Party Monster is one of my favourite films ever!! It is a crime drama film based on the biography written about the rise and fall of the infamous New York party promotor, Michael Alig. The film is based on 'Disco Bloodbath', the memoir of James St. James which details his friendship with Alig, that later fell apart as Alig's drug addiction worsened and ended after he murdered his drug dealer, Angel, and went to prison.
The film highlights the downfall of Michael Alig through drugs and the spotlight, constantly being on high demand and constantly wanting to out do himself. Although I get the impression that the film was produced on a low budget the costumes and outfits throughout the film are amazing! It really captures the essence of the party vibe that was constantly going on during the time.
Party Monster - Trailer
This film is part of my research because for me, this is the first insight I had into the Club Kids and the whole new movement that was going on in the late 80s/early 90s. Before watching this film a few years ago I had no idea that these sort of parties happened but I always visualised them. The whole concept just fascinates me, the outfits and the use of makeup how each 'club kid' has their own character and part that they play within this circus that they have all created themselves. I LOVE the fact that the majority of the outfits were all hand-made as well and then recycled to create new outfits for the following weeks. This is another aspect that shows how the people that were drawn into the whole 'Club Kid' really expressed themselves through the nightlife when they felt like the couldn't during the day, breaking away from what was socially accepted and creating a new life for themselves.
Whilst researching, I came across this interesting interview of an original NYC Club Kid, Ernie Glam, talking to Swide Magazine talking about the life he used to have and what he does now. One quote I admired was when Glam was asked, "What is glamour to you?", with him responding, "Glamour is a compelling sense of style that cannot be purchased. It is a seductive mystery that captivates a viewer's attention", both of these comments reflecting back on my previous statement that many of these characters did what they loved regardless of what was socially acceptable at the time and to always try and out do themselves to reach the highest shock factor.
He then continues to comment when asked where Lady Gaga is a Club Kid or a fake: "All club kids are fake. It’s an invented persona, so Lady Gaga’s invented persona is just as valid as any club kid’s persona."
As everyone nowadays that Lady Gaga has created this empier of Little Monsters based on the fact of being a chameleon performer, forever keeping her fans and the world on their feet waiting for the next appearance and questioning what rule she'll be breaking next with her attire. So the likes of Lady Gaga and the Club Kids, what makes them want to break away from the norm and to stand out? Self confidence issues? Or maybe just to express themselves through the out of hair and makeup if not just through the voice.
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