John Waters’ top ten queer films of the year

As 2024 approaches its conclusion, gay filmmaker John Waters, known for his eclectic and provocative and sometimes downright disgusting cinematic style, has shared his annual top 10 film list, highlighting a mix of acclaimed and unconventional entries. The list was published in Vulture and has sparked conversation within the film community, particularly given Waters’ surprising inclusion of Todd Phillips’ much-debated musical sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, which he ranked at number six.

Joker: Folie à Deux, featuring performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has received a lukewarm reception, holding a mere 32% rating from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics, including Glenn Kenney of RogerEbert.com, have characterised the film as “the same nihilistic slop that Phillips served up in the first Joker.” Yet, Waters presents a staunchly different opinion, declaring in Vulture, “Finally, a love story I can relate to. So insane, so well thought out, so well directed, so much smoking! It’s Jailhouse Rock meets Busby Berkeley with a 9/11 That’s Entertainment! ending that will make you shake your head in cinematic astonishment. Stupid critics. Gaga so good. Joker so right. Die, dumbbells, die!” His impassioned defence of the film raises questions about the nature of critical reception and the subjective experience of cinema, particularly in the context of its artistic intentions.

Waters’ 2023 list features a blend of mainstream titles and under-the-radar gems, reflecting his unique perspective as a filmmaker and cultural commentator. His top pick is Love Lies Bleeding [pictured], directed by Rose Glass, which he describes as a “hilarious, bloody film noir… one that Russ Meyer might have made if he had been a lesbian intellectual addicted to steroids.” This description underlines Waters’ penchant for unconventional narratives that challenge traditional filmmaking norms.

In discussing Luca Guadagnino’s film Queer, Waters critiques Daniel Craig as “queerbait” for his portrayal of the gay alter ego of William S. Burroughs. However, he praises the film’s overall impact, expressing a longing for greater radicalism within the contemporary LGBTQ+ community: “Oh, if today’s homos were this radical, I’d be a much happier queer myself.” His comments provide a window into the evolving representation of queer identities in modern cinema.

Waters also shines a light on several lesser-known films, including Messy, by Alexi Wasser, which he heralds as “sparkling, rude, knowing, and hot.” He identifies Femme, directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, as a notable exploration of a “twisted S&M love affair.” Similarly, he commends Viet and Nam, crafted by Truong Minh Quy, for its distinctive storytelling, ultimately pushing more mainstream films out of his top 10.

John Waters’ selections encapsulate a diverse array of voices and experiences within the cinematic landscape of 2023, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in film today. His annual list has become a platform for dialogue on the intersection of art and identity, capturing the attention of film enthusiasts as they consider the nuances of personal taste and cultural significance in the medium.

Source: Noah Wire Services