Kathleen Turner in a scene from Serial Mom.
In a scene early in the film Serial Mom, Beverly Sutphin (played with deadly perfection by Kathleen Turner) kills a fly that has intruded upon her loving family’s breakfast. The dead bug is then shown close-up in all its sticky, gory glory, insides exposed to the world. That scene sums up the 1994 John Waters cult classic shown last night as the first entry in Best Video’s February film series, which follows the theme “Til Death Do Us Part,” highlighting four movies that explore dysfunctional relationships.
As with previous series at the Whitney Avenue film and cultural center, staff chose a selection of films, with voting methods to narrow down the choices being posted on social media to allow others to have a say. The films chosen for the rest of the month include Raising Arizona on Feb. 13, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on Feb. 20, and Lars and the Real Girl on Feb. 27.
All three Best Video employees working last night had not seen Serial Mom before, though Teo Hernandez said he had seen two other John Waters films previously — Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble — and Anthony Capassso said he had seen Cecil B. Demented. Lucas Hernandez, who was the evening’s barista, said he had never even heard of the film before, though he had seen Waters’s Cry-Baby. They were not alone, as quite a few others in the crowd started talking about how it would be their first time seeing the film as well. Those who had seen the film before assured them with much glee that they would love it.
Karen Ponzio Photo.
If the amount of laughter that resounded through the store was any indication, a love for this film was born and multiplied many times over during its 94-minute run time. For those not familiar with the movies made by the illustrious John Waters, they are known for their campiness, their breaking of and twisting about of conventions, and their achieving of cult status among moviegoers because they tend to not be for everyone. Serial Mom may be his most accessible, even as it still breaks conventions while offering an often glaring view of certain truths. Waters excels at shining a light on reality, even in its most exaggerated form, and revealing another way to look at it even if it may seem revolting, just like that smashed fly.
At first glance the Sutphin family seems fairly normal and even sort of ideal, led by mom Beverly and dentist dad Eugene (played with an almost naïve sweetness by the always superb Sam Waterston). Daughter Misty (played by Ricki Lake) sells antiques and swoons over her maybe boyfriend, while son Chip (played by Matthew Lillard, whose name during the credits received a cheer of yes from the crowd) works at a video store and is obsessed with horror movies. Beverly doesn’t allow chewing gum at the table, nor does she approve of swear words being spoken, but soon we see her tolerance for seemingly harmless infractions — such as losing a parking spot to a neighbor, her kid’s friend not wearing a seat belt, and even wearing white after Labor Day — is precarious at best, leading to mayhem and violence.
The comedy may have been dark with a decent smattering of blood and gore, but the laughs were near nonstop as we watched Beverly “handle” people who were not behaving properly according to her own idea of decorum and etiquette. But Serial Mom is also subversive and timely in the way that it highlights the fascination we have with serial killers, murderers, and crime in general. People become scared of Beverly as she is deemed “Serial Mom,” but they also become entranced by her. This newfound fame becomes an opportunity for her daughter to sell Serial Mom merchandise and maybe get a new boyfriend, while her son gets an agent and a possible sit-down with Geraldo Rivera.
Other famous faces show up in small but impactful roles, including Traci Lords, Joan Rivers, and Patty Hearst. Suzanne Somers even shows up as herself, ready to watch Beverly in action since she may be playing her in a movie. Through it all Beverly remains dedicated to standing up for herself, her family, and what she deems is right — “The only cereal I know anything about is Rice Krispies,” says Beverly in response to being asked if she is Serial Mom — even as she is living up to that name and becoming a star in her own right. Thirty years later we are still fascinated with true crime-based entertainment that includes movies, TV shows, and books as well as podcasts. Perhaps this film as a first watch for so many was perfect timing.
Best Video’s February Screening Series continues next Tuesday at 7 p.m. with Raising Arizona. Visit the Best Video website for more information as well as the rest of the schedule. Admission is free for members and $10 for non members. Popcorn is free for all who attend.
