Divine Trash

The documentary Divine Trash reflects the special universe of the fasci nati ng American underground director John Waters. Most of John Waters' films have long ago become cult, and in Divine Trash his early work is presented. The film mainly focuses on the most mythical of all of Waters' films, Pink Flamingos. Talking about the film, which is seen as probably the most influential underground film ever produced, Jim Jarmusch says in a descriptive quote ''All the taboos that it makes fun of ... you cold write a list and it pretty much makes jokes of every taboo''.
The documentary depicts, through a vivid description, the amosphere of Baltimores underground film world of the 60's and 70's. The film reflects the history behind the cultural phenomenon of independent film, including the special circumstances in which they are created. Earlier on it was mainly in New York that experimental films of importance were produced, but Waters managed, through his films, to give Baltimore a place on the map when it comes to underground film making.
I nterviews with the actors and Waters, done in the 90's, are intercut with approximately 25 year old interviews, and also never before shown clips from the making
of Pink Flamingos. Steve Yeager, who is
an old friend of Waters, made a great part of the film during the 70's with a camera which he borrowed from the local TV-station where he worked. The audience meets a few of Waters' most important actors and other strange characters that surrounded Waters, but most of all the film gives an interesting portrait of the now deceased Divine, who appeared in most of Waters' films and who has almost become a brand name. The background to Waters' film making and ideas that inspired him are brought forward when his parents tell of his childhood and adolescence. Jim Jarmusch, Paul Morrissey and other prominent figures reflect upon liow Waters' films have affected them.
TORUN BJURMAN