Saturday, June 21, 2025

Hilarious, Absurd, and Truly Trashy

 Liarmouth: A Fell-Bad Romance 

by John Waters

Liarmouth book cover

John Waters is one of the people who I have always wanted to meet. I love his movies, growing up with Cry-Baby, Hairspray, Serial Mom, and Pecker. Later on, it was so much fun watching his earlier films with friends. However, I always wanted to ask him about Polyester, which I remember my dad renting on beta when I was like in 3rd grade. I think I watched some of it, not really knowing about Divine, and was just really confused about it. It's something that has haunted me for some time, and I’d love to know more about the making of that film and what it means to Waters. In any event, I loved this book, although it does get a little repetitive towards the end. Marsha Sprinkle is a con artist who steals luggage, and despite getting caught, continues her conning ways. The characters in this book are so ridiculous and hilarious, I’m just laughing thinking about them. As I was reading, I was laughing and giggling at how absurd some of the elements of this book were. Marsha’s mother is a pet plastic surgeon, while her daughter Poppy runs a trampoline group for adults. Beyond being completely hilarious and absurd, Waters brings his director’s eye to the novel, often describing people and events in unique and memorable ways. Like some other books by directors I’ve recently read (Anna Biller’s Bluebeard’s Castle), I think directors bring a wonderful perspective to their writing, especially creating memorable characters who display their unique personalities through their actions, looks, and clothes. I’m excited that this book is going to become a movie because I can’t wait to see how over-the-top and absurd this movie is. I’m also looking forward to a return to the big screen for John Waters. 




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