Party Monster (film)

Party Monster (film) is a 2003 American biographical drama film directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, based on the book Disco Bloodbath by James St. James. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Michael Alig, a club kid and party promoter who was convicted of murdering his drug dealer, Andre "Angel" Melendez. The film also features Seth Green as James St. James, a friend and fellow club kid who wrote the book about Michael Alig's life. The film explores the New York City club scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the Limelight and Club Kids.

● Plot

The film follows the life of Michael Alig, a young party promoter who becomes a key figure in the New York City club scene. Michael Alig befriends James St. James, and together they create a group of club kids who become known for their outrageous and flamboyant style. The group includes Gitsie, Jennie, and Brooke, among others. As Michael Alig's star rises, he becomes increasingly involved in the drug trade, and his relationships with his friends and acquaintances begin to deteriorate. The film culminates in the murder of Andre "Angel" Melendez, a drug dealer who was involved with Michael Alig and the club kids. The film features appearances by Marilyn Manson, Chloë Sevigny, and Wilmer Valderrama, among others.

● Production

The film was directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, who are known for their work on HBO's Real Sex series and the film The Eyes of Tammy Faye. The screenplay was written by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, based on the book Disco Bloodbath by James St. James. The film was produced by Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, and Christine Vachon, and features a soundtrack by Jimmy Harry and Peter Rauhofer. The film was shot on location in New York City and features many of the actual locations that were popular in the club scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the Limelight and Club Kids. The film also features appearances by Dylan McDermott as Peter Gatien, the owner of the Limelight.

● Release

The film was released on September 5, 2003, at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was later released in the United States on September 19, 2003, by Strand Releasing. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but has since become a cult classic among fans of the club scene and LGBTQ+ culture. The film has been compared to other films about the club scene, such as 54 and The Doors, and has been praised for its portrayal of the New York City club scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film has also been screened at various film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival.

● Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its portrayal of the New York City club scene and others criticizing its graphic content and lack of depth. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 23% based on 73 reviews, with an average rating of 4.2/10. The film has also been praised for its performances, particularly Macaulay Culkin's portrayal of Michael Alig. The film has been compared to other films about the club scene, such as Saturday Night Fever and Boogie Nights, and has been praised for its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. The film has also been recognized for its historical significance, and has been screened at various museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the New York Public Library.

● Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack features a mix of electronic dance music and pop music, and includes tracks by Jimmy Harry, Peter Rauhofer, and Moby. The soundtrack also features appearances by Deee-Lite, The Crystal Method, and Groove Armada, among others. The film's score was composed by Jimmy Harry and Peter Rauhofer, and features a mix of synthesizers and drum machines. The soundtrack has been praised for its energy and its ability to capture the spirit of the club scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film's soundtrack has also been released on CD and vinyl, and features a mix of remixes and original tracks. The soundtrack has been compared to other soundtracks, such as Trainspotting and Human Traffic, and has been praised for its portrayal of the club scene and its music.

Category:American biographical drama films Category:Films based on non-fiction books Category:Films set in New York City Category:LGBTQ+-related films