John Waters Revisits Cult Classics & Controversies

Filmmaker John Waters, famously dubbed the "Pope of Trash," is in the spotlight again as two of his seminal films, Hairspray and Desperate Living, receive new rereleases.

While Hairspray marked an unexpected turn towards mainstream filmmaking for Waters, Desperate Living remains his "angriest and ugliest movie." He recounts the controversial production of Desperate Living, including a scene involving a deceased dog, highlighting its raw and confrontational nature. Waters also touches upon his career trajectory, which saw him move from shocking exploitation films to more accessible comedies featuring Hollywood stars.

Waters, now 80, continues to engage with his work through spoken-word tours and writing, though he has not directed a film since 2004. The rereleases of Hairspray and Desperate Living, particularly the latter's unflinching content, invite a re-evaluation of his provocative and boundary-pushing approach to cinema.

Reflecting on his legacy, Waters emphasizes that his films, despite their often shocking content, adhere to underlying rules of respect and understanding. He argues that humor is a powerful tool for change, stating that he makes fun of things he likes, not things he hates, a philosophy that has defined his six-decade career.