|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devil Girls (1999)
Starring John Badalamenti, Arlene Cooney, Sandra
Delgado, Katie Dugan & Mike Cooney
Written by Andre Perkowski & Edward D. Wood Jr.
Directed by Andre Perkowski
|
While most people know Ed Wood as the auteur of endearingly bad films such as the cross dressing flick Glen or Glenda, he did however, on occasion, also indulge in writing pulp novellas. In keeping with his film work, his writing introduced his readers to a crazy world of trashy girls, sex, drugs, rock n roll, garish characters and deviants, all of which were presented in his atypical tongue in cheek style. Indeed with a film career that was something of a failure during his life time, Wood actually made his living from said novellas.
Devil Girls is indie director Andre Perkowski's interpretation of one of old Eddy's (Mind if I call him that?!) fictitious scriptures. And what an interpretation! Shot entirely in black and white - befitting of the era in which the story is set - Andre Perkowski has unleashed a cinematic work that Ed Wood himself would be proud of.
Surreal, quirky and darkly humourous, Devil Girls tells the tale of three brazen young harlots who like nothing better than indulging in all the good things - drink, drugs, and acquainting their fine selves with fellow delinquents as well as each other (yes there's a bit of girl on girl action to be found here)! They encounter all manner of strange individuals during their adventures in misconduct (including a rather disturbing bald, bare chested weirdo) and are hotly pursued by two camped up, 'All American Boys' cops.
The features pacing is fast and edgy, it doesn't always quite make sense but then hey, it's a homage to Ed Wood, so I'm guessing it's not supposed to! Andre Perkowski showcases some wonderful talent in filmaking, he maintains the audience's interest and keeps proceedings on the good side of bad. At times it is hard to make out which footage is from the present day and which is from the past, so convincing is his work. It is in fact this mix of new vs. old film clips which makes one feel as if they are somehow watching Ed's latest release. It clearly has been a labour of love for Pertowski and to a film buff such as myself, this is truly a delight to see!
The cast seems to be having an absolute blast - how I envy them, I'd love to be in a production with content as ice cool as this! And although some lines are delivered a tad ropily, this does nothing to detract from the films uber-kitsch factor overall. In fact, it only serves to enhance it! Scenes are awkwardly cut, there is a deliciously inappropriate musical score throughout, oh, and we get to witness the heady demise of 1950's American teens. What more could you, the viewer and fellow connoisseurs of cult trash movies, want?!
|
sophia