It’s not easy to shock John Waters. The “Pink Flamingos” director spent his career pushing, prodding and profaning the envelope in every way imaginable. But one thing the self-proclaimed “pope of trash” never thought he’d see was a career-spanning show at the Academy Museum.
The exhibition — which features everything from a full-scale trailer home to Ricki Lake’s cockroach-covered dress from the movie “Hairspray” — opened last September and runs through the end of August. Waters spoke to Variety ahead of the opening, but because of the writers’ strike last summer, he wasn’t able to discuss current or upcoming projects.
Back in Los Angeles this weekend, Waters provided a candid live commentary for his first two short films, “Hag in a Black Leather Jacket” and “Roman Candles,” and fielded questions from the audience. When asked how he feels to be paid such respect by the same organization that bestows Oscars,...
The exhibition — which features everything from a full-scale trailer home to Ricki Lake’s cockroach-covered dress from the movie “Hairspray” — opened last September and runs through the end of August. Waters spoke to Variety ahead of the opening, but because of the writers’ strike last summer, he wasn’t able to discuss current or upcoming projects.
Back in Los Angeles this weekend, Waters provided a candid live commentary for his first two short films, “Hag in a Black Leather Jacket” and “Roman Candles,” and fielded questions from the audience. When asked how he feels to be paid such respect by the same organization that bestows Oscars,...
- 4/8/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
When John Waters shocked audiences with “Pink Flamingos” more than 50 years ago, he probably didn’t foresee major museum exhibitions of his trashy aesthetic and irreverent filmmaking. But half a century later, he’s become the elder statesman of rebellion, and the Academy Museum is celebrating Baltimore’s treasure with a career-spanning exhibit and accompanying film retrospective.
Opening Sunday in Los Angeles, the extensive exhibit includes 400 pieces over 12 galleries. At the preview, Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said, “John Waters: Pope of Trash is a salute to an individual creative voice and the distinctive contributions he has made over the past six decades, not only to the art of film but to American pop culture.”
Among the many must-see props and costumes on display were the jackets Johnny Depp wore in the 1990 film “Cry Baby” and the prop electric chair from “Female Trouble.
Opening Sunday in Los Angeles, the extensive exhibit includes 400 pieces over 12 galleries. At the preview, Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said, “John Waters: Pope of Trash is a salute to an individual creative voice and the distinctive contributions he has made over the past six decades, not only to the art of film but to American pop culture.”
Among the many must-see props and costumes on display were the jackets Johnny Depp wore in the 1990 film “Cry Baby” and the prop electric chair from “Female Trouble.
- 9/15/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay and Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Good morning, Baltimore!
In 1988, director John Waters debuted his wacky, irreverent quasi-musical “Hairspray” in theaters. The story of Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake), a young Baltimore teen desperate to become a star on the Corny Collins show, went on to gross over $8 million at the box office that year on a $2.7 million budget, garnering six Independent Spirit Award nominations and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It also marked the mainstream explosion of Waters, whose campy spirit connected with audiences at large as “Hairspray” has since become a bona fide fan favorite, with a long-running Broadway show that was also adapted into a true movie musical in 2007.
Waters, who has gone on to make other cult classics including “Serial Mom” and “Polyestor,” attributes the film’s success to not talking down to its audience, no matter how misguided they might be. “It’s a political movie without anyone preaching,...
In 1988, director John Waters debuted his wacky, irreverent quasi-musical “Hairspray” in theaters. The story of Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake), a young Baltimore teen desperate to become a star on the Corny Collins show, went on to gross over $8 million at the box office that year on a $2.7 million budget, garnering six Independent Spirit Award nominations and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It also marked the mainstream explosion of Waters, whose campy spirit connected with audiences at large as “Hairspray” has since become a bona fide fan favorite, with a long-running Broadway show that was also adapted into a true movie musical in 2007.
Waters, who has gone on to make other cult classics including “Serial Mom” and “Polyestor,” attributes the film’s success to not talking down to its audience, no matter how misguided they might be. “It’s a political movie without anyone preaching,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Clockwise from top left: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert (MGM), Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures), The Birdcage (MGM), Moonlight (Lionsgate)Graphic: AVClub
June means Pride Month, and Pride Month means celebrating queer art—which we could all use more of given the current state of things. In the spirit of 2023 Pride,...
June means Pride Month, and Pride Month means celebrating queer art—which we could all use more of given the current state of things. In the spirit of 2023 Pride,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Richard Newby, Manuel Betancourt, Brandon Kirby, Jack Smart, Alison Foreman
- avclub.com
Andrew Levitt — best known as his bubbly, mama bear drag persona Nina West — is no stranger to life on the road. In addition to a laundry list of film and TV credits, the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 11 fan-favorite and Miss Congeniality winner has for years toured the country as Nina and, more recently, as the beloved Edna Turnblad in the national tour of “Hairspray.” (The latter begins its three-week stint at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday.)
