Bad Taste For Wider Audience (Press, 3 January 1989)

John Waters' latest film, "Hairspray," released in 1988 at the Pantages cinema in Hornby, marks a significant shift in tone for the director known for his edgy, controversial works. The film presents a more family-friendly approach while maintaining some of Waters' signature unconventional humour. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the film captures a nostalgic era characterised by innocence and social change, where the threat to teenagers' futures involved being sent to Catholic schools rather than facing contemporary societal issues. The plot revolves around a popular local dance television show, "The Corny Collins Show," which showcases young talent but maintains a discriminatory policy that only allows black dancers to join once a month. Tracy Turnblad, played by Ricki Lake, is the show's biggest fan, bursting onto the scene with her exuberant personality and distinctive beehive hairstyle. Despite her weight, Tracy's charm and confidence land her a spot on the show, where she quickly becomes a sensation. Tracy's journey includes working as a model at the Hefty Hideaway, a plus-size clothing store, and navigating the absurdities of her life, including her eccentric mother, played by Divine, and her friend Penny's overprotective mother, who undergoes extreme measures to keep her daughter from dating a black boy. The film lightly touches on themes of racial integration, though in a playful manner, presenting even the more serious issues with a sense of absurdity reminiscent of classic comedies. Waters populates his film with an eclectic cast including notable celebrities like Sonny Bono, Debbie Harry, and Pia Zadora. The visual style of "Hairspray" is cartoonish, with vibrant characters and exaggerated scenarios that contribute to the overall whimsical tone. Despite the light-heartedness, Waters conveys messages of acceptance regarding body image and race, suggesting both can embody beauty in his fantastical interpretation of society. Overall, "Hairspray" showcases Waters' attempt to broaden his audience while still offering the unique quirks that his fans have come to appreciate. The film stands as a reflection of changing social norms, delivered through a lens that is both comedic and colourful, ensuring its appeal to a wider demographic than his previous works characterised by more outrageous content.

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