Party Monster - Michael Alig

I make my BEST posts after a "little" Polish Potato Vodka, Hattie dear.

I'm just like Dorothy, except she went from the dull midwest to a fabulous land and only wanted to go home. I, however, did the exact opposite. The people here prove that humans evolved from cows.

It's all part of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.
Hey, where's my Dachau??? What? Nikita's passed away? I'm probably spelling it wrong, as usual, so I searched the web and got this URL;

http://www.hillary.org/hc/Hillary_Clinton_Forum_730_chat1.cgi

Go Figure...

I certainly agree that the film is supposed to be about one person and one story and that's totally fine. It's unrealistic and (from an artistic standpoint) inadvisable to try and portray everything and every scene going on during that time. The scope would be too wide and it would be confusing. It makes perfect sense for the producers to have focused on one aspect of it, in this case the Alig scene. What I meant by my comments about the diversity of NYC nightlife back then was that it's regrettable that this one element of the big picture gets so much attention over the others and may likely go down in history as the definitive snapshot in the general public's mind of our city's club scene during that time -- in the same way that Studio 54 eventually became synonymous with the late 70s club scene, for example, because so much fuss was made over it. I just think it's a bad way for the masses to remember the 90s club era. But I suppose the gross violence of the Alig story lends itself to greater sensationalism and exploitation in a culture that spends millions on violent video games, gory slasher films, etc. And the murder case IS history, no matter what one's personal judgement may be.

[This message was edited by Luxury Lex on 09-24-03 at 12:51 PM.]

Hey Lexy:
I totally agree with you. It is unfortunate that the 90's scene is marred by murder and that will be remebered alone. I guess I usually forget that things are made for the "masses" and not a more discernable viewer. The movie suffers from a lack of focus as it is, so...

Michael Alig: Macauley Culkin
Angel: Wilson Cruz
Tobell Von Cartier: Todd Bridges
Codie Ravioli: Leonardo DiCaprio
Olympia: John Malkovich
Richie Rich: Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Amanda Lepore: Melanie Griffith
Astro Earl: Joaquin Phoenix
Michael Musto: Carrot Top
Lahoma Van Zandt: Danny Bonaduce
Larry Tee: Crispin Glover
Princess Diandra: Chris Rock
Queerdonna: Drew Carey
Chuckie: Amy Sedaris
Patricia Field: Elaine Stritch
Kabuki Starshine: Winona Ryder
Kenny Kenny: Alan Cumming

but you forgots
James Saint James: Andy Dick

rb//nyc//bronx//bohemia

Jojo is selling off the Geoffrey Mac Spider Spider Dress that he wore in Party Monster here:

Jojo's Party Dress

Spread the news, because we want this one to go to someone who really wants it

XXXOOO
Satori

That was hilarious, Miss Understood.

I saw the film a couple of weeks ago. It was an embarrassment. The actors, especially Culkin, were awful (and word to whoever mentioned the "gay accent"--what the fuck?) Script was dumb, editing was annoying...it just sucked, mostly.

But I did learn at least one thing--I'd no idea that James St. James was a trust fund baby, which goes some distance in explaining how people who do nothing for a living earn a living, especially in Manhattan.

Diane Brill: Anna Nicole Smith
Lady Bunny: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Robin Byrd: Courtney Love
Lynn Yeager: Delta Burke
Citrus Hills: Jack Nicholson
Hapi Phace: Lainie Kazan
Lavinia Coop: Judy Carne
Desi Monster: Jack Osbourne
Little Kenny: Carol Channing

Johnny Dynell: Tony Danza
Miss Understood: Phyllis Diller

Johnny Dynell: Tony CURTIS

I recently saw the film here in Cinci...it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Don't get me wrong, Macauley Culkin was absolutely horrible. Seth Green was ok, and Marilyn Manson, in my opinion, was hysterical. The only part of the film that I really liked, was watching Seth Green do a line off of Satori's hand. I was so proud.

I recently discovered that the original book by James St. James was just re-released as well as the Party Monster "Shockumentary" on DVD. I bought them both, because for some strange reason, I'm very interested in learning more about that particular time in clubland.

I was very sheltered growing up, and had absolutely no idea that this was even going on. I just find it interesting. I just bought the book yesterday and I'm already half way through it. The only problem I really have is that on the back of the book it says... "Murder has never been this much fun". I thought that was very unneccesary and tasteless. I thought the same thing about the film's poster when it was released as well.

I think clubland of the 80s and 90s was better represented in "24 Hour Party People". The scenes of a packed, albeit reconstructed, Hacienda reminded me of beautiful nights with thousands of debauched people at Limelight and Club USA. I totally did not get that sense from Party Monster. Maybe they should have spent the budget more on club scenes rather than name brand actors.