But it’s only within the last year that touring in any capacity has begun to feel dangerous. Anti-drag bills are sweeping across the U.S., with Tennessee banning public drag shows as of March, and over a dozen other states introducing similar legislation, including Arizona, Kentucky and Oklahoma. Levitt’s holiday drag revue, “A Drag Queen Christmas,” toured 35 dates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and he, in conversation with TheWrap,...
But it’s only within the last year that touring in any capacity has begun to feel dangerous. Anti-drag bills are sweeping across the U.S., with Tennessee banning public drag shows as of March, and over a dozen other states introducing similar legislation, including Arizona, Kentucky and Oklahoma. Levitt’s holiday drag revue, “A Drag Queen Christmas,” toured 35 dates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and he, in conversation with TheWrap,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
John Waters, the Pope of Trash, made his most mainstream and family-friendly movie with 1988's "Hairspray" — but did so without diluting his outsider essence.
You don't get to be known as the Pope of Trash without seriously proving yourself over the decades. Having started with creatively titled short films like "Hag in a Leather Jacket" in the '60s, director John Waters slowly established himself as a thoroughly unique director of proud, all-American filth. He dominated the '70s midnight movie circuit thanks to attention-grabbing exploits like "Multiple Maniacs," "Female Trouble," and the infamous "Pink Flamingos." No director seemed less likely to penetrate the mainstream than Waters, a man whose works included singing anuses, feces eating, rape via giant lobster, and penis removal. Yet it happened in 1988 when Waters made "Hairspray."
The unthinkable occurred when Waters directed a film with big stars, a family-friendly rating, and a solid box office return,...
You don't get to be known as the Pope of Trash without seriously proving yourself over the decades. Having started with creatively titled short films like "Hag in a Leather Jacket" in the '60s, director John Waters slowly established himself as a thoroughly unique director of proud, all-American filth. He dominated the '70s midnight movie circuit thanks to attention-grabbing exploits like "Multiple Maniacs," "Female Trouble," and the infamous "Pink Flamingos." No director seemed less likely to penetrate the mainstream than Waters, a man whose works included singing anuses, feces eating, rape via giant lobster, and penis removal. Yet it happened in 1988 when Waters made "Hairspray."
The unthinkable occurred when Waters directed a film with big stars, a family-friendly rating, and a solid box office return,...
- 2/26/2023
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- Slash Film
When you say the name "John Travolta," people are going to know who you're talking about. The actor has made quite the name for himself in Hollywood. His filmography is chock full of modern classics. Everything from Brian de Palma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's first novel "Carrie" to more recent movies like 2007's "Hairspray" in which Travolta plays Edna Turnblad, the mother of the musical's main star, Tracy Turnblad.
Of course, when you think of Travolta, you also can't help but think of him dancing. Many of his most famous films have featured his ability to shake a leg on the dance floor. His role as bad boy Danny Zuko in "Grease" is where many of us first came to worship at the foot of Travolta's dance-infused alter, but his moves have only proliferated since then. He's mesmerized audiences with his and Uma Thurman's lackadaisical shimmy in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction,...
Of course, when you think of Travolta, you also can't help but think of him dancing. Many of his most famous films have featured his ability to shake a leg on the dance floor. His role as bad boy Danny Zuko in "Grease" is where many of us first came to worship at the foot of Travolta's dance-infused alter, but his moves have only proliferated since then. He's mesmerized audiences with his and Uma Thurman's lackadaisical shimmy in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Miyako Pleines
- Slash Film
Christopher Walken is one of the most unique character actors of all time. Walken is renowned for his idiosyncratic mannerisms and has reinvented himself for audiences of many different generations. He has attracted some younger viewers with his frequent appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and Fatboy Slim's infamous "Weapon of Choice" music video.
Although Walken is largely associated with his comedic roles, he has delivered many riveting dramatic performances. At 79, Walken hasn't shown any signs that he is slowing down. He has recently found success on television with his roles as Burt Goodman on Apple TV+'s acclaimed science fiction series "Severance" and Frank Sheldon on Amazon Prime Video's crime series "The Outlaws." It was recently announced that Walken will be joining the cast of "Dune: Part Two" as Emperor Shaddam IV. It will be exciting to see Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides face off against the most fearsome antagonist in the "Dune" universe.
Although Walken is largely associated with his comedic roles, he has delivered many riveting dramatic performances. At 79, Walken hasn't shown any signs that he is slowing down. He has recently found success on television with his roles as Burt Goodman on Apple TV+'s acclaimed science fiction series "Severance" and Frank Sheldon on Amazon Prime Video's crime series "The Outlaws." It was recently announced that Walken will be joining the cast of "Dune: Part Two" as Emperor Shaddam IV. It will be exciting to see Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides face off against the most fearsome antagonist in the "Dune" universe.
