John Waters' Cinematic Christmas Extravaganza
John Waters' Seductive Christmas Shows
A filmmaker with a warm smile and often profane sarcasm, John Waters has made a name for himself in Cincinnati. His shows at the Ludlow Garage last year were a huge success, selling out quickly. This year, he's back with two more shows, promising to deliver the same unique brand of entertainment. Whether you're a fan of his early works or his more recent films, there's something for everyone in his Christmas lineup.
The Esquire Theatre, just down the street, is also getting in on the action by launching an ambitious film retrospective honoring him. Starting December 6, they'll be showing his most notorious and legendary film, Pink Flamingos (1972). With its outré and sometimes shockingly raunchy humor, this movie isn't for kids. It introduced the world to the great Divine and her unusual snacking habits. I saw it at a midnight show in Boston at the time, and the crowd went blushingly wild.
John Waters' Film Retrospective at the Esquire Theatre
The Esquire Theatre's film retrospective honoring John Waters is a must-see for fans of his work. Starting December 6, they'll be showing a series of his movies, each with its own unique charm and style. From the early works like Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble to the more mainstream hits like Hairspray and Cry Baby, there's something for everyone.
Other Waters movies in the series include Female Trouble at 7:30 p.m. December 9, Hairspray at 7:30 p.m. December 11, Desperate Living at 10 p.m. January 3, Cry Baby at 7:30 p.m. January 3, A Dirty Shame at 7:30 p.m. January 13, and more. Each movie offers a different perspective on Waters' unique brand of humor and social commentary.
John Waters and the Esquire Theatre: A Perfect Fit
Diane Janicki of Theatre Management Corp., which operates the independent Esquire and Mariemont theaters, believes that John Waters is a perfect fit for them. Despite his early films being very edgy, Waters' work has a certain radical inclusivity that aligns with the Esquire's values. As the theater has moved back into being a repertory house, Waters' films are the perfect event to fill the rooms.
"Reading about John Waters, the words I was thinking describe him were 'radically inclusive,'" Janicki says. "To me, that's what I would use to describe the Esquire. So it seems like a good fit. We've moved back into being a repertory house and we have rooms to fill, and this is the exact kind of event to fill this house."
Other Christmas Films at the Esquire Theatre
In addition to John Waters' films, the Esquire Theatre is also showing a variety of other Christmas-themed movies. From the anarchic humor of Dinner in America to the engaging pop hit of Clueless, there's something for everyone. Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut is also getting a re-release, allowing audiences to revisit and reconsider this classic film.
Other notable films include Nosferatu, a cinematic horror story that has survived the test of time; A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic that focuses on his early years; Flow, an animated film for adults that tells the story of a group of animals after a flood; Queer, a new film from Luca Guadagnino; The End, a narrative film by Joshua Oppenheimer; Paris, Texas, an anniversary restoration version of a great American movie; and more.
Woodward Theater Screenings
The Woodward Theater is also getting in on the Christmas movie action, with a variety of screenings throughout the month. From indie films like Lady Bird and Medicine for Melancholy to documentaries like Day Time Revolution and Resynator, there's something for everyone.
Leontine Cinema presents 2017's Lady Bird on December 2, while the Cincinnati Palestine Solidarity Coalition presents No Other Land on December 3. Mike Douglas' Day Time Revolution, a documentary about his 1972 guest hosting week, is also showing on December 10. And Barry Jenkins' Medicine for Melancholy is screening on December 17.
All Woodward screenings are at 7:30 p.m., so make sure to get your tickets and join in on the holiday movie fun!