THE EROGENOUS ZONE: A beginner's guide to Drag Queen Drama
I am a whore for entertainment. Records, CDs, movies, books, and magazines all claim the majority of the money I manage to get my hands on. But I hate Entertainment Weekly magazine. All it ever does is feature upcoming stuff that has little or no interest to me. The funny part is, I have a free subscription.
So last week, as usual, I was flipping through the latest issue to see if any pictures grabbed my eye before I tossed it in the recycling bin. Sure enough, in a pop culture quiz section, one question instructed, "Match the cross-dresser with his project." It was the easiest quiz of my life. I had seen all the films listed a million times each and they're all high on my list.
I have been in love with drag queen movies for as long as I can remember. It's almost an obsession. While I'm glad the films got some coverage in the magazine, I still think it's a genre that most people are pretty clueless about. That's why I set out to make a beginner's guide to drag queen cinema. So get out your glitter and hold on tight, because if you haven't seen these flicks, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
We're going to start back in 1972, when a flamboyantly crazy guy by the name of John Waters found some fame for his insane writing and directing. All of his films featured different plots (all of them shocking), but most of them around that time starred large-and-in-charge drag queen, Divine. The must-see films from this duo are without a doubt Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, and Hairspray. Be prepared to be stunned.
In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show made its debut. The main character, Dr. Frank-n-Furter is a transvestite from outer space, clad only in a sequined bustier, satin panties, black fishnets, and monster glitter heels. Throughout the film, his goal is to induct an unsuspecting couple into his world of "absolute pleasure", and he does it through rock and roll, makeovers, and sex. This is definitely a classic, so if you're new to the drag scene, you may want to start with this film.
1994's The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert features all the good and bad experiences of two drag queens and one transsexual as they take their disco act through the rough Australian outback in their big pink bus which they've named Priscilla. The drag acts are a little cheesy and there are a few serious moments (ex: gay bashing). Still, the film makes up for it with fabulous costumes, makeup, and the chance to see the gorgeous Guy Pearce's ass.
Released just one year later, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar is like the American counterpart to Priscilla, except this film is much more light-hearted. Three glitzy New York drag queens buy a classic convertible and set off on a drive cross-country to the national drag competition in Hollywood. Of course, their car breaks down in a tiny midwestern town, and they have to make nice with the locals until it can be fixed. With its all-star cast (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, and RuPaul, to name a few) and feel-good lessons, this movie is an absolute delight.
2001's All the Queen's Men stars Matt LeBlanc, of Friends fame, and the fabulous transvestite comedian Eddie Izzard. A few army men must dress as women to infiltrate a factory in Germany during World War II to snag a code machine that could help them win the war. Things get interesting when LeBlanc's character falls in love with the sexy German librarian who is helping them stay undercover. This isn't your typical drag movie with lots of glittery makeup and outrageous costumes, but it's definitely funny to see a 50-something prim-and-proper Englishman try to get by in a dress and heels.
Connie and Carla, released in 2004, also isn't your typical drag flick, because the two main drag queens are actually women. These two musical-loving chicks must skip town after witnessing a crime, so they head to Los Angeles and start a drag act at a gay bar. Once they make friends with the other drag queens, they have to dress in drag 24/7 so as not to lose their cover. Although very unbelievable, this movie is hilarious and heartwarming.
Once you've whetted your appetite for the world of drag queens, you may also want to check out: The Birdcage, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Velvet Goldmine, Party Monster, and any of Eddie Izzard's comedy DVDs. Now that you have your list, what are you waiting for? Start renting!
Check out more from Brook at her blog: http://thecarolinian-mistress.blogspot.com
www.carolinianonline.com
I am a whore for entertainment. Records, CDs, movies, books, and magazines all claim the majority of the money I manage to get my hands on. But I hate Entertainment Weekly magazine. All it ever does is feature upcoming stuff that has little or no interest to me. The funny part is, I have a free subscription.
So last week, as usual, I was flipping through the latest issue to see if any pictures grabbed my eye before I tossed it in the recycling bin. Sure enough, in a pop culture quiz section, one question instructed, "Match the cross-dresser with his project." It was the easiest quiz of my life. I had seen all the films listed a million times each and they're all high on my list.
I have been in love with drag queen movies for as long as I can remember. It's almost an obsession. While I'm glad the films got some coverage in the magazine, I still think it's a genre that most people are pretty clueless about. That's why I set out to make a beginner's guide to drag queen cinema. So get out your glitter and hold on tight, because if you haven't seen these flicks, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
We're going to start back in 1972, when a flamboyantly crazy guy by the name of John Waters found some fame for his insane writing and directing. All of his films featured different plots (all of them shocking), but most of them around that time starred large-and-in-charge drag queen, Divine. The must-see films from this duo are without a doubt Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, and Hairspray. Be prepared to be stunned.
In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show made its debut. The main character, Dr. Frank-n-Furter is a transvestite from outer space, clad only in a sequined bustier, satin panties, black fishnets, and monster glitter heels. Throughout the film, his goal is to induct an unsuspecting couple into his world of "absolute pleasure", and he does it through rock and roll, makeovers, and sex. This is definitely a classic, so if you're new to the drag scene, you may want to start with this film.
1994's The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert features all the good and bad experiences of two drag queens and one transsexual as they take their disco act through the rough Australian outback in their big pink bus which they've named Priscilla. The drag acts are a little cheesy and there are a few serious moments (ex: gay bashing). Still, the film makes up for it with fabulous costumes, makeup, and the chance to see the gorgeous Guy Pearce's ass.
Released just one year later, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar is like the American counterpart to Priscilla, except this film is much more light-hearted. Three glitzy New York drag queens buy a classic convertible and set off on a drive cross-country to the national drag competition in Hollywood. Of course, their car breaks down in a tiny midwestern town, and they have to make nice with the locals until it can be fixed. With its all-star cast (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, and RuPaul, to name a few) and feel-good lessons, this movie is an absolute delight.
2001's All the Queen's Men stars Matt LeBlanc, of Friends fame, and the fabulous transvestite comedian Eddie Izzard. A few army men must dress as women to infiltrate a factory in Germany during World War II to snag a code machine that could help them win the war. Things get interesting when LeBlanc's character falls in love with the sexy German librarian who is helping them stay undercover. This isn't your typical drag movie with lots of glittery makeup and outrageous costumes, but it's definitely funny to see a 50-something prim-and-proper Englishman try to get by in a dress and heels.
Connie and Carla, released in 2004, also isn't your typical drag flick, because the two main drag queens are actually women. These two musical-loving chicks must skip town after witnessing a crime, so they head to Los Angeles and start a drag act at a gay bar. Once they make friends with the other drag queens, they have to dress in drag 24/7 so as not to lose their cover. Although very unbelievable, this movie is hilarious and heartwarming.
Once you've whetted your appetite for the world of drag queens, you may also want to check out: The Birdcage, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Velvet Goldmine, Party Monster, and any of Eddie Izzard's comedy DVDs. Now that you have your list, what are you waiting for? Start renting!
Check out more from Brook at her blog: http://thecarolinian-mistress.blogspot.com
www.carolinianonline.com
VIEW 4 of 4 COMMENTS
I hope you're doing well.
You are super cute
xoxo
Sunshine