Who Is Vermin Supreme? An Outsider Odyssey

Who Is Vermin Supreme? An Outsider Odyssey is an intriguing 2014 documentary that casts an unfiltered spotlight on the eccentric, self-proclaimed performance artist and activist known worldwide as Vermin Supreme. Directed by Steve Onderick, this feature-length film catalogs several years in the life of this rollercoaster figure, exploring the unconventional personality, unique brand of political philosophy, and satirically bizarre campaign methods of Vermin Supreme.

For those unfamiliar with this notorious comedic figure, Vermin Love Supreme (his legal name) is an individual known internationally for running as a candidate in various local, state, and national elections in the United States, and doing so in an outlandish and satirical fashion. Pledging fantastical platforms such as mandatory toothbrushing laws and a free pony for every American, Vermin Supreme presents a deliberately absurd and humorous critique of the political system. Sporting a boot as a hat and a wizard-like beard, his caricature persona pokes fun at the traditional image of a politician, subversively challenging the perception of political normalcy.

The film attempts to demystify Vermin Supreme, digging beneath the intentionally outrageous exterior to explore the man behind the boot-hat. Through numerous candid interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and old home videos, the audience is given a unique look into the origins, motivations, and realities of Vermin Supreme. They get to know not just the political jester, but also the street-level activist, the committed artist, and the dedicated man with a surreal sense of humor and a deep-seated need for societal change.

The documentary does not just follow Vermin Supreme for its entirety. There are certain portions where the lens shifts to other oddball candidates that make the American political landscape as diverse as it is. Figures like Jimmy McMillan of The Rent Is Too Damn High Party fame and Rob Potylo, a self-styled satirist and musician, are also explored. These fellow fringe players, while having distinct styles and personas, share a similar offbeat wavelength with Vermin Supreme, highlighting the lesser-seen but colorful edges of American politics.

Who Is Vermin Supreme? An Outsider Odyssey gives viewers a detailed examination of Vermin Supreme's public persona and the psychology that goes behind his various demonstrations. It takes us on a journey through his noteworthy activist moments, like the policemen scrubbing action during the Baltimore riots in the 80s, his free speech court battles, and of course, the infamous glitter bombing incident during the 2012 New Hampshire Lesser-Known Democratic Candidates Presidential Forum. It presents an intimate peek into Vermin Supreme's inspirations and the surreal situations he finds himself in, often as a result of his engaging and provocative style.

This documentary pieced together over five years, also investigates the reaction of the public and the media towards a figure as unique and controversial as Vermin Supreme. It examines his impact on the political landscape, serving as a potent reminder of the freedom of speech and the lengths to which satire can push the boundaries of what's acceptable in the public domain.

As far as documentaries go, Who Is Vermin Supreme? An Outsider Odyssey sits in the unique intersection of political commentary, cultural exploration, and human interest. It probes the mechanisms of American democracy and symbolically asks the question about what qualifies an individual to run for public office. It also presents an unflinching scrutiny of a man who, through his humor and dedication, has managed to keep the conversation about civil liberties, authoritarianism, and political transparency, alive albeit in unconventional ways.

While engaging, enlightening, and frequently humorous, the film raises fundamental questions about our political institutions. Is Vermin Supreme a living embodiment of free speech, an iconoclast pushing against the establishment, or merely a joke within the political system? The documentary lays out comprehensive details about its subject, but it leaves the audience space to form their conclusions about this political oddity known as Vermin Supreme.

Who is Vermin Supreme? This film offers an unforgettable, direct, and entertaining answer to this question, encapsulating an American back-story as peculiar as the man himself. As eccentric as its protagonist, the Outsider Odyssey is a wild, thought-provoking adventure that is as interesting as it is insightful. Regardless of viewers' political leanings or perceptions, this documentary offers an illuminating investigation into a fascinating and thoroughly unique figure in American politics.