Ahead of the release of new documentary ‘I Am Divine’, director Jeffrey Schwarz speaks to Cliff Joannou about the cult legend called Divine that challenged convention.
How would you describe Divine to somebody who had never seen or heard of him?
Divine was an overweight, effeminate, bullied Baltimore kid who transformed himself into an internationally recognized drag superstar. He became known around the world for his leading roles in films by John Waters, his appearances on the stage, his recording career, and touring with a disco act. Divine is an inspiration to misfits, outsiders, rebels, and freaks of all kinds.
What was your first experience of Divine?
Since I was a teenager I’ve worshiped at the altar of Divine and of John Waters. Anyone who has felt like an outsider can certainly relate to Divine’s story and his journey. I had read about Pink Flamingos years before actually seeing it, in Danny Peary’s Cult Movies and John Waters’ book Shock Value. At the time I had no tangible connections to gay culture, so John and Divine’s sensibility certainly helped lead me down a creative path and was an inspiration. And then finally getting to see Divine in those movies was just mind-blowing. I’d never seen anything like it and watching him on screen was thrilling. He was so fully committed to the characters he played. I saw Hairspray first, and worked backwards from there.
What was his greatest moment for you?
Female Trouble, for sure. That’s the movie that he gives the most insane performance in. He goes from a teenage delinquent to a criminal, prostitute, child abuser, fashion model, stripper, murderess, and death row prophet all in the same movie!
What is his greatest legacy?
Divine was the ultimate outsider. He spit in the face of the status quo of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty, and still succeeded in becoming an internationally recognized recording artist and screen icon. He gives courage to anyone who’s ever been mocked, ridiculed, and ostracized, and gives us all hope that anything’s possible.
What do you think his reaction to the recent RuPaul’s Drag Race ‘tranny’ and ‘She-Male’ controversy have been?
Divine was not transgender and never considered himself a drag queen, a cross-dresser, or a transvestite. He used to say he was happy with his equipment, and was an actor that specialized in playing female parts. I don’t think I ever heard Divine refer to himself as a “tranny”, but he certainly would have earned the right to call himself whatever he wanted. He used to say, “Call me ‘shim’.” I think this controversy has been blown way out of proportion, and our community has real, tangible threats that should be dealt with before we start eating our own.
What did you learn about Divine from making the film that surprised you most?
I was most surprised to find out more about his relationship with his high school sweetheart, who we interviewed. They dated all through junior high and high school. Divine, who was Glen then, took her to the Prom and treated her so well. He even did her hair and make-up and told her how to dress. She was really smitten with him, in a very sweet high school puppy love kind of way. When he started dressing in drag she was completely unfazed and supportive. They even went to a high school party together with Glen dressed as Elizabeth Taylor. When he started hanging out with John, David Lochary and all the cool Baltimore beatniks, she really felt left behind.
• QX magazine and Peccadillo Pictures present Divine Bingo and Screening at the ICA (The Mall, SW1Y 5AH. Tickets: 020 7930 3647 and www.ica.org.uk). Alternative cabaret performer Meth and Ruby Wednesday host a screening of ‘I Am Divine’ with performances, Divine Bingo session and added entertainment on Friday 18th July. Limited availability!
Your ticket also gives you free entry to Carpet Burn ‘We Are Divine’ at Eagle London (Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, SE11 5QY). on Saturday 19th July, 9pm-4am.
• I Am Divine Dir Jeffrey Schwarz is in cinemas on Friday 18th July (Peccadillo Pictures)
