it's been quite some time since i've written anything in association with this website. time flies, it's true, but also much of my own time has been dedicated to the collection, organization and restoration of items for my collections, most recently the James collection inspired by the controversial but (arguably) stylistically necessary film "Party Monster". it's a first for me, because although i'm still dealing with women's clothing most of the clothing in the film is worn, and worn well, by men. this, however, is not the source of the controversy with regard to the film. no, the controversy revolves primarily around the drug culture which permeates the storyline and also around the eventual murder and disposal of one of the film's more visually arresting characters.
the people in Party Monster are obsessive--about themselves, about each other, about fashion, about drugs, about culture, about fame. it makes for a fascinating expose on the 80's club kid scene, which in fact is not so different than any of the "scenes" which have, are and perhaps will always be permeating young america. like each of the films i've focused on thus far, for all of its differences from everyday reality there are infinitely more stark similarities which clearly and profoundly highlight the fundamental underpinnings of human nature and experience. this overall relatability amidst and underlying the imposed oddity is what establishes the massive following behind these cult films. we understand these characters--their pain, their joy. we relate, whether or not we ourselves have shared their exact experiences. each of us carries a little of the monster within, and for this reason alone, we hold these films and the memory of them amongst some of our most cherished possessions.