Year of Release: 1994
Director: John Waters
Starring: Kathleen Turner, Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake, Matthew Lillard, Mink Stole, Justin Whalin, Scott Morgan, Walt McPherson, Patricia Dunnock, Lonnie Horsey, Mary Jo Catlett, John Badila, Kathy Fannon, Doug Roberts, Traci Lords, Patricia Hearst, Bridig Berlin, Suzanne Sommers
Genre: Comedy
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
Watch it on Amazon
Synopsis and Review:
Following his well received "Hairspray" and "Cry-Baby", director John Waters continued to work with bigger budgets he had previously managed to gather, recruiting bigger names to his habitual troupe of actors. "Serial Mom" follows the story of Beverly Sutphin, a married suburban mom, living in Baltimore, who has an idyllic existence with a loving husband in tow, and two sweet grown up kids. Unbeknownst to her family however, Beverly is also a raging serial murderer who goes on killing sprees when things don't go her way. Beverly's murdering rampage however starts drawing a lot of attention, and the police starts investigating. Following a particularly and public gruesome murder, Beverly is sent to prison, and eventually has to answer for her actions in what turns out to be a packed trial.
John Waters has always been a unique voice in cinema, and sadly one that isn't as prolific anymore. "Serial Mom" is one of his best features, and a particularly great character and showcase for the comedic talents of Kathleen Turner. As usual on Waters's films, his film references, his campy aesthetic, his visual references to the 50s and 60s, underground cinema, all of those make their presence visible. He always manages to create an interesting hybrid of capturing reality with plenty of dosage of surreal, largely thanks to the always unique characters he populates his films with. Even if the characters are at times broad sketches or very thinly drawn out, they always leave a mark, as is in this particular case, Mink Stole's Dottie Hinkle. If his usual troupe of actors is always welcomed and hilarious, in this particular case Kathleen Turner really hits the mark across the board. Her character is a mix of Brady Bunch nicety, with a dash of Hannibal Lecter thrown in for good measure. All this infused with a lot of humor and gusto. She carries the film and truly makes it even funnier, particularly her scenes in the court. The supporting cast, led by the always wonderful Sam Waterston, is equally solid and very funny. A good comedy from a truly unique voice in cinema.
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