John Waters: Pope of Trash

John Waters is a revered and subversive auteur in American independent cinema, known for his high-shock-value, high-entertainment movies that feature misfit muses, tributes to his hometown of Baltimore, and themes of fetish, obsession, and celebrity culture. This book accompanies a landmark exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, showcasing costumes, props, handwritten scripts, concept drawings, correspondence, promotional gimmicks, production photography, and other original materials from all of Waters' features and shorts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

John Waters, the iconic and subversive filmmaker, has left an indelible mark on American independent cinema with his irreverent, heartfelt, shocking, and laugh-out-loud funny creations. Born in 1946, Waters has consistently pushed the boundaries of good taste, crafting a remarkable canon of high-shock-value, high-entertainment movies that have solidified his status as one of the most revered and subversive auteurs in the industry. His films, known for their misfit muses, tributes to his hometown of Baltimore, and exploration of fetish, obsession, and celebrity culture, include iconic titles such as Pink Flamingos (1972), Female Trouble (1974), Desperate Living (1977), Hairspray (1988), Serial Mom (1994), and A Dirty Shame (2004). These renegade masterpieces are a vibrant celebration of the work of William Castle, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Russ Meyer, Andy Warhol, and Pier Paolo Pasolini, among others.

John Waters: Pope of Trash, a captivating companion to a landmark exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, offers a deep dive into the world of Waters' films. This comprehensive book presents an array of original materials, including costumes, props, handwritten scripts, concept drawings, correspondence, promotional gimmicks, production photography, and more, from all of Waters' features and shorts. The spotlight shines on many of Waters' longstanding collaborators, while also featuring a new interview with the visionary filmmaker. Additionally, the book includes insightful texts by curators Jenny He and Dara Jaffe, film historian Jeanine Basinger, film critic and cultural theorist B. Ruby Rich, and author-writer-producer David Simon. These essays explore the profound impact that Waters' movies have had on the possibilities of independent cinema, redefining the genre and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Waters' films have not only entertained audiences but have also challenged societal norms and conventions. His unique blend of humor, horror, and camp has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him a cult following and a place in film history. With his signature style, Waters has explored the darker aspects of human behavior, offering a satirical commentary on society and its institutions. His characters, often portrayed as misfits and outcasts, find solace and empowerment in their unconventional lifestyles, defying societal expectations and embracing their true selves.

John Waters: Pope of Trash serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of John Waters as a filmmaker. This captivating book provides a glimpse into the creative process, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and the sheer brilliance that goes into creating his films. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Waters' work, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the art of cinema and the subversive spirit that has defined his career.

Weight: 1536g
Dimension: 229 x 314 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636810850