Written And Directed by John Waters
Francine: "I wish I could be more like you, Cuddles: always optimistic. I look into my future, and all I see is a long, dark highway, filled with endless toll booths and... no exits."
Continuing with my John Waters marathon, I've reached a point where it seemed like the most transgressive director was toning himself down a little here. I say a little but there's still some things that are very on brand for Waters.
Divine sat out Desperate Living and after previous movies where she revelled in playing the most abhorrent of characters, it took me a bit to get used to seeing her as a more downtrodden character this time. She did good.
Taking on the role of Christian alcoholic housewife, Francine Fishpaw, we got to see a slightly different side to Divine as a performer. In this movie, she was the butt of many jokes and cruelty while Francine also had a rather unique sense of smell.
Francine was married to the horrible Elmer (David Samson). Elmer owned a cinema that showed pornographic movies and this had the neighbours protesting in arms. Elmer treated Francine like dirt and cheated on her with his secretary Sandra (Mink Stole). The children and Francine's mother were no better.
Francine's mother, La Rue (Joni Ruth White) abused and stole from her daughter while also using the suave Todd Tomorrow (Tab Hunter) to seduce Francine for the house. The woman was arguably the worst person in this film. As for Lu-Lu (Mary Garlington) and Dexter (Ken King) - teen rebellion/pregnancy and extreme foot fetishes were mild compared to the adults of the piece.
The only character to extend any kindness to Francine was formed maid turned socialite Cuddles Kovinsky (Edith Massey). Cuddles was the kind of friend that was handy to have in a crisis because she really did save Francine a lot. I even liked her romance with driver Heintz (Hans Kramm). At least Francine got something of a happy ending when the four worst people in her life got their just desserts.
- The movie opened with a smelling tutorial and everything that Francine smelled throughout the film was accounted for.
- Apparently this was John Waters first R rated movie, though it's somewhat tamer compared to previous efforts.
- Standout music: Tab Hunter's Polyester.
- Chronology: 1980s suburban Baltimore. Cuddles didn't speak kindly of the place. Partially set during Halloween.
Polyester (1981) had a fun pastiche of the suburbs and the not so average American family. Divine excelled as the put upon matriarch, giving one of her most charming performances yet. Oh and as dastardly as his character was, Tab Hunter was a delight.
Rating: 7 out of 10
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