I Am Divine

The 2013 documentary film I Am Divine is a vibrant and intimate chronicle of the life of Harris Glenn Milstead, more popularly known by his stage name, Divine. The film stitches together a compelling narrative about this iconic American actor, singer, and drag queen using a series of archival footage, personal photographs, and insightful interviews. Divine's larger-than-life persona cushioned his legendary status in the underground film industry and won him a loyal fan base, and this movie is a testament to his brilliance and unapologetic eccentricity.

The movie is directed by Jeffrey Schwarz who painstakingly presents a comprehensive chronology of Divine's life starting from his childhood in Baltimore to his rise as a pop culture icon, up to his untimely death in 1988. The detail-oriented storytelling pairs well with the vibrantly colorful presentation that befits Divine's exuberant persona.

Divine himself, through archival interviews and footage, is the main star of the film. His infectious vivacity for life and unfiltered exuberance make the film a joy to watch. Obviously, he's not there to give any new interviews, but through the footage and stories shared by those who knew him, Divine's presence is strongly felt throughout.

Apart from Divine, there are appearances by a multitude of personalities who knew Divine intimately or were influenced by his life and work. Media pundit Michael Musto and actor Mark Payne are featured in the movie along with other luminaries like filmmaker John Waters, who was Divine's long-term collaborator and friend, his mother Frances Milstead, co-stars Mink Stole and Mary Vivian Pearce and many others, all offering poignant narratives and personal anecdotes.

The movie does an excellent job of painting a portrait of Divine that is both personal and reverential. Divine's persona off-stage is explored– a shy and wonderful individual named Harris Glenn Milstead who transformed into the fearless and ferocious Divine when on stage. The film shows us how Divine, pushed boundaries and broke conventions in a society that was still getting accustomed to the concept of drag and gender fluidity.

I Am Divine presents the audience with numerous clips from Divine’s film performances. Notably, it features sequences from Waters's Pink Flamingos where Divine gave a highly talked about performance. The highs and lows of Divine’s career are laid bare throughout the documentary to give the audience a holistic view of his journey.

The documentary delves into the various aspects of Divine’s life including his struggles with weight, his bouts with depression and his hopes for a mainstream acting career. While the film does not shy away from Divine’s trials and tribulations, it also highlights his triumphs and the joyous spirit that made him a celebrated figure in countercultural cinema and the drag scene.

Important moments in Divine’s life are documented, such as how he met John Waters at the age of 17, his struggle for acceptance among his family, and his conquest of the cult scene. The joy of his first hit, his fear and anxiety to maintain the success, everything is shared without sugarcoating or softening the blows of the reality Divine had to face. The film also showcases his contribution to the music industry, exhibiting the diverse array of talents that Divine possessed.

I Am Divine truly embodies its title, presenting a narrative that is intriguing, entertaining, and deeply moving. This is not just a documentary—it's a tribute to an individual who dared to defy norms, embrace his uniqueness, and paved the way for an entire movement.

While the documentary is a must-watch for anyone who's a fan of Divine, it also serves as a great starting point for those unfamiliar with his work. It immerses the viewer into the captivating journey of a charismatic man who fearlessly embodied his most authentic self and in doing so, became a trailblazer for many to follow. I Am Divine is a celebration of the inherent human spirit of defiance, uniqueness, and the sheer will to be one's self against all odds.