Polyester

Directed by the iconic filmmaker John Waters, Polyester is a unique, satirical, melodramatic comedy film that was released in 1981. It stars the legendary drag queen Divine, the handsome heartthrob Tab Hunter, and the multitalented Edith Massey, among others.

Polyester recounts the story of Francine Fishpaw, an unfortunate suburban housewife grappling with a life filled with outrageous misadventures. Francine, portrayed by Divine with remarkable charisma, is the embodiment of nervous breakdown and misery, narrating a tragicomic life spectacle that only Waters can gift us.

In the film, Francine is trapped in a disastrous marriage with Elmer Fishpaw, a sleazy, unfaithful husband who operates an adult movie theater, causing continual scandal to the family. In addition to this, her children offer her very little respite. Her teenage son, Dexter (Ken King), a glue-sniffing, foot-fetishistic delinquent who's the chief suspect in a series of foot-stomping assaults on local women, is yet another source of heartache, while her daughter, Lu-Lu (Mary Garlington), is a rebellious, promiscuous, and pregnant teen who seems continually at odds with her mother.

The supporting cast shines with memorable performances in their roles. Massey magnificently executes the role of Cuddles, Francine's best friend, a seamstress turned socialite who remains staunchly supportive and often provides comic relief. Hunter, the faded Hollywood star, plays Todd Tomorrow, a charming businessman who comes into Francine’s life just when she’s been through the universe of despair and, for a moment, appears to be her knight in shining armor.

A John Water’s film is incomplete without its fair share of sardonic humor, brilliantly biting dialogue, unexpected twists and turns, and Polyester does not disappoint. It’s a departure from traditional cinema that uses absurdity yet realism to push the boundaries of the accepted norms of society. The jarring contrast between the seemingly serene suburban setting and the dysfunctional lives of its inhabitants serves a significant symbol of the false facades people put up.

The aesthetic of the film is engrossingly vibrant and purposely over-the-top. Waters uses a faux-Hollywood glamour look with intentionally exaggerated costumes and settings. Polyester cleverly balances its trashy appearance with a touch of artistic flair, resulting in a unique visual style that distinguishes it from other films of its genre.

What particularly made Polyester unique in its time was Odorama. During its initial release, the audience was given scratch and sniff cards with numbers that matched the numbers that would flash on the screen at certain times in the movie. The mysterious odors on the card would range from roses to flatulence, an innovative gimmick that was humorous and memorable. The use of Odorama reflects Water's inherent talent for invoking the audience's senses, making the film an immersive experience that's far more than just visual storytelling.

Despite the apparent pandemonium in the storyline, Polyester is a deliberate satire on American suburbia, consumer culture, sanctimonious moral guardians, and the melodramas that influenced Waters. The extreme caricatures of the characters and their outrageous situations create a dark and incisive social critique wrapped in the package of a black comedy.

Polyester is an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, trials, and redemption. It is a significant 90-minute dive into the craziness and unconventional depictions John Water is known for, making it a must-see for any fan of his outrageous film catalogue. As with most Water’s films, Polyester isn't for everyone; it was never intended to be. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate offbeat cinema and a thought-provoking social satire, Polyester stands out as a cult classic that elicits both laughter and provokes thought about the modern American life.