Over and out from John
Updated
Worldpeacedream says:
John !! My girlfriend loves you. (she’s asleep, its before 9 a.m. here in Toronto) what should i get her for xxxmas? should i encourage her to grow her moustache out so she looks more like you?
Jordan Stokes asks about fashion:
You always dress super sharp - how many Commes des Garcon outfits do you own?
Guardian contributor I don't know, but probably too many. And they're not tax deductible.
Lostsaints says:
I’ve written a short story about a 50yr old transvestite who wears wedding dresses and has inherited her families-ice-cream van. The trouble is she hates kiddies and constantly short changes them.Is this an idea you could run with?
Guardian contributor
Tom Logan would like to know:
What was the wildest thing told to you whilst hitchhiking?
Guardian contributor There's one very nice straight guy, I asked him, these porn warehouse outlets along the highway, what are they for? He said very seriously: that's where truckers blow each other. I said well, I'm not so sure of that. He said yes, that's true. So I let it go.
chriskilby wonders:
If you could work with any Hollywood star, living or dead, who would it be and what would you like to see them do?
Guardian contributor
Region O’Dreams asks:
Could you tell us something about your style and how you setup and directed the actors, especially in the early films. Edith Massey for example, was terrible and brilliant all at once. Such a joy to watch her, so funny. Or if that is a boring question with no anecdotes than spring to mind, what is your favourite song by Edie and the Eggs?
Guardian contributor I would call Edith an outsider actress. I just threatened her so she would remember her lines! She has a whole chapter devoted to her in Carsick, it would be a spoiler to tell you how...
My favourite song? Hey Punks Get Off The Grass! But the most shocking recording is her bootleg version of Wooly Bully, which she sings dead drunk.
SouthernMartin wonders:
What are the last movies you saw that made you laugh out loud?
Guardian contributor I like feel-bad French movies, so I'm at a loss with your question.
DivineWaters asks:
If you knew that you only had one day left on this earth, what would you do in that day?
Guardian contributor
ow1972 asks:
Carsick is one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time and I hope it’s been a success - ever thought of adapting it into film?
Guardian contributor I haven't, but others have - let's just say the Carsick film is "in development".
'I think Lana Del Rey should team up with David Lynch'
ID7351237 asks:
how important is music for setting a scene in your movies? and what music are you currently listening to?
Guardian contributor Extremely important - music is the narrator in all my movies. I listen to everything from opera to rap. I'm big fan of King Krule, and I think Lana Del Rey should team up with David Lynch.
Guardian contributor
'I have no real urge to copy a corny heterosexual tradition'
Michael Rex Pettitt asks:
Ever going to marry?
Guardian contributor I doubt it. I have no real urge to copy a corny heterosexual tradition, even though I believe marriage can work. My parents had a great one. It's the bachelor party I can't face.
elite_barbarian would like to know:
If you could choose to be any animal in the world then which would you choose and why?
Guardian contributor I would not choose to be an animal; I would choose to be a tree.
chriskilby asks:
What’s the best worst review you’ve ever had...?
Guardian contributor Always Rex Reed. We wait for his bad reviews, and howl in laughter. And use them in the ads.
chriskilby asks:
What’s new in Baltimore...?
Guardian contributor The Crown is a good place to go and hear new music, and Atomic Books is always the best. They carry the great new oral biography of Cookie Muller, Edgewise. They take all my fanmail too.
Dangermaus says:
As the last true pioneer of Avant guard and visionary, what do you think on others attempts to shock now, as it all seems to be for the mass market and hashtags and it just all seems to be contrived and unartistic marketing at best.
have all the great themes been played to death. can anyone ever beat the bar you and the Divine Divine set.
Guardian contributor I'm sure some young person can beat the bar. William Friedkin who is older than me made a great shocking film called Killer Joe recently, but the real bad taste today is 80m dollar Hollywood grossout comedies that aren't funny.
Jessica O’Neill asks:
Hi John - as an avid traveler I would love to know a few of your top picks for must-see attractions and destinations around the US and/or the world.
Guardian contributor I didn't hitchhike to sightsee, to be honest, I did it to get there and write a book about it. So I'm the wrong man to ask. The St Louis arc looks great, and the people who were giving me a ride, as we passed it, told me they had sex at the top in the little elevator, for their honeymoon.
'I'd feel a little hypocritical bumming money when I've got three homes'
José A. Maestre asks about crowdfunding:
Have you ever considered financing a new movie with a crowdfunding platform? I know It’d be funnier if you could make it thanks to the money of a couple of weed dealers, but I’d definetely pay for it.
Guardian contributor No, my panhandling days are over. And I'd feel a little hypocritical bumming money when I've got three homes.
mixmoneymagic wonders:
Did you enjoy working on the Simpsons episode and would you consider doing any other animated shows e.g Family guy?
