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critics consensus

John Waters casts his provocative eye toward libido in a sex satire that won't leave audiences feeling too Dirty, but this sophomoric farce doesn't strike a nerve like his best work -- a real Shame. Read critic reviews

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A Dirty Shame Photos

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Movie Info

Sylvia Stickles (Tracey Ullman) runs a convenience store with her husband (Chris Isaak) and mother-in-law (Suzanne Shepherd). One day, Sylvia is hit on the head and transforms from an uptight prude to a sex-crazed lunatic. As she goes on a rampage through town, Sylvia attracts the attention of Ray Ray (Johnny Knoxville), a sexual healer and tow truck driver in search of the world's greatest orgasm. Their sexual revolution, however, causes a class war in their tiny Baltimore community.
  • Rating:
    NC-17 (Perverse Sexual Content)
  • Genre:
    gay and lesbian, comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    John Waters
  • Producer:
    Ted Hope
  • Writer:
    John Waters
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $1.3M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Killer Films, This Is That Productions, City Lights Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, DTS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.37:1)

Cast & Crew

Tracey Ullman
Sylvia Stickles
Johnny Knoxville
Ray-Ray
Selma Blair
Caprice Stickles
Chris Isaak
Vaughn Stickles
Suzanne Shepherd
Big Ethel
Mink Stole
Marge the Neuter
Patricia Hearst
Paige
Jackie Hoffman
Dora
Susan Allenback
Betty Doggett
Paul DeBoy
Wendell Doggett
John Waters
Director
John Waters
Writer
Ted Hope
Producer
Pat Moran
Associate Producer
Steve Gainer
Cinematographer
Kerry Barden
Casting
Pat Moran
Casting
Halina Gebarowicz
Art Direction
Van Smith
Costume Designer
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for A Dirty Shame

All Critics (117) | Top Critics (41) | Fresh (62) | Rotten (55)

View All Critic Reviews (117)

Audience Reviews for A Dirty Shame

  • Oct 22, 2013
    Mediocre comedy with a few laughs strewn throughout, A Dirty Shame directed by Pink Flamingos director John Waters should have been much better considering its premise. Unfortunately, the film has a weak script that just doesn't deliver what it should have. I really wanted to enjoy the film, but most of the gags fell flat, and Waters can't seem to construct something memorable here. I will say this, this is far better than the awful mess Pink Flamingos, and he has managed to make something with a bit of humour, but overall due to its script, and lack of effective ideas, the movie as a whole suffers. The cast could have been better as well, and there is no one that stands out. This film should have been much better than what it turned out, and it's a shame because it could have been something really amusing. Aside from a few laughs, the film lacks something to make an effective comedy. I really wanted to enjoy the film, and I can see that this was a film that had plenty of great ideas that was halted due to a lacking script. If the script would have been significantly tighter, with better gags, I think A Dirty Shame would have a very good film. Instead we get a mediocre comedy with mild laughs and so-so acting. The cast is varied enough, but there is just no spark to really make this film take off. A Dirty Shame is a film that has plenty of potential, but ultimately just disappoints the viewer that wants something more out of their viewing experience.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • May 22, 2011
    Waters try to make this film a extremely funny and dirty. The thing is: he transform A Dirty Shame in a very silly movie. However, still commit some laughs.
    Lucas M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 08, 2010
    The film as a whole has all the uninteresting raunch you'd expect with a John Waters film, but the mere fact that this isn't a shell shocked nation, and Divine isn't drag queening it up made an unimpressive impact. That the film has a NC-17 rating probably drew in some unsuspecting viewers, and possibly the film was making some sort of statment, but that statement just seemed to be "trying too hard."
    Spencer S Super Reviewer
  • May 15, 2010
    A very very VERY weird movie about various sex addicts in different situations of life. This pack of people are lead by character played by Knoxville. This movie was very exadurated in many ways and a bit catchy. I was packing my suitcase to prepare for a trip and I just had to sit down to watch this movie because it was extremely weird.
    Naughtia N Super Reviewer
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