With murder by Drano injection, a gaggle of drag queens in booty shorts, and drugs aplenty, Party Monster seems to contain all the ingredients of a future cult classic. Combined with an all-star cast including a cross-dressing Marilyn Manson, Chloe Sevigny and the party monster himself, Macaulay Culkin, this movie seems to possess the formula for success.
Alas, while it does not live up to its tawdry potential, Party Monster manages to be whimsically entertaining. Set in the early ‘80s, the movie tells the true story of New York City party planner and club kid extraordinaire Michael Alig, played by Culkin, and what sent him down a path of murder and intrigue.
Born in the wholesome Midwest, Alig is an outcast in his younger years, and his status as a social misfit is only reinforced as he grows confused about his sexuality. Alig spends his formative years playing doctor at the home of his pedophiliac Sunday-school teacher (These scenes make one grow strangely nostalgic for those photos of a young Culkin playing with Supersoakers and water balloons in Michael Jackson’s back yard. That was normal, comparatively speaking.)
As a teenager, Alig leaves home and heads to New York City, where he resolves to learn the art of being “fabulous” in hopes of finding social acceptance. Under the tutelage of James St. James (played by Seth Green), a demigod of the ‘80s Manhattan club scene, Alig learns the subtle art of the club kids’ particular variety of social conduct: how to dress, how to converse, and most importantly, what to snort.
After landing a job at the Limelight Nightclub, Alig gains recognition as a prominent party planner, hosting some the wildest shindigs of the late ‘80s. Party Monster chronicles Alig’s rapid ascension to the realm of the “beautiful people,” and his subsequent downward spiral into drug addiction and desperation. The film also delves into his romantic life, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between Alig and a pretty boy DJ, played by Wilmer Valderamma.
The intrigue of the Michael Alig scandal is undeniable; the potent combo of sex, drugs, and disco is an E! True Hollywood Story just waiting to happen. The movie falls short, however, due to its awkward script and unwieldy length. The screenplay is gauchely adapted from James St. James’ book, Disco Bloodbath, by co-writer / directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, whose past efforts include 2002’s Cleavage, and Dark Roots: The Unauthorized Anna Nicole.
These two men seem to have little experience in the realm of composing realistic, compelling dialogue. Capable actors Sevigny and Green make an impressive effort but struggle with the unwieldy screenplay. The uncomfortable pauses between stilted dialogue make for teeth-gritting movie-going experience. Such shabby writing makes it difficult for the audience to empathize with the characters.
Culkin’s performance is particularly weak. His acting is unconvincing and affected. He does well at portraying insecurity, but one gets the sense this is more a manifestation his own worry that he can’t carry a film unless entitled, Home Alone 8: The College Years, in which he would play his stock role to perfection. Culkin, whose early fame poised his siblings for success, still struggles with his own career.
Fortunately, Green does an admirable job as the quirky St. James, and the movie is peppered with appearances by other talented actors, such as Dylan McDermott and Natasha Lyonne, who both have enough screen presence to keep you engaged.
Chances are this movie won’t shake you to the core. You won’t cry when Alig goes to jail or when St. James gets cut off from his trust fund, but the fast-paced story line, flashy colors (hair extensions, glitter, day-glo spandex), and flashier music (New Wave) will keep you entertained. It’s worth seeing, but wait until it comes out on video.
