The films of John Waters (b. 1946) are some of the most powerful send-ups of conventional film forms and expectations since Luis Bu uel and Salvador Dali's Un Chien Andalou. In attempting to reinvigorate the experience of movie-going with his shock comedy, Waters has been willing to take the chance of offending nearly everyone. His characters have great dignity and resourcefulness, taking what's different or unacceptable or grotesque about...