Guardian contributor I've already done voiceover work for animation - a couple of Disney TV series. I got a royalty cheque for one cent in the Simpsons recently, the lowest royalty cheque I've ever received.
Claire Miskimmin would like to know:
hi john, the burning question on my lips since i met you at one of your Role Models talks is .. had i have had the balls to shown you my tattoo of your handsome face on my arm ,would you have been as horrified as i imagined.
Guardian contributor No, I've seen tattoos of myself, Divine, Mink, even one page of the script to Female Trouble tattooed on someone. I wouldn't have advised you to do it, but I'm honoured you did.
Guardian contributor Updated
chriskilby asks:
What “shocks” you?
Guardian contributor Racism. Anyone that thinks gay people adopting children is wrong. Oh sure, orphanages are better.
Scott Wells says:
I once picked up a cute young man who was hitchhicking; I was riding a bicycle and he held on tight with his groin pressed into my buttocks (nothing else happened). ...Has a cyclist every given you a ride while your thumb is out?
Guardian contributor No, and in Carsick, in the fictional "worse" rides I could get I imagine a horrific biker picking me up whose name is Hogwash. Bicycles to go to California would be all too slow - cars take too long, much less a bicycle. And if you're riding on someone's bike aren't you going to have to jam something into their groin? Where else could he jam it?
ackwak asks:
How do you not get lost in self love when you get put up on a pedestal and people praise whatever you do just because you did it? All the younger generation seem to lose whatever they had the minute they get there... thinking of Harmony Korine there. But you stay immune.
Guardian contributor Because all that is work, it's not my personal life. And I disagree about Harmony. But thank you.
liadain asks:
would you ever consider making a tv series/ soap?
Guardian contributor A TV series - yes. My ideas are being considered right now in Hollywood, and I don't talk about it. And I guess Polyester was my soap opera.
chineseassassin wonders:
i like the books but what about a new film?
Guardian contributor Who knows? It's called Fruitcake, and it's a terribly wonderful children's Christmas adventures about a happy family of meat thieves. I had a development deal for it, and that company went out of business, and the independent film world changed. No DVD sales, or foreign advance deals, killed mid-budget independent movies like mine. But where there's a will there's a way - to a point. I made 17 movies, it's not like I haven't spoken.
GordonLiddle asks:
Is the dark side of life a better way of looking at reality?
Guardian contributor I don't think I'm on the dark side at all. I'm a guarded optimist - the healthiest way to look at life.
On giving up smoking…
lost78 asks:
Yo Mr. John. Any tips for giving up smoking? I’m a 50-a-day man including the reefers.
Guardian contributor Long walks, toothpicks, and writing down every day how many days it's been since you've had a cigarette. Today for me it's 4329 days. You'll never want to write "1" again.
OzMogwai wonders:
John, and I mean this in the best possible way, what’s wrong with you?
Guardian contributor There's nothing wrong with being a happy neurotic. I learned that from my shrink.
StumpyPepys asks:
How on earth did you get any sort of distribution for Pink Flamingos? What kind of movie theatres screened it when it was released?
Guardian contributor New Line Cinema was a brave distributor that took big chances, and mixed art films, midnight movies and exploitation all together. My career would never have happened without Bob Shaye who started the company.
'I always wanted to be a cartoon character'
Verbenero asks:
How does it feel to be the best ever guest in The Simpsons? Which other guests do you like most?
Guardian contributor I always wanted to be a cartoon character, so I made my dreams come true. Who could ever be better than Elizabeth Taylor?
HarrietNaomi asks:
Do you have any art that has that effect on you, whether it’s films, books, songs, or a really great pair of pants? If so, care to share your first experience of it?
Guardian contributor Thank you. Nude Descending a Staircase, The House on Haunted Hill, Torture by the Everly Brothers, and Levi 501 straight leg jeans.
FunkyPorcini would like to know:
John,my daugher (10) and i always have a massive chuckle when we see you, as the mad doctor in Hairspray, with that rootating disc with a black & white spiral on, aimed at a girl who engages in an interracial relationship. my daugher wants to know whether the disc encourages interracial relationships if accidentally spun the wrong way.
Guardian contributor A very good question, and if I ever make the sequel maybe we'll find out.
quickspace would like to know:
Do you think there are any contemporary directors pushing the limits (creative, visually, decency) the way you did?
Guardian contributor Todd Solondz, Todd Phillips, Harmony Korine, Bruno Dumond, Gaspar Noe.
John Conlon wonders:
Are there any of your films (or parts of) that you would rather you hadnt made?
Guardian contributor I probably wouldn't have the chicken executioner in Mondo Trasho. If you saw it, you'd know.
