Thread by @forallbirdsongs

🪡 🍿#CryBaby the brilliant intentional « kitsch » movie— the pathway #JohnnyDepp chose to truly escape his unwanted « teen idol » persona.

What inspired the director #JohnWaters (Hairspray) to write the screenplay for Cry Baby— was the dark memory of the unsolved murder of one « Carolyn Wells/Wasilewski » in Baltimore—his hometown.

To find a young actor for the role of Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker—Waters bought a bunch of teen magazines, all of which showed #JohnnyDepp in 21 Jump Street (1987) on the cover.

#JohnnyDepp was intrigued to work with John Waters “the pope of trash”. When he got the script he found it; refreshing, strange & funny. A perfect chance to essentially make fun of himself & the “product” that Hollywood wanted him to be.

#JohnnyDepp prepared for his role by researching the Rockabilly scene. He drew inspiration from artists like; Elvis, Johnny Cash & by what the “drapes” did in Baltimore back in the early 50s.

James Intveld and Rachel Sweet did the singing for #JohnnyDepp and #AmyLocane.

#IggyPop was excited to work with Waters because he appreciated his ability « to turn anger into fun ». But he had to shave his punk-styled hair to fit the character of « Belvedere ». John Waters still has a lock of his hair in a scrapbook at home.

#WillemDafoe improvised the moment when he slaps #JohnnyDepp's ass & only got about 1 minute of screentime.

#TraciLords was investigated by the FBI during filming. Waters & others would hide Tracy because she was so terrified about the ordeal. Afterwards, the whole crew & cast told embarrassing stories they had about run-ins with the law to show that she wasn't alone.

#JohnWaters was extremely satisfied with his choice of casting #JohnnyDepp.
—He thought he understood the essence of the early 50s, the rockabilly charm & particularly liked that he didn’t take himself too seriously.

#CryBaby premiered in Baltimore on March 14 & released on April 6 1990. It was screened out of competition at the 1990 #CannesFilmFestival.