John Waters, The 'Pope Of Filth', Dishes On Filth, Dead Art, And Levi Johnston (VIDEOS)

John Waters, among the most beloved and eclectic screenwriters of the current era, dishes to Big Think about everything from art to perverts and from Levi Johnston to coming out. The full interview feels like a wealth of life lessons from your uncle who may or may not be a little drunk - he's a fascinating man whose theories and opinions aren't always the social norm. His filmography includes Cry Baby, Cecil B. Demented, and Hairspray'; they're flamboyant, touching, and all the while easy to relate to. Kind of like the clips below from the interview. Check out Big Think for the full video and more clips.

Some of the best art is deadly

Why you should watch filth

Why John Waters respects Republicans

Comments

[Kay-B]

01:03 AM on 09/26/2010

First time I see a John Waters interview. very insightful, honest, intelligent.

[rotorhead1871]

12:13 AM on 09/26/2010

does he have a patent on the stash? I have not seen anyone else sporting one..

[Jacqueline R]

01:24 AM on 09/25/2010

I love John Waters. I sometimes enjoy his interviews and talks more that his movies. Besides, who can not love Hairspray or Pink Flamingos? He never seems mean spirited, even when he is talking about things he doesn't like. I am now going to go out and find a copy of Salo.

[snoopjohnny]

06:44 PM on 09/24/2010

Waters seems to be genuinely fascinated by people and their behavior. Sharing his vision of art, sexuality or maybe just Baltimore feels like looking at life through the eyes of an enthusiastic child. It makes you realize the interesting things going on right under our noses. This depth of vision and his sympathetic, even generous acceptance of humanity appeals to me. And he can be pretty damn funny.

[valeskas]

01:56 PM on 09/24/2010

Love his movies.

[My Good Babushka]

09:07 PM on 09/21/2010

I saw him speak some years ago. He's very clever and bright and entertaining, but more than that, he is genuinely warm.

[olddognewtrick]

08:03 PM on 09/21/2010

Pope Of Filth. Now that clears up some religious questions. Can I try on your hat?

[fishnetdiver]

04:29 AM on 09/21/2010

ahhh...20 minutes and 38 seconds that I will always cherish.
excellent interview.

[sheila]

12:41 AM on 09/21/2010

Waters is, as usual, completely right about art that "angers you." You just don't know enough about art to understand it. That should excite you and challenge you! Go. Learn. Ask. Listen. Read. Ask more. Listen more.

He is such a treasure. Truly. Thanks for featuring him!

[SionShankel]

06:23 PM on 09/20/2010

Knows what is really fun to do....play all these vids at once...like singing in rounds....

[mollymac]

10:05 AM on 09/20/2010

So nice to post about art and see the differences between one's perception rather than the stupidity that has taken over the blogosphere. Art is eternal. Political hacks, not so much.

[galaxian]

09:26 PM on 09/19/2010

I suggest his Role Models. Down and dirty yet full of pathos. And laughs. Delightful.

[Beth Boyle]

02:08 AM on 09/19/2010

John Waters is so in love with himself its art. The emperor has no cloths. Give me a break please? Great art builds on all art that has gone before it does not wreck it. That is pop culture crap.

[galaxian]

09:22 PM on 09/19/2010

You're right and so's he.

[ebanks84]

04:28 PM on 09/18/2010

I love people who can speak their minds and don't give a $hit who don't like it. That's my kind of person for sure.

[mrman]

03:54 PM on 09/18/2010

John Waters has been a art hero of mine for a long time. I respect his honesty about the human condition and all it's dark places. If you listen to his comedy, lectures and interviews you'll find a refreshing kind of acceptance of humanity as an evolving but primitive being. In other words...He really rocks your brain.