Pink Flamingos (1972)
I thought I was filthy on a Friday, when I hadn't showered since Tuesday. But then I checked out "Pink Flamingos," starring the late transexual movie star Divine as the "filthiest person alive." This was Waters's first film to make waves - or projectile vomit. It follows Divine, under the alias Babs Johnson, through the streets of Baltimore as she battles the lascivious, suburban, heroine-pushing, homeless-kidnapping rapists the Marbles, who are trying to steal Divine's superlative. All this narrated by Waters's exquisite Batlimorean accent - a heinous mix of twang and nasal O's that begins to speak directly to your dirty soul. This film is filthy in every way possible - so effectively so that by the end, when Divine takes a bite of real fresh dog shit, I was happy as a clam in my un-showered skin, clamoring for Divine's next disgusting win.
Hairspray (1988)
Obviously Waters hit the mainstream market with "Hairspray," which has been revived as a Broadway musical and a Hollywood film based on that musical, which according to imdb.com is due for a sequel. But give the original the once over, and you'll see what those reincarnations missed. The "pleasantly plump" heroine (complete with a Baltimore hon hair-do) overcomes prejudice against her weight to become a teen dancing sensation, a platform from which she speaks out against segregation. Waters, in characteristic fashion, gives us kitsch with a side of discomfort that is refreshing, even though it's as old as I am. The man was way ahead of his time in the way he told history, but even if that doesn't sound appealing, just see it for Divine's unmatchable (even by John Travolta) portrayal of the most supportive cross-dressing mom. It's a wonder, bra.
A Dirty Shame (2004)
I don't know what persuaded my mother to take me to the screening of NC-17 "A Dirty Shame" when it was released, but after seeing Waters's other films, I found it relatively tame. Again he tackles themes of acceptance, when a conservative suburban Baltimore town (you'll notice a trend here, too - Waters set all his films in Baltimore) is struck by a sex craze and must fight for the right to bone. An epic battle ensues between the "neuters" and the "perverts," who are just searching for the ultimate sex act. I missed Divine, but there are some names you'll recognize, Johnny Knoxville and Selma Blair among them (also, my substitute teacher from high school has a cameo in the town hall scene). But don't see it for the kinky kicks. See it because, finally, it's about the human fact that we all just want a little love, and you'll love it.
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