Here's the deal. There is one reason and one reason only for one to want to view/own John Waters' Mondo Trasho. Simply because you're such a huge Waters enthusiast that you absolutely must own anything and everything the man ever did. Yes. Even this super-obscure, silent sleaze-fest, which, for the record, has yet to get a DVD release. But that's another story. Mondo Trasho isn't Waters' first film, yet it's the first one that people have actually seen, so, technically, it is kinda his first film. Like I said. This isn't a talkie, so all we ever hear is 50's music in the background, as we observe what I'm assuming is one of the lousiest days Mary Vivian Pierce ever experienced. First, this hot chick is accosted by a foot-fetishist. So, Mary's plans of not getting her toes sucked on are pretty much ruined. Same goes for her plans of not getting hit by a car. Which is what happens next. Of course, Divine (portly bombshell) is the driver. She really should pay more attention to the road. Although, it's not every day you see a naked hitchhiker. Anyway, Divine does the right thing, and puts Mary in her car. And if you think you have the faintest idea of what happens next... Well, you don't. Divine has some shop-lifting to do. Plus, these two chicks are kidnapped by a mad doctor, who amputates Mary's feet, and replaces them with those of a chicken. And that, folks, is only the beginning.
It's almost like Mondo Trasho was merely practice for what was to come. Waters next film, Multiple Maniacs was also black & white, yet, had that element that had been so popular since the early 30's (sound). A little better. Next, Waters would finally get it right. That's right. Pink Flamingos. the sleaziest, trashiest of them all. The eternally shameless Pink Flamingos. And Waters' next two masterpieces (Female Trouble & Desperate Living) would be more of the same. Ultimately, my advice to the Waters freaks is this. Buy Mondo Trasho for novelty purposes. Buy the rest if you want to laugh until it hurts. Long Live Dreamland. 6/10
It's almost like Mondo Trasho was merely practice for what was to come. Waters next film, Multiple Maniacs was also black & white, yet, had that element that had been so popular since the early 30's (sound). A little better. Next, Waters would finally get it right. That's right. Pink Flamingos. the sleaziest, trashiest of them all. The eternally shameless Pink Flamingos. And Waters' next two masterpieces (Female Trouble & Desperate Living) would be more of the same. Ultimately, my advice to the Waters freaks is this. Buy Mondo Trasho for novelty purposes. Buy the rest if you want to laugh until it hurts. Long Live Dreamland. 6/10