Cry-Baby (1990)

CRY-BABY (1990)

Dir: John Waters

There’s nothing to add to the conversation of Cry-Baby. This is one of John Waters’ perfect films. I love absolutely everyone in the cast. Having seen Butcher Baker, Nightmare Maker (1981) earlier this year I have a great appreciation for Susan Tyrrell. Between Cheryl Roberts and Romona Rickettes, Tyrrell was a god*mn force to be reckoned with. Iggy Pop is fantastic, especially when you see him for the first time taking a bath in a bucket with his legs hanging out. It’s just one of the many iconic moments. Sure, Johnny Depp’s great, but Traci Lords is a f*cking gift.

I love the recent politicizing of the opening to Cry-Baby. The title sequence features our cast waiting in line for Polio Vaccination Day. When the film was made, this was a fun way to introduce our characters. It also leads up to showing us Johnny Depp’s first tear as Cry-Baby. But now, it just looks like a great way to re-open a nation and get past a virus that’s killed too many. I see nothing wrong with COVID-19 Vaccination Day, where everyone’s forced to get their shot that hasn’t yet. Drag them in kicking and screaming, like the Cry-Babies they are.