Review of Pink Flamingos (1976) by Sausages M — 03 Jun 2011

I guess this is where it all began, and to be frank it shows a little. Lacking in plot and with some questionable acting, the pace is a little slow and some of the gross-out stuff is a bit bungled. HOWEVER, it is entertaining in that way that only John Waters can be. Mink Stole is particularly brilliant here- arguably better than even Divine herself who had yet to learn how to reign herself in and thus make for a better performance- as seen later in "Female Trouble" and "Polyester".

As an early entry in the Waters genre (and let's face it, he is a genre all of his own) it's a reasonable start, but the belly laughs disappear about 1/3 of the way in, replaced by chuckles as the urge to shock that was so necessary at the time I guess, starts to come off a little desperate.

Best viewed as art, but should definitely be viewed if you've enjoyed his later, better films.