Is It Worth the Watch?

The 2013 documentary I am Divine, is a fascinating dissection of the life and death of actor, recording artist, drag performer, gay icon and unlikely superstar Divine. Harris Glenn Milstead, who transformed into the outrageous persona, just wanted to be a movie star and, surprisingly, became one through unrelenting determination and just a little bit of dog poop cuisine.

Interviews with friends, family and coworkers, primarily director John Waters with whom Divine collaborated on cult classics like Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble and Hairspray, tell a loving, funny and touching narrative that veers from train-wreck compulsion to surprising outsider reality to inspirational affirmation.

The events this movie details are shocking, hilarious, moving and even more shocking. They are also life-affirming, hopeful and up-lifting. This one’s terrific.

Is It Worth The Watch? If you’re interested in underground movies or the drag scene or outsiders coming into their own, this is a film for you.

2013

90 minutes

Interviews – John Waters, Tab Hunter, Ricki Lake, Mink Stole, Bruce Vilanch, Edith Massey, Peaches Christ, Michael Musto, Holly Woodlawn

Director – Jeffrey Schwarz