By Stacey Perlman
See the independent movie that takes partying to a whole new level.
The plot is predictable, a turbulent tale of drugs, sex and parties that eventually dwindle into a blazing trail of self-destruction and murder. So why is “Party Monster” worth the watch? Simply because underneath the mapped out plot, “Party Monster” goes one step further, into a surreal world that is an odd reality. To put it into perspective, think of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” meeting the circus while taking acid on Halloween.
There is no need for twists and turns within the plot, it is not meant to have a surprise ending or keep the viewer in suspense. Yet, this movie still acquires a level of shock and intrigue as it tells the true story of Michael Alig (played by Macaulay Culkin, best known for his role in the “Home Alone” series) and his descent from leader of the club kids to convicted murderer.
Based on the book “Party Monster” (originally published under the title “Disco Bloodbath”) by former club kid, James St. James, the movie visually recreates the era of the New York City club kids during the late 80s and early 90s who attended parties and adorned themselves in crazy costumes and layers of makeup while consuming copious amounts of drugs. Not only does it provide a look at the parties held at the Limelight Club, it also focuses on what happened behind the them and what led Alig to kill his drug-dealing friend, Angel Melendez (played by Wilson Cruz, “My So Called Life”).
Writers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato dive straight into the world of drugs in the opening scenes with James St. James (Seth Green, “Austin Powers,” “The Family Guy”). St. James is high off cocaine and begins the movie in a voice that tries to sound sophisticated but can’t quite pull it off due to inebriation, with lines like: “I think it’s so important to begin with a bang, don’t you?” So begins the comical tragedy of Alig.
Michael requests that James teach him “to be fabulous” and so James takes Michael under his wing. The two form a rather odd love-hate friendship while Michael forges ahead of James in this quest to “be fabulous” and is soon in his own limelight for the notorious parties that take place in the Limelight Club. Alig recruits two other lost souls, Keoki (Wilmer Valderrama, “That 70s Show”) and Melendez. Keoki becomes the DJ for the parties and Alig’s love interest while Angel becomes his personal drug dealer.
Despite the dark tone in the plot, “Party Monster” still sustains humor. Michael ironically chastises James for his drug addiction and James’ reply while snorting cocaine is, “I’m not addicted to drugs, I’m addicted to glamour!”
“Party Monster” is also unique through its dialogue. The lines are read throughout most of the movie as though they were high school students rehearsing for a school play, yet oddly enough, this works. This somewhat choppy read through of lines adds to the bizarreness that was the reality of the Club Kids as well as contributes to the surreal feeling that the story delivers.
Culkin, Green, Valderrama and Cruz all do a wonderful job as actors in this film, but Culkin and Green shine through. They embody the true personas of Michael and James through their ability to adapt to the distinctive roles of such characters.
“Party Monster” may be along the lines of the typical “drugs lead to disaster” clich