Michael Rex Pettitt asks:
Would you have made the same films later on in your career if you still Divine and David Lochary?
Guardian contributor Sure, Divine would have played Big Ethal in A Dirty Shame, and David Lochary maybe a supporting character part.
thierrytt1 says:
I am amazed that you sre still aliive. Are you amazed by that too?
Guardian contributor
LadyNow wonders:
When Hairspray was adapted for Broadway, Divine’s part Edna was played by Harvey Fierstein, and in the West End it was played by Michael Ball … I was wondering whether you, as creator of the character but also I believe fan of the adaptation, had any preference?
Guardian contributor I think each Edna made the character their own, which is what the actor's job always is.
edjwick asks:
Earlier this year I saw Pink Flamingos at the cinema, a few people stormed out in anger. It was fantastic. Do you think it’s possible to push the boundaries further and if so how? Many thanks for helping me feel comfortable dancing as a fat kid and allowing me the opportunity to explain tea-bagging to my mum.
Guardian contributor I'm amazed that a few people still could storm out in anger. Did they think it was about the Florida everglades?
You dancing happily as a fat kid gave you the privilege to explain to your mother what teabagging was? Maybe you mistook my message.
Bob Dylan 'can steal my wallet and I wouldn't be mad'…
tomcasagranda wonders:
John, what do you think of Bob Dylan stealing your moustache ?
Guardian contributor He can steal my wallet and I wouldn't be mad. I like his later work better than his early work, which I realise is a minority position.
DrunkToryCllr asks:
Why are the films still out of print in the UK?
Guardian contributor I'm working on that, and now that Warner Brothers distributes them around the world, I'm hoping that will change soon. Polyester did just show in the UK with brand new Odorama cards.
Signinsrlame asks:
Is your liver failing you’re awfully jaundiced. What constitutes “rough trade” in your opinion? Were you at all tempted to kiss Divine after her meal during the shooting of Pink Flamingos?
Guardian contributor Guardian contributor "Rough trade? You mean a yob job?" Is there such a thing?
On the kiss, no, but Divine and I did actually make out once - God knows why. When we were really young - I think he just grabbed me in a car once. It wasn't anything formal.
Emnus asks:
Pink Flamingos is a famous, or maybe infamous, midnight movie. What’s your own personal favourite cult/midnight movie and why?
Guardian contributor
Kate Gibson wonders:
The financial constraints of making films aside, do you see your self more as a writer now? Do you find it easier to express your ideas in visuals ie via images or through words? Your love of and people and the challenge of ‘supposed adversity’ comes across in Role Models. Looking forward to hearing about any road kill you’ve come across enroute during carsick !
Guardian contributor I've always considered myself a writer first - I wrote my movies, my spoken word show, my books, and my photographed concepts. You'll read plenty about "roadkill" in my book Carsick - it might even make you gag.
parisgazette asks:
Why are you so great? Is it the Baltimore water?
Guardian contributor Thank you! Maybe because I was born premature by six weeks - I was overly baptised.
On Werner Herzog… 'maybe I should say I'm shocked he's straight!'
jeandesesseintes says:
I saw a clip of Werner Herzog saying how he never really notices certain things. That he just doesn’t function on a certain level. He said that after 35 years of knowing you, one day he started thinking and he quietly mentioned to his wife that he thinks “that this man might be gay.” I wondered if you knew the story and what your response was. He says that he loves you dearly, but had no idea, it wasn’t how he thought.
Guardian contributor I did see that clip and thought it was hysterical. I have known Werner for 40 years and I don't guess I ask him about his sex life either. Maybe I should say I'm shocked he's straight!
jasonaparkes asks:
I loved your book Role Models, especially the piece on Leslie Van Houten. Reading that, I feel she really should be released; do you know how she is doing and when is her next chance for parole?
Guardian contributor She is optimistic, continues to do good works in prison, but the parole board is worse than ever and gave her five years until her next hearing. Asking her questions such as: you had many letters of recommendation, how many were from black people? Since she tried to start a race war. She or her lawyer do not get to object, and understanding all the victims testimony against, I do object on a fairness issue.
Moustache tips!
noirnoirnoir asks:
How do you get your mustache like that?
Guardian contributor Shaved from the top, trimmed from the bottom, and fill in with Maybelline Velvet Black pencil.
AlexDLR wonders about horror:
Your hiatus from filmmaking saddens me, please return! Beyond this... have you ever considered stepping into the Horror genre? This seems ideal for your black humor and sensibilities as a filmmaker.
Guardian contributor
Cameron Prata says:
I know that you and the Dreamlanders made movies in the beginning (Roman Candles, Hag In A Black Leather Jacket) for the hell of it, but how did you really learn to make movies as they became your calling?
