Party Monster

Seth Green did not disappoint me. His portrayal of James St. James is excellent and his passion and devotion to the role apparent. I am undecided about Culkin's performance. Michael seems shallow to me, but that is actually appropriate to the role, as Michael Alig seems void of humanity in the interviews I have watched. Culkin's Alig seems a mere poseur to Green's St. James, who lives and breathes fabulousness. But again, that aspect could also be essential to Michael's character who seemed to be a club kid just because it would lead to attention. Mostly, though, I was wishing that Kieran was on the screen instead. Chloë Sevigny is underused in her role of Michael's girlfriend and I could have done with seeing more interaction between Michael and Angel. And some boy-on-boy intimacy. The directors were willing to show such outrageous costumes, copious amounts of drug use, and yet no affection between men despite the heavy homoerotic overtones between the actors. The lack of homosexual interaction wouldn't bother me as much if Michael and his girlfriend weren't shown in intimate moments as well.

This DVD is a pretty good disc. The print of the film is good, capturing the brightness of the costumes and parties and the changing color tone of the movie. The special features are decent. The commentary is pretty heavy with historical information about the accuracy of the events, but the directors share information about the production as well, usually concerning how disgusting the location smelled. I would have preferred more of the latter, but that is just my preference. The featurette was interesting, but the behind the scenes footage was rather dull for the most part. I appreciated having the interview with Michael Alig on the disc and an interview with James St. James would have been a welcome edition.

All in all, the movie is interesting to watch and the disc is worth the purchase.

The parties are portrayed with incredible accuracy. The movie not only depicts what you could expect to have seen inside a club of this type, it makes you feel as though you are actually there taking part in the event. The lighting and colors used create a slightly dazed feeling, as though you're walking through the middle of a huge party, surrounded by a sea of eye-candy. The party goers are true to life as well. After all, they used old club kids as extras and featured some of them in their real outfits.

The drug sequences are almost too accurate sometimes, especially the come down. (At one point, they even show Alig sitting on the toilet saying, "I can't pee." For those who've been there, this totally hits home.)

Honestly, if your plans for the weekend include sitting at home with the kids and watching a movie, this probably isn't your best bet; but if you're looking for an adventure (or if you were once a part of the scene and would love a nostalgic reminder of your past experiences) you really should see this film!

The film's directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato once made a documentary film "Party Monster: The Shockmentary" in 1999, which is based on the murder of Angel Merendez, also one of the aquaintances of Alig. Now, the same team give a fictional account of the same case, helped by the book "Disco Bloodbath" by James St. James, who was, besides Alig, one of the faces seen in the "club kids" vogue in New York City in the 1990s. This newer "Party Monster" features talented Seth Green (in drag) as James, who recounts the days of the party, drug, and the eventual downfall of Michael Alig. And you know, Alig is played by Culkin.

OK, but don't try to find out the "truths" of the murder. The film is more about the relations between James and Alig, or how Alig met James, and is taken under his wings to gain the short-lived celebrity status. The film, using flashbacks, follows the crazy days of party, drug, and eventual downfall of the man.

What is most attractive is the acting of Seth Green. His face might be associated with "Austin Powers," but actually he is a good actor, or far better than you miight think. See how he plays the role of flamboyant James with a slight touch of humor and irony. Remember, his debut was back in 1982 in "Hotel New Hampshire," and he's been doing this job more than 20 years.

As to Macaulay Culkin, it is true that he is less effective, but still good. Perhaps we have seen one too many "Home Alone" film. The supports include Chole Sevigny, Natasha Lyonne, Dylan McDermott, and Marilyn Manson. But their roles are not big, and I am afraid Ms. Lyonne is unrecognizable to some.

The story is not the strength of the film. You cannot find the answer to the question -- question, I mean, about how come the vogue, though briefly, took over the media to become the talk of the people. After all, it is about the bubble-like movement, and the film is not trying to rationalize that fact.

Still, the film is interesting to see if, like me, you didn't experience the trend as first-hand knowledge, especially the 'anything goes' style these characters show in their desperate attempt to reach fame, and be fun. We know it will end in emptiness, or the film, not to be judgemental, presents all about the emptiness of their behavior as it is.