- 10/14/2022
- by Liam Gaughan
- Slash Film
Nikki Blonsky made her professional acting debut as the star of 2007’s movie adaptation of “Hairspray” but her friendship with John Travolta carries just as much weight, if not more.
Blonsky made her acting debut starring alongside industry giants like Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christoper Walken, Allison Janey, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes and James Marsden.
“Playing Tracy Turnblad was my first job in the entertainment business,” Blonsky told “Allison Interviews” host Allison Kugel. “Starring in ‘Hairspray’ was my first job outside of Cold Stone Creamery and babysitting.”
The long-term friendship she sparked with Travolta was an unexpected blessing.
Read More: Nikki Blonsky Reveals ‘Hairspray’ Co-Star Zac Efron ‘Slipped’ Her Some Tongue During Kissing Scene
“‘Always be yourself.’ That is what John told me. He said, ‘Always stay true to Nikki,” Blonsky said. “Don’t change for this business or anybody in the business. Don’t take any roles that don’t feel right to you.
Blonsky made her acting debut starring alongside industry giants like Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christoper Walken, Allison Janey, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes and James Marsden.
“Playing Tracy Turnblad was my first job in the entertainment business,” Blonsky told “Allison Interviews” host Allison Kugel. “Starring in ‘Hairspray’ was my first job outside of Cold Stone Creamery and babysitting.”
The long-term friendship she sparked with Travolta was an unexpected blessing.
Read More: Nikki Blonsky Reveals ‘Hairspray’ Co-Star Zac Efron ‘Slipped’ Her Some Tongue During Kissing Scene
“‘Always be yourself.’ That is what John told me. He said, ‘Always stay true to Nikki,” Blonsky said. “Don’t change for this business or anybody in the business. Don’t take any roles that don’t feel right to you.
- 8/30/2022
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
Ricki Lake could not be happier with her dramatic hair regrowth. Pic credit: ©Imagecollect.com/StarMaxWorldwide
Ricki Lake has been showing off her dramatic hair regrowth with a couple of before and after photos on social media, and the results are quite incredible.
The 53-year-old former Ricki Lake host opened up in January 2020 about how she has suffered from hair loss for many years, starting in the late 1980s.
Lake had been attempting to hide her condition, but two years ago, she decided to go public with her struggles, an experience that caused her to feel “liberated.”
This week, Lake took to Instagram to post two pics side by side. The first was from December 2019 and portrayed her with a very short and thinning scalp.
But the second photo, from January 2021, showed a whole new woman with beautiful thick luscious hair.
So, what’s the secret to her success? Lake...
Ricki Lake has been showing off her dramatic hair regrowth with a couple of before and after photos on social media, and the results are quite incredible.
The 53-year-old former Ricki Lake host opened up in January 2020 about how she has suffered from hair loss for many years, starting in the late 1980s.
Lake had been attempting to hide her condition, but two years ago, she decided to go public with her struggles, an experience that caused her to feel “liberated.”
This week, Lake took to Instagram to post two pics side by side. The first was from December 2019 and portrayed her with a very short and thinning scalp.
But the second photo, from January 2021, showed a whole new woman with beautiful thick luscious hair.
So, what’s the secret to her success? Lake...
- 8/13/2022
- by Jerry Brown
- Monsters and Critics
If you thought Tracy Turnblad was ambitious, just wait until you hear about Nikki Blonsky's journey to playing the iconic character in the 2007 film adaption of Hairspray. After the Long Island native fell in love with the Tony-winning Broadway musical when she saw it for her 15th birthday, Blonsky had one goal and one goal only: Star in it herself. So she started regularly purchasing Backstage magazine to keep an eye on notices for open casting calls until finally she saw the message she had been waiting for. "I went in to audition and they brought me back three times," Blonsky exclusively told E! News. "I was super excited and then they were like, 'We love you, but you're just too young.'...
- 7/23/2022
- E! Online
One of the greatest musicals to grace the big screen in the last two decades, Hairspray is turning 15 in 2022. The movie had it all, from John Travolta playing the protagonist’s mother to Christopher Walken singing tunes to Queen Latifah stealing the show. This year, it turns 15, and it’s still worthy of everyone’s rewatch. Here’s what the movie is about: Tracy Turnblad, a chubby teenager with big hair and an even bigger dream, loves to dance. When she learns about a local TV dancing competition that she could be perfect for, Tracy takes her shot at stardom. But
“Hairspray” Turns 15 In 2022...
“Hairspray” Turns 15 In 2022...
- 6/23/2022
- by A.E. Oats
- TVovermind.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.