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.