fun that should win Waters a new generation of fans, This Filthy World rates four stars. This Filthy World is on DVD now.
