(rated R, 89 mins.) The controversial John Waters pulls out all his magic in directing this Hollywood farce giving new meaning to the infamous “Mr. DeMille I’m ready for my closeup.” From the movie’s opening (of the most original credits ever seen), right through the end, it is distasteful, vulgar, nasty and — it works! Focusing on Melanie Griffith as the typical diva having “star fits” she is kidnapped by a bunch of wanna-be (but sure that they are) filmmakers, who defy all of Hollywood. Stephen Dorff portrays Cecil B. DeMented, a theatre owner by day and wild porn maker by night, who kidnaps Ms. Honey Whitlock (Griffith) for what he believes will be his greatest masterpiece entitled “Raven Beauty.” DeMented is half Andy Warhol, half Charles Manson, with a team of devil-worshipping, s & m loving, leather laden, very horny, ecstasy taking, cult of crew members. Their zero budget, against all Screen Actor Guild rules flick is believable because the cast of players are passionate in what they believe to be the next Oscar worthy movie. Alicia Witt (TV’s “Cybill”) is incredible as “Cherish” a porno queen. Kevin Nealon in a minor role as “Forrest Gump” follow-up but it’s Patricia Hearst who provides irony as the mother of one of the cult members who has been brainwashed into these wackos. Really good but really raunchy. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
