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John Waters, Allison Madwatkins

Jeff Garlin's documentary on the work of John Waters.

Flixster Users

85% liked it

1,668 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

14 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.

Directed by: Jeff Garlin

Release Date: November 24, 2006

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Stats: 167 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (167)

  • kenstachnik
    September 6, 2010
    kenstachnik
    John Waters does a one man show for 90 minutes. What's not to love?
  • Stinger839
    April 18, 2008
    Stinger839
    Unlike the synopsis says, this isn't a doc on Waters, it's Waters live doing some stand-up with some reflection on his movies, inspiration, actors, incidents with censors, hobbies, and just suggesting some things that everyone should be doing, like instead of expensive lobbying, ... read morejust send some drag queens to a politician's house to make snappy remarks about the wife's fashion sense, or making the Army all-volunteer lesbian because "they'd find Osama Bin-Laden". Waters also has some great anecdotes, like how Divine crawled around in pig shit on an early shoot, how a fan whipped out a fresh bloodied tampon for Waters to sign at a book signing, when Polyester came out, his delight at every film-goer globe-wide interested in sniffing the fart smell on the Odor-Rama cards, and when he screened "Pink Flamingos" for a special group of his pupils (a prison class of convicted murderers) they all responded with "you are seriously fucked up man!".
    If you like Waters (esp in interviews or chatting about film-stuff) then you must see this.
  • gator681
    August 2, 2007
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]I'm a fan of John Waters' films but I have never seen any of his underground movies which just shows I can be a bit of a wimp at times.(And I also have never gotten around to seeing the original "Hairspray.") "This Filthy World" is an entertaining and witty ... read moremovie that is simply a recent talk given by Waters in New York City where he gives a running commentary on his long and controversial career making movies, starting out with influences and being ignorant about filmmaking when he made his first film. Not needing film school in order to direct a movie is one of many lessons he deals out to the crowd, along with how to be subversive.(And it is sad that even with his modestly budgeted movies, he still needs to find a star in order to get financing.) Along with that, Waters expresses positive opinions on subways, reading, subtitles and watching movies in theatres while condemning "Forrest Gump."(Which I don't think is watchable.) He also offers up additional proof that Johnny Depp is one of the two coolest people on the planet. Even though Waters is obviously sex-positive, he does have his share of limits. I also have my share of limits and would never have a director's name tattooed on myself.(Not keen on tattoos for myself, thank you.) Anyway, it would be difficult to choose: Almodovar? Greengrass? Winterbottom? [/font]
  • divinetrash
    June 27, 2011
    divinetrash
    As much as I love the films of John Waters, I love even more hearing the man talk, especially when it's about funny anecdotes he shared with his friends and main cast players. The man is full of wisdom and humor.
  • cacutshaw
    December 30, 2007
    cacutshaw
    It's always great listening to John Waters, whether it be on a commentary track or an interview. This film is no different. Waters is always engaging and Garlin really never interferes with the show. Good stuff.
  • marevalo83
    March 11, 2010
    marevalo83
    Not remotely what I expected it to be -- EVEN BETTER!!! I laughed hysterically through most of it. I've been a big John Waters fan for ages, but this makes me like him even more.
  • kingmob6
    January 20, 2010
    kingmob6
    Just gave this a re-watch after purchasing a copy on the cheap:

    Terrific spoken word/stand up performance by John Waters, who waxes poetic about his films, his career and philosophies on life in this 90 minute film.

    Fun stuff, check it out!
  • ShaneWreck
    September 27, 2009
    ShaneWreck
    John Waters gives his uniquely, hysterical view of film making and life in general. He covers every thing you want to know, and a lot of stuff that you may not have thought you wanted to know, but deep down inside that little voice was saying, "teach me the ways of filth, O elde... read morer". John Waters advocates film terrorism, using emergency food vouchers to throw dinner parties, and metal fringe outfits for people sentenced to the electric chair which will stand on end when they throw the switch. It doesn't matter if you're a serious film fan, a John Waters fan, or just like stand up comedy. Everyone can get something out of this.
  • inkedbuggy
    June 24, 2008
    inkedbuggy
    So hilarious...I could listen to this man talk for hours...especially when he is answering all the questions you want to know.
  • jrmcm
    August 13, 2007
    jrmcm
    Waters fans should eat it up. Its nice to see his personality in front of the camera as he manages to be very funny at times.

View All This Filthy World Reviews

Critic Reviews

G. Allen Johnson
December 1, 2006
G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle

If the film proves anything, it's that people don't shock as easily as they did in Waters' heyday. Full Review

Gene Seymour
November 24, 2006
Gene Seymour, Newsday

If your sensibilities can tolerate its more scatological digressions, This Filthy World, filmed over two nights at Manhattan's Harry De Jur Playhouse, can be one of the coziest and most charming means... Full Review

Neil Genzlinger
November 23, 2006
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times

Mr. Waters, who has been honing this material for years, is as comfortable and effortless as any monologist you're likely to see.

Elizabeth Weitzman
November 22, 2006
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

Tossing off one-liners about drugs and porn to a New York audience, even Waters sounds a little bored. Full Review

Karen Wilson
November 21, 2006
Karen Wilson, Village Voice

In a town full of delightful misfits, Waters may be Baltimore's sanest citizen. Full Review

John DeFore
September 13, 2006
John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter

Icon of bad taste John Waters plays kindly uncle to tomorrow's delinquents in funny one-man show.

Rob Gonsalves
July 6, 2010
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

Works well enough as a record for those of us who in all likelihood won't ever make it to see him chat in person. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
November 30, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

It's definitely a great monologue, but a mediocre film. Full Review

Ed Gonzalez
November 18, 2006
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine

This Filthy World, recorded over two nights at New York City's Harry De Jur Playhouse, is revealing, allowing the filmmaker to illuminate the evolution of his illustriously dirty career. Full Review

Chad Greene
November 17, 2006
Chad Greene, Boxoffice Magazine

Johns Waters walks into This Filthy World through the door of a confessional -- an altogether fitting entrance for the filmmaker the late William S. Burroughs anointed the 'Pope of Trash.' Full Review

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