Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters [Paperback]

John Waters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 1987

This hilarious collection of essays by the offbeat writer and director is a treat for fans of the "Pope of Trash" and the perfect introduction for those who have not yet discovered his eccentric charms.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In these 15 essays, reprinted mainly from American Film, National Lampoon and Rolling Stone, the Baltimore filmmaker of dubious taste (Pink Flamingos and author (Shock Value irreverently comments on frivolous, tacky elements of American lowlife: Pia Zadora ("my kind of movie star"); the National Enquirer ; life on the lecture circuit; the fake glamour of Los Angeles; the gall of William Castle, King of the Gimmicks. For those who care, Waters lists 101 things he hates and 101 things he loves. His suggested 10 easy ways to become famous range from exaggerating oneself ("Nothing matters as long as you have too much or too little of something. Anything.") to getting oneself murdered ("After all, wouldn't you rather be dead than unknown?"). Perhaps there is an audience for this sort of thing? BOMC and QPBC alternates.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Best known for his "trashy" films ( Pink Flamingos and Polyester ), Waters wants to be the King of Tacky, and this collection of previously published essays is just the ticket. The objects of Waters's attention sometimes make it difficult to tell when he's serious and when he's kidding. Two of the funniest pieces list his hates (overweight joggers, mimes, Brussels sprouts, laugh tracks) and loves (nightmares, Flannery O'Connor, films of Randall Kleiser, tornadoes). Pia Zadora, L.A., Christmas, the National Enquirer , showmanship, and teaching convicts are a few more of his favorite things. This is a laugh-out-loud celebration of bad taste, intended primarily for a film buff/pop culture audience. Recommended. BOMC alternate. Susan Avallone, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1 edition (September 12, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394755340
• ISBN-13: 978-0394755342
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #640,873 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Waters is an American filmmaker, actor, writer, and visual artist best known for his cult films, including Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, and Cecil B. DeMented. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorabilia, July 9, 2000

By 

Melissa Hardie "mjh1963" (Potts Point, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters (Paperback)

This collection of essays is one of the most compulsively readable, and re-readable, books I have ever owned. I was drawn to it, as you might expect, by my enjoyment of Waters' camp classics. But to be honest, I enjoy Waters the essayist at least as much, if not more, than Waters the filmmaker. Waters' films, and particularly Pecker, Serial Mom, and Hairspray, set the scene for the miscellany of obsessions which animate this book. Crackpot offers a comforting way to understand Waters' recent turn to a more conventional cinematic venue: these films are *also* celebrations of his passionate likes (and dislikes).

Waters writes a witty and acerbic prose, which conveys genuine passion for his obsessions, obsessions which include trials, the National Enquirer, Woody Allen's Interiors, dangerous candy, menthol cigarettes, and Christmas. His preferred methods seem to be the catalogue and the reminiscence: Waters' list of 101 things he hates, and 101 things he loves, are obsessive ruminations on the everyday, and Waters' methodical survey of his everyday touches gives new meaning to the sublime *and* the ridiculous. Most memorable to me, perhaps, is his LA Tour, a pre-OJ intinerary of murder, mayhem, and showbiz, and his loving tribute to the Enquirer. But his celebration of William Castle, or shame-faced coming out as a fan of avant garde, his ritualistic account of Christmas and his loving descriptions of his interests, home, and personal history all make for a case study of obsession that feels both candid and arch, in Waters' inimitable, and paradoxical way. If you read it once, you're going to read it again.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must add, October 26, 1999

By 

Unfrozen Caveman Bookseller "diskwento_libro" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters (Paperback)

I have to add.... I read this book ten years ago and I still return to it when I want to laugh and look at inspiring essays. All the essays are inspiring and hilarious but a couple of them (or one) about showmanship represented at movie houses is required reading--if not the whole collection--for anyone wondering why many don't stop to talk about a book they read, instead of how amazingly fast they read the whole book; or for those who complain about the media and music and don't create their own; or those who can't pursue their dreams because they're saving up for retirement and childrens' college funds. Yes, I've stretched it completely. But my point in highlighting one of the essays is that at least there's someone saying it's OK to give a project or idea everything you've got, and there's nothing or anyone prohibiting illusion or hilarity.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scathing, twisted, hilarious, August 8, 1997

By 

"erickextoo" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters (Paperback)

If you have a spare hour here and there and want to read some wickedly funny stuff, this book's for you. It contains a collection of essays (many of which have been published elsewhere) that cover a variety of topics, most of which have a similar theme: people are idiots and John Waters hates them. However, Waters also lovingly covers things that are dear to him (menthol cigarettes, the art of serial killers, Pia Zadora, etc). You will laugh out loud or there is something seriously wrong with you. It's sharp, it's on the mark and anyone who's ever contemplated running over those protesters at the abortion clinic with a large American car will cherish this book