Guardian contributor
jim100 would like to know:
I am shocked by peoples increasing desire to mass conform and belong,it seems even the “outsiders” and the “avant-garde” can only do it safely within their tribe. What shocks you, if anything?
Guardian contributor If you are "shocked" by people's desire to mass conform, you must be awfully young! They've been trying to do that since Adam and Eve. What shocks me? Bad romantic comedies.
Natty Lumina Zucowska asks:
Good Day to you Sir John(I curtsey.) May I ask, Would you ever do a movie about dogs? What is your favourite dog? Woof + Much Love, Natasha x
Guardian contributor I already did! Didn't you see the end of Pink Flamingos? All dogs should be off leashes, away from humans, running in packs, biting people.
'I smoked pot with Burroughs'
KimCarson asks:
Would you say William S. Burroughs was a major influence? What memories, if any, do you have of meeting him?
Guardian contributor I did meet Burroughs - I even opened for him once with my spoken word act. I smoked pot with Burroughs. And he called me the 'Pope of Trash' - which I'm still exploiting.
My writing style isn't influenced by him, I didn't cut any of my books up or write them on heroin. I did try heroin once in my life and it was probably because of him... I wouldn't advise it. You puke and itch.
jim100 wonders:
Would you be so kind as to share your 5 best books to read.. nonfiction?
Guardian contributor I wrote a chapter in my book Role Models, that actually does name them, but for the record: In Youth Is Pleasure by Denton Welsh, We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, any book by Ivy Compton Burnett, Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles... and any novel by Eleanor Ferrante. They're just original and smart, and not easy reads.
ID7782923 asks:
I loved your recent car interview with RuPaul. I wonder - who is your favourite drag queen from RPDR?
Guardian contributor Sharon Needles, just because I love the name. My other favourite drag queen name, not on Ru Paul I don't think, was Urethra Franklin.
In Guardian HQ, answering your questions…
Updated
MsGodard2 asks:
John- my mother is 79 and adores your films.I love them too- how do you view this appeal over generations?Is a damned good sense of humour the common denominator?
Guardian contributor I'm always amazed these days when kids tell me their mum showed them my movies. When I was younger the parents usually called the police when they discovered my movies.
jim100 wonders:
What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue in a man/woman ?
Guardian contributor Certainly chastity. And all the other virtues I expect of a person.
cestmoidahlia would like to know:
I read that the last Miu Miu collection was inspired by the bad girls in Female Trouble, and there’s also an entire fashion editorial in Numéro recreating the looks from Pink Flamingos. Have you seen the fashion show or the editorial and if so, what did you think of them?
Guardian contributor I am familiar with both that are mentioned here, and I'm flattered, but sometimes strain to see the influence. I think all designers that reference my films should thank Van Smith, the costume designer for all my movies. He thought up that new kind of bad taste. It was his vision, under my editing.
cestmoidahlia asks:
Since I know you’re an art collector and visit a whole bunch of galleries in New York (my friend saw you at a Richard Serra opening), who are some of your favorite new or up-and-coming artists?
Guardian contributor I wouldn't say she's new but maybe not everyone has heard about her: Karin Sander. She just throws her canvas until mould grows on them, and then you buy them, and it can kill your guests, ruin your house, disappear, is expensive and ugly. Perfect.
Kicking things off…
Tegan Bliss McCarthy asks:
Would you ever consider making a movie based on a true story/historical events/folk tales? (obviously putting your own grotesque and wonderful spin on it!) As an Australian, I’d love to see some sort of fucked up John Waters’ version of the Ned Kelly legend... that would blow my mind.
Guardian contributor I doubt I ever would because the fun of making a movie to me is making up the story! But if I had to in Australia, I'd make a movie - and I can't remember the name - about the woman who cooked and ate her husband. We all have bad nights...
Film director John Waters is the oft-described ‘Pope of Trash’, who turned a leather-clad Johnny Depp into a hunk in Cry Baby, had Kathleen Turner turn murderous in Serial Mom, and created the pop-cultural juggernaut that is Hairspray – always from behind his immaculate pencil moustache.
His extracurricular activities are equally leftfield: cameoing in schlocky horror pics, making pop art, and compiling Christmas mix CDs. And through it all he’s amassed a fervent cult drawn to his scatological humour and his embrace of life’s oddballs.
He’s also known for his love of hitch-hiking, and has written a new book about his adventures, Carsick. Following on from the success of his standup monologue This Filthy World, he’s created a new show drawing on these and other experiences, which comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday 11 November.
He joins us to answer your questions on Monday, from 1pm onwards – post yours in the comments below, and he’ll endeavour to answer as many as possible.
Updated
You can draw it on, it would be a lot simpler, and she could still go to work.