Andy Warhol's Bad

Plot

The final film released under the Andy Warhol moniker (which Warhol executive produced) is a much more polished affair than Flesh, Trash or Heat, but preserves the oddball wit and eccentric flair that made those films so memorable. Directed by Warhol film editor Jed Johnson, Andy Warhol's Bad focuses on Hazel Aiken, a New York housewife who has to support a houseful of relatives on her own. She pays the bills by operating an electrolysis service out of her home and also by running a murder-for-hire service staffed exclusively by women that specializes in unsavory jobs like killing children and house pets. As a result of her latter job, she has to deal with unwanted attention from Detective Hughes, a corrupt cop who wants her to surrender one of her employees so he can make an arrest. Hazel's complex life grows even more difficult with the arrival of her nephew J.T. (Perry King), a sleazy layabout who wants to join her hit squad. As the bodies pile up around her, Hazel discovers that her cold-blooded take on capitalism and family values comes with a price she didn't imagine. Andy Warhol's Bad differs from previous Warhol productions because of its higher production values and Hollywood-friendly casting, but retains its sense of underground credibility thanks to a wild story line that trashes every taboo in arm's reach to create a memorably bizarre satire. Some sources erroneously list the year of release in 1971; it was in fact produced in 1976 and issued to theaters by Roger Corman's New World Pictures in 1977. The MPAA classified that version of the film with an X. It was later reedited to receive an R, which is the version available on video. ~ Donald Guarisco, Rovi

Review

Andy Warhol's Bad lives up to its reputation as one of the most shocking black comedies ever made. The film's frequent bursts of graphic violence and its refusal to pay attention to any taboos (it doesn't flinch at depicting the murder of dogs and babies) are guaranteed to turn off sensitive viewers, but the film offers plenty of rewards for adventurous cult film fans. Andy Warhol's Bad draws its take-no-prisoners comedic sensibility from John Waters' 1970s output, but differentiates itself from that director's style by going for a slicker look and filtering its sick laughs through a jaded sense of cool that perfectly fits the film's New York setting. No matter how outrageous or twisted the plot becomes, the proceedings remain involving because screenwriters Pat Hackett and George Abagnalo ground the material with complex, interesting characters. The film also benefits from a skilled cast that deftly underplays the material with deadpan comic timing. Carroll Baker brings a genuine sense of seen-it-all boredom to her role as the housewife criminal mastermind and Perry King is surprisingly likable as a seemingly amoral hustler who finds himself forced to come to terms with his conscience. The leads are supported by a vivid array of creepy yet witty supporting performances; the best of these are Warhol Factory veteran Brigid Polk as a bitter apartment dweller driven mad by her hatred for her neighbor. Ultimately, a viewer's ability to appreciate Andy Warhol's Bad will depend on their tolerance for sick humor, but it offers a memorable viewing experience for cult movie fans who can appreciate its singularly warped style. ~ Donald Guarisco, Rovi

Cast

• Carroll Baker - Mrs. Aiken
• Perry King - L.T.
• Susan Tyrrell - Mary Aiken
• Stefania Casini - P.G.
• Cyrinda Foxe - R.C.

Mary Boylan - Grandmother; Tere Tereba - Ingrid Joyner; Brigid Polk - Estelle; Susan Blond - Young Mother; Maria Smith - Marsha; Geraldine Smith - Glenda; Lawrence Tierney - O'Reilly; Renee Paris - Leachmans; Jane Forth - Screaming Passer-by; Tito Goya - Manuel Rivera; Tamara Horrocks - Angry Mother; Charles McGregor - Det. Hughes; Charles Welch - Blind Newsdealer; Kitty Bruce - Karla; Michael Sullivan - Some Schmuck; Ruth Jaroslow - Electrolysis Patient; Richard Cummings - Street Kid; Tom Quinn - Man Buying Newspaper

Credit

John Boxer - Costume Designer, Elisabeth Ann Seley - Costume Designer, Bill Christians - Costume Designer, Jed Johnson - Director, David McKenna - Editor, Franca Silvi - Editor, Andy Warhol - Executive Producer, Michael Bloomfield - Composer (Music Score), Gene Rudolf - Production Designer, Alan Metzger - Cinematographer, Fred C. Weiler - Set Designer, Chris Newman - Sound/Sound Designer

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