Robin Bougie’s CINEMA SEWER — one of the few remaining film zines — is a funny, dirty, scum-filled read that always has a home on the top of my toilet tank. Sadly, I’ve missed a ton of back issues and while I was planning to order them, I have no need to, now that this compilation of the best of his work is finally out.
CINEMA SEWER: THE ADULTS ONLY GUIDE TO HISTORY’S SICKEST AND SEXIEST MOVIES! is an absolute must — not only for me, but for fans of sleazy cinema, ranking right up there with Bill Landis and Michelle Clifford’s SLEAZOID EXPRESS for its unabashed, unashamed appreciation of pure, unadulterated celluloid garbage. It’s like finding a film-reel in the dumpster of an alley on 42nd Street, surrounded by used condoms and a dead cat.
Aesthetically, what really sets Bougie’s book apart from other film zines or books, is that every page is meticulously hand-lettered and drawn by him. He can turn the image of Max Hardcore banging a cheerleader into a real work of art you’d want to hang on your wall. (And that’s probably the least offensive image!) It’s that extra mile that always made CINEMA SEWER not only a joy to read, but to look at as well.
The reviews are always extremely entertaining, with Bougie delving muff-deep into flicks like the super-powered vaginal stylings of KEKKO KAMEN; the nadir of Jamie Gillis’ ’80s output, especially WALKING TOILET BOWL; and the ultra-disturbing horror parody THE TEXAS DILDO MASSACRE, featuring a Leatherface character who wears a mask made of, um, vaginas. Interviews and bios include such sticky figures as Ralph Bakshi, Long Jeanne Silver (the amputated porn starlet!), teen porn queen Britni and the exhaustive history of DEEP THROAT-er Linda Lovelace.
And, best of all, there are many extremely researched lists like the best and worst of “real death” videos (y’know, like FACES OF DEATH and such); six of the best sickies from Lee Frost and Wes Bishop; and a compendium of the best rape-revenge films. Be prepared to shill out a couple of bucks from DVD bootleggers, because you won’t find these flicks at Blockbuster.
CINEMA SEWER is definitely marketed toward a certain type of cult film fan. Most parties will absolutely find themselves alternately disgusted and offended, but, for those of us who can take it, it’s a jizz-coated treasure trove of much-needed information. —Louis Fowler
Related posts:
- Science Fiction America: Essays on SF Cinema
- The X List: The National Society of Film Critics’ Guide to the Movies That Turn Us On
- Mexploitation Cinema: A Critical History of Mexican Vampire, Wrestler, Ape-Man and Similar Films, 1957-1977
- Mr. Skin’s Skintastic Video Guide: The 501 Greatest Movies for Sex & Nudity on DVD
- The Big Book of Porn: A Penetrating Look at the World of Dirty Movies
