Filthy: The Weird World of John Waters

A unique biography/filmography for a unique individual. Tackling the complex life of an icon such as John Waters would be anything but simple, yet this author has done just that. Pela reveals all we want to know about Waters early relationships, his film career, and more. It was a great read filled with quirky facts and hilarious recollections from Walters.

Before reading this book, I knew little to nothing about John Waters. I'd only seen two of his films, Pecker and Cry-Baby, and I enjoyed both. One day I was shopping at my local bookstore when I noticed a announcement for a reading of this book by its author. I decided to attend. I'm glad I did. Not only did I get a couple of autographed copies, but I became introduced to a whole new world of trashy films. I am a person of patterns. I like order. The way this book is set up chronologically really appeals to me. Robrt Pela did a great job setting up a description of each Waters project, along with a background on each of the players and Mr. Waters himself. I had no idea how disgusting John Waters really was (and continues to be). And how willing he was to put it all on film. In a trashy way, that appeals to me. Can't be perfect all the time.The interviews with the bizarre Waters fans were well done. One would have to be pretty brave to converse with some of these folks. I liked how these interviews were set in-between the rest of the back story on Waters and his camp. I enjoy Robrt's sassy approach to his over anticipated introduction to Baltimore, and how at every turn he was disappointed that it wasn't more trashy.My two favorite chapters are six and ten. I like six because it is nothing but quotes about one tiny scene. And ten because its the, "guide to recurring imagery and motifs in Johns Waters film." In this chapter, all the work has been done for the viewer. What could be better?The filmography at the end is one of the best I have ever seen. I am constantly seeing and reading about movies. So to be able to read one as thorough as this one was, was a pleasant surprise. It was the perfect introduction to Waters world. Well done Mr. Pela :)

In Filthy, Robrt Pela brings many things to life for the John Waters fan including some outrageously funny and far out fans! Baltimore itself comes to life throughout the book as Pela spins the tales of movie making history. But the most brilliant and hilarious resurrection Pela manages to pull off is that of Divine in Chapter Three.The themes and motifs chapter and the filmography chapter were packed full of odd bits of trivia that were entertaining and fascinating. The book is informative yes, but incredibly funny! And how else could you, SHOULD you write about John Waters and his movies?Waters himself said, "I pride myself on the fact that my work has no socially redeeming value." Maybe he's right, but he's become a movie icon and pop culture hero to many people nonetheless and Robrt Pela does a good job of explaining why that is in Filthy: The Weird World of John Waters.

There are things about Robrt Pela's book that I really like. For instance, I enjoyed his accounting of his first and aparently only trip to Baltimore. Without knowing it, Pela steps on the toes of nearly every fan who has fun in John's world. Pela missed out on the fun. It took John Waters a lifetime to fall in love with Charm City's characters, so much so that he escaped the suburbs to join them, film them, and present them to the rest of us as a loving parent, showing off his children. As a man who makes his living reviewing theater, Pela's approach is understandable. I guess I like the book because John liked it and who am I to argue with that? I recommend reading it as a guide for the novice, the curious, the uninitiated.