John Waters takes us on a trip through his obsessions in this satiric attack on commercial Hollywood movies. Read more
| Starring | Melanie Griffith, Stephen Dorff, Adrian Grenier, Alicia Witt |
|---|---|
| Director | John Waters |
| Genres | Comedy |
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John Waters takes us on a trip through his obsessions in this satiric attack on commercial Hollywood movies.
| Starring | Melanie Griffith, Stephen Dorff, Adrian Grenier, Alicia Witt, Mink Stole, Ricki Lake |
|---|---|
| Director | John Waters |
| Studio | MOMENTUM PICTURES |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 24 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 10 Sep 2001 Production year: 2000 |
| Format | DVD |
Director John Waters targets all he feels is wrong with mainstream cinema in this maliciously witty, if disjointed, Hollywood satire. Stephen Dorff plays the lunatic film-maker of the title, who kidnaps pampered, petulant star Melanie Griffith and forces her into headlining his underground art film, which uses the ultimate reality of real people and real terror. Coerced by Dorff's collective of like-minded teenage revolutionaries into tasteless and gory scenarios, Griffith ends up entering into the guerrilla spirit of the production when the media frenzy surrounding her abduction attracts her a whole new legion of fans. Waters's Tinseltown put-down sends up everything from industry protocol and recent hits to porno movies and celebrity gossip. The problem is that the movie revels in its plethora of in-jokes at the expense of entertaining its audience. Griffith is showcased on top bitchy form, but only buffs will be able to get the film's full quota of laughs.
"...The role of Honey Whitlock...gives Ms. Griffith her most engaging screen performance since WORKING GIRL....CECIL B. DEMENTED is consistently amusing and smart..."
Stupid, purile, silly, nonsensical, brilliant... all words that can be used to describe this film in a positive light.
Whilst watching this, I was both confused and amused at Cecil's attempts to create an ultra-low budget but ultra-real film, at the expense of those that churn out remake after sequel after adaption after remake. I found myself sympathising as he swore revenge on the makers of 'Patch Adams: The Directors cut'.
There are times when it gets to silly for it's own good, when Waters loses control of the madness of screen, and the extremity just irritates rather than amuses. But on the whole this was one of the most inventive films I've seen and well worth a watch. It's either this or Scream 4. Your call.
John Waters (think, American version of Ken Russell) brings you his biting satire on the pap churned out by Hollywood. Stephen Dorff is wickedly demented as the titular anti-hero, whilst Melanie Griffiths has a real ball as the obnoxious, pampered actor, Honey Whitlock, who Cecil kidnaps and forces to act in his revolutionary underground art film. There is able support from the cast - especially Jack Noseworthy as Rodney, the straight make-up artist who wants to be gay - and some brilliant movie in-jokes (although you have to be on your toes to spot AND get them all). If, like me, you HATE films like 'Forrest Gump', you will LOVE this movie and it's grand p*ss take on its 'sequel' 'Gump Again' - Outrageous and hilarious!!