Cry-Baby

Cry-Baby (1990) is an endearing, stylistically brilliant homage to the 1950s, rock & roll and the rebelliousness of youth that swings seamlessly between kitschy satire and passionate tribute. Directed by the ever-inventive John Waters, who virtually invented the celebration of bad taste on celluloid and drawing on tropes from a variety of genres, the film is a humorously twisted exploration of the 1950s subculture teeming with delectable retro details and memorably outrageous scenes.

The film stars Johnny Depp in one of his career's early defining roles as Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, the captivating and rebelliously alluring leader of a group of teenage misfits dubbed the "Drapes." Depp dives into the role with an undeniable suave charisma, embodying the leather-clad, smoky-eyed bad boy who makes hearts flutter even as he shakes up the status quo.

Set in the nostalgic context of 1950s Baltimore, the film revolves around the tension between the white collar “Squares” and the blue collar Drapes, both embodiments of societal contrasts within the era. Cry-Baby, with his soulful auto-tuned renditions of rock & roll anthems, establishes himself as an irrepressible symbol of rebellious energy and youthful defiance that sets him at odds with the conformist Squares.

Caught in the crossfire of societal binarities is Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), a seemingly perfect Square girl who finds herself intrigued by the rebellious Cry-Baby and the raw energy of the Drapes. Locane brings genuine earnestness to Allison, unfurling layers of a young woman suffocated by the squeaky clean image of a typical Square girl, yearning for the freedom and vibrancy presented by Cry-Baby and his crew. Her duality stands symbolic of the prevalent societal dilemmas of the time, caught between post-war propriety and the pulsating undercurrents of the cultural revolution ignited by rock & roll.

Apart from Johnny Depp and Amy Locane, the film includes memorable performances from Traci Lords, Ricki Lake, and Susan Tyrrell. Each of them infuses the distinctively sketched characters with vibrant energy and indomitable spirit that adds colorful shades to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Notably, Ricki Lake as Cry-Baby's pregnant, vivacious sister Pepper steals scenes with her larger-than-life presence and fearless portrayal.

Cry-Baby is replete with real rock & roll attitude and original songs composed specifically for the movie. Classic tracks coexist with the film's original compositions, crafting an atmospheric, lively soundtrack that sets the rhythm and pulse of the narrative. At its core, the film pays tribute to the birth of the rebellious spirit of rock & roll and the burgeoning teenage culture of the 1950s.

John Waters' signature aesthetic can be seen in the brilliant use of colour, exaggerated stylistic elements, choreographed dance numbers, and meticulously detailed sets. The costumes carry the effervescence of the 1950s, the high-waisted jeans, poodle skirts, polka-dot dresses, and leather jackets gleaming with a vibrant life of their own. Waters also incorporates undertones of social critique beneath the retro, feel-good facade. Behind its satire and comic veneer, the narrative contrasts against the socio-cultural backdrop of the time, highlighting societal taboos and the hypocrisy of moral strictures.

Flirting between the realms of parody and nostalgia, Cry-Baby, with its infectious energy and quirky charm, remains a testament to John Waters' unique perspective. The film captures the spirit of rebellion and youthful discontent simmering beneath the idyllic surface with satirical precision, all while portraying a heartfelt homage to the bygone era.

Humor, music, style and the sheer charisma of its lead actors blend together to create an enriching and unforgettable cinematic experience. Cry-Baby has its heart in the right place and never fails to deliver a dose of fun and entertainment along with a love story that is pinched with anguish and tenderness. From its opening credits to the end, it is a rousing celebration of youth, rebellion, and the power of authenticity. The film boasts sufficient charm to be a definitive cult classic, confidently standing as a pillar of John Waters' eccentric oeuvre. If you are a fan of gritty, rebellious films laced with humor and nostalgia, then Cry-Baby is a must-watch.