Mega I'm glad you liked 24 hour party people but I got a totaly different vibe from that film than a limelight Alig party (which realy wasn't felt in partyMonster as you say).
24 hour was more of a mid 80's joy division,The Smiths kinda vibe, Not the techno/house club kid world.

someone told me that they saw the DVD on sale at Tower Records. (I thought it was coming out in feb). Has anyone seen it and is there alot of footage that was not in the film???

You're right, they were two different scenes and two different vibes. But as far as giving a good representation of the particular scene and making you feel like you were there, 24 Hour Party People ruled.

Just got to see this, and never was able to connect it with the Shockumentary. I never was the Club type, but I have to say this looked interesting. I will refrain from commenting on Alig because I think others have done a pretty good job of this for me.
The "Shockumentary" by far, is a very valuble documentary to have in any collection. Not because of Alig, the Limelight or the crazy outlaw parties, but because of someone who left us too soon. Nelson Sullivan, he had the greatest footage in the extras in the DVD copy. From the time he bought that damn video camera he had it filming something. His scenes with his friend Christina were too funny. There wasn't anything he wouldn't film, and he take all people and all subjects. But I think Nelsons favorite subject though, was Nelson, and that's when he was at his best. To see him taking dog for a walk to Chelsea Pier, was just laugh out loud funny. Not to many people could make that happen. He may be the dryest person who ever lived. Something tells me that he would have become famous outside of the NYC area if he'd been around longer. A Camcorder-on-a-Stick, that's all he would need. But like many naturals, he left far too soon.

well I recently saw the flick myself, and I was immediatly flashed back to many people at the time.. I was just starting coming out then.. the movie was good but sad

Jonah Falcon: Jonah Falcon?

Eh, I was a bit character no one remembers from that. Well, maybe James St. James does.

This is my first time posting so Hello there everyone. I saw Party Monster last month and have been wondering why it didnt mention the facts that Michael was first a busboy at AREA then a busboy at Danceteria. His first parties were at Danceteria not Limelight. The Dirty Mouth contest was on Congo Bills' I know this for a fact because I bartended that party and
would have won if Musto didnt veto it, because I was an employee or "drop your pants". Uh no thanks. I'll make my money at the bar then tyvm.
I hope Chi Chi and Johnny remembers me and sees this post. A very big HELLO from outta the past from Alice Von S. of "Red Light Night"and other debauchery's. I am talking to Rudolf about doin a reunion . I know you and Johnny will be there!
I saw that you joined the Danceteria group and thats how I found this site. I have hardly peeked around yet . I just wanted to introduce myself to you again. AVS

But isn´t little Kevin a candy with his styling like a glamour-addicted drag queen?

Ok, the movie is not the best. But he is better than lots of the Hollywood-Mainstream-Movies. The first hour ist very funny.

well said....well said .... i find this fascination with him really misplaced idolry..
But I guess like anything ... if you weren't actually THERE its easy for you to hear 'chinese whispers' of the truth... sort of like Jesus and the Bible!

Why it gotta be Chinese? Ain't nothin' "Chinese" 'bout it, ya hur? Chinese whispers. Chinese whispers outta my ass.

lol i luv u!
point taken.... am just sooooooo tired of people lionising Alig... so am ranting... "British whispers" then!

Anna, you know I was soooo joking. I couldn't care less about PCness. Yammer away about the Asians, the only person who I'd feel offended hearing anything Asian from is your girlfriend/lover Kimora.

Well, if drugged-out pedophiliac morally bankrupt corrupter of youth were any criteria then there might just be too many of these "support groups" for Yahoo to handle.
The fact is he murdered someone, or at the very least, caused someone's death.
I guess the fascination with Alig will attract those that endlessly watch true crime shows on cable television. But really, how many times can the stories of such people like Alig, Jeffrey Dahmer or even Josef Mengele be rehashed before one loses interest? At least with Mengele, and perhaps even Dahmer, there is a bigger and infinitely more horrifying picture involved. With Alig there is no such context. It's a tiny story... as tiny as the out-of-work white trash from Florida who bludgeons his wife to death for the insurance money... Support group? Find out more? Bah!

Or rather, "Yawn..."

AN, I had never heard the term "Chinese Whispers" before. Is it like the game we used to call "Telephone?" Or something else entirely?

>I would say we should just kill this thread, except it has a lot educational value


But I think, this thread was made for discussing about the movie "Party Monster" and not about the glorifying of Michael Alig.

