Trasharella

Trasharella is an independently produced 2009 movie written, directed, and edited by Rena Riffel. Recognized for her roles in cult classics like "Showgirls" and "Mulholland Drive," the actress turned filmmaker brings this low-budget underground film to life with her unique blend of eclectic style and unconventional storytelling. The film co-stars Taffy Banner and adult film star turned actress, Mary Carey, among others.

Boundary-pushing and utterly non-conformist, Trasharella is a dark comedy-thriller that combines elements from various genres, fusing them into a surreal cinematic experience. Set in modern-day Hollywood, the black-and-white film introduces us to a bizarre world that satirically mirrors the glamorous yet harsh realities of the entertainment industry.

The film's primary protagonist, Rena Riffel as Trasharella, lives a downtrodden existence, spending her days sifting through trash and earning her living from whatever scraps she finds. She's a misfit, struggling to fit into a world that seems to have forgotten her. However, beneath her rough exterior lies a heart that yearns for beauty, art, and love.

Early in the movie, Trasharella crosses paths with an eccentric producer who declares her the ideal candidate for his new avant-garde film project. He convinces her that she is destined to become a big star, which sets the stage for a roller-coaster journey into the world of heartless agents, manipulative producers, and cutthroat competition.

Simultaneously, the movie brings in elements of classic horror with the inclusion of a gothic vampire subplot. Trasharella, in a twist of fate, becomes entangled in a supernatural affair involving a mysterious rock star who is not what he seems. This storyline further enriches the bizarre narrative, turning the movie into an enigmatic puzzle that keeps viewers on their toes.

Taffy Banner delivers a noteworthy performance as a washed-up starlet struggling to reclaim her faded glory, her textured performance reflects an intimate understanding of the industry's ruthlessness. Likewise, Mary Carey takes on the role of an ambitious yet naive actress whose dreams blind her to the industry's unscrupulous reality.

Trasharella uses its unconventional narrative and unique blend of humor, horror, and noir elements to take the audience on a surreal journey through Hollywood's underbelly. The black-and-white cinematography further separates the viewer from reality, inviting them into a world where nothing is as it seems. Trasharella's Hollywood is a parallel universe where dreams are both made and crushed, fame is fleeting, and nothing can be taken at face value.

The movie's punk rock aesthetic combined with its whimsical score underscores the overall tone and dark humor. Scenes are filled with strange imagery and peculiar dialogue that reveal the director’s penchant for the offbeat.

In all, Trasharella serves as a critique of Hollywood's exploitative nature, showing the flip side of glamour, fame, and fortune through its bizarre yet intriguing narrative. Underneath the comic elements and horror tropes, the film explores themes of identity, exploitation, and the search for self-worth in a world that often gets blinded by glitz and gloss.

Trasharella is a unique and memorable underground film that might not suit everyone's taste due to its eccentricity and unconventionality. Viewers need to look beyond the surface to appreciate Risree’s homage to the film industry's darker side and her commentary on the destructive nature of fame and vanity.

Overall, for those who cherish indie cinema and have a taste for the avant-garde, Trasharella promises a quirky, off-kilter viewing experience. It's a refreshing change of pace from formulaic mainstream films, and a testament to the inspired creativity that can blossom even on a shoestring budget.