Shock Value: A Tasteful Book About Bad Taste
by John Waters
On This Page
Description
To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about. If someone vomits watching one of my films, it's like getting a standing ovation. Thus begins John Waters's autobiography. And what a story it is. Opening with his upbringing in Baltimore ("Charm City" as dubbed by the tourist board the "hairdo capital of the world" as dubbed by Waters), it covers his friendship with his muse and leading lady, Divine, detailed accounts of how Waters made his first movies, stories of the circle of show more friends/actors he used in these films, and finally the "sort-of fame" he achieves in America. Complementing the text are dozens of fabulous old photographs of Waters and crew. Here is a true love letter from a legendary filmmaker to his friends, family, and fans. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Recommendations
Member Reviews
First half : 5 stars
Second half : 3 stars
He just runs out of steam, runs out of enthusiasm, and the second half of this book and his life should be the most interesting. Still, a worthwhile look at the path of a Just-Do-It film maker.
Second half : 3 stars
He just runs out of steam, runs out of enthusiasm, and the second half of this book and his life should be the most interesting. Still, a worthwhile look at the path of a Just-Do-It film maker.
Oh if only all film director autobiographies were all this hysterical! John Waters takes us by the hand and leads us through his bad taste world and life story, meeting the most bizarre cast of characters - most of whom appeared in his films!
I guarantee you a laugh a page!
I guarantee you a laugh a page!
i received this as a birthday gift and honestly was a little leary. i am not a huge john waters fan. but after starting the book-- i want to see all his movies now.
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
Author Information
52+ Works 5,136 Members
John Waters is an American film director, screenwriter, actor and author. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April, 22, 1946. Waters developed a cult following in the 1970s and '80s for his transgressive cult films that were intended to shock and amuse. Filmed around his native Baltimore, his early films were shot on a shoe-string budget and show more starred a recurring group of relatively unknown actors called the Dreamlanders. His first mainstream success came with the release of Hairspray in 1988, which was adapted into a long-running Broadway musical in 2002. His other popular films include: Crybaby, Serial Mom and Cecil B. Demented. In addition to filmmaking and other artistic endeavors, Waters has written numerous books. His most recent is entitled Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America. Other works include: Role Models, Art: A Sex Book, Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters, and Shock Value. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Common Knowledge
- First words
- To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The budgets of my films could hardly feed the starving children of India.
- Blurbers
- Lebowitz, Fran
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 791.430233092 — Arts & recreation Recreation, sports, and performing arts Movies, TV, Video Motion pictures, radio, television, podcasting Motion pictures Standard subdivisions Supervision Film direction History, geographic treatment, biography Directors
- LCC
- PN1998.3 .W38 .A3 — Language and Literature Literature (General) Literature (General) Drama Motion pictures
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 548
- Popularity
- 54,047
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (4.22)
- Languages
- English, Finnish, French, Italian
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 12
- ASINs
- 3