Am I the only person, who like this movie? ;-)

You are of course completely right Z & S... this may very well open the door to further exploration for the clever ones. As for the others, well there's no accounting for taste.
I was very much reacting in my post to the Yahoo Group description which is linked in the above post, and reads in part:

"Welcome to the newest online community resource for Michael Alig. Here we will discuss ways in which we can give our best support to Michael while in prison.
. We will discuss the true facts about him and dismiss all false ideas that may have some people delirious from watching a particular Hollywood movie..."

Anyway...
Missy brought up a good question... did anyone else like the movie?
What I really mean to ask was it well done as a piece of film?
Obviously I have not seen it. I am pretty perverse that way, about seeing films that I knew the characters in. I mean how long did it take me to see Cecil B. DeMille's The Bible, Daddy?

Documentary was made by Fenton and Randy - World of wonder

(Ha i typed that like Show Producer!!LOL)

quote:

What I really mean to ask was it well done as a piece of film?

Okay, I have to drive to the office now. It is 7:29 in the morning now here in Germany.

But later, I will give a detailled statement, why I love this movie, and what in my opinion is well done in this film.

But, consider, I live in Germany. Michael Alig was not international famous and popular. So almost nobody here knows about him or about his life and story. So, when we watch the movie, we don´t have a comparison to the "real" Michael Alig. The most of you have this comparison, because you live in NY.
So when we watch this movie, we fall in love with this funky, extraordinary charakters, celebrating so much fun and partys. Culkin and James St. James seem likebale and lovely.
For foreign people it seems more than a grotesque, a funny parody of experimental Independent-Cinema. You know, what I mean?

But I understand, you guys from NY don´t like this production, because you know the whole stroy of the real Micheal Alig and the real Angel.

Satori,
You are wise beyond your years, perfect answer.

I understand the Club Kid appeal. It's the glittery lure of the "alternative". I'm still dazzled by it. I even understand the dark appeal of murder. I mean, 2 years ago we did "A Very Jack The Ripper Christmas" as our annual Jackie 60 Christmas Paegent. I'm sure that if you actually knew Mary Kelly (as Hattie did) it wouldn't be so funny. But as Satori pointed out, Angel was a friend of mine. He was such a cute kid. Thinking of him chopped up in a bath tub makes me sick. OK? Picture a friend of yours like that and see how sympathetic you are to his or her murderer. Again, as Satori pointed out there were/are a lot of very creative scenes out there. "90's Club Kids" is just one.
Pick another.

JACK THE RIPPER CHRISTMAS SHOW

Oh, and the movie...
It sucked!!! but I LOVED the costumes. Who ever did them really got it right! They were fab and totally realistic. I think it was the writing that really sucked. As someone who was at most of those parties in the movie (yes, they really happened) the dialogue and acting was a joke.

As per the glamourization of murder, there is no doubt stories of murder and serial killing, etc. are very 'entertaining' but there are limits. E.g. Jack the Ripper -- I wanted to go walking around the area in London one afternoon, and went into a local Information kiosk. The woman would not tell me ANYTHING at all, no directions towards streets, etc. and only urged me to go on a guided tour (they are all at night.) She glared at me like I was a ghoul. I guess I was.

I found some things anyhow, based on my researches... My London friend later informed me that at one point there was so much touristic crap in Whitechapel -- the bar where some of the whores would hang out had been renamed "Jack the Ripper" or something -- that the city government of London put a stop to all of it. In other words, the public's lust for the dried blood of the legend was growing more and more blatant and vulgar. So now you walk around there and the original bar is back to its original name, The Three Bells, I believe, and there's no signage, no trace anywhere of the crimes. Which really is the best thing for all concerned.

Johanna Constantine and I one evening thought we would go on the tour. She was all dolled up in Victorian of course and I was in suitable black. When the tour gathered and we saw all the Nikes and puffy down jackets, we totally took a powder. I mean they should at least have a DRESS CODE for the tour!

The writing in the film was atrocious. There is so much blithering downtime in it.
But one scene I thought was good was when Michael Alig & Co. went 'on tour' to some club in Chicago, and they do a lederhosen Nazi theme. The song is "Money, Success, Fame, Glamour" by Felix Da Housecat (?) The bad taste is insurmountable and admittedly sick and funny.

Missy, if he had not decided to murder someone is such a cold-hearted manner, no-one would have any problems with the style.
Your POV proves the moral error imposed by the directors.
They aid you to fixate on the stylization, and make you forget the psychopathy.

Have been waiting for a lull in this ever-fascinating topic to launch part 2.

Since we do like to keep topics to about 100 posts I attempted to move the overage to the new topic - software wasnt really cooperating so its a bit of a muddle, but carry on there!

Michael Alig Part 2