Mainstream movies and the studio system, as well as independent films and filmmakers, are sliced, diced, hammered and shredded by writer/director John Waters in his biting and funny satire, `Cecil B. Demented,' starring Stephen Dorff and Melanie Griffith. Railing against convention and adamant in his quest, a young man who wants to make a statement about bad movies, the way they're made, those who participate in these cinematic transgressions and those who flock to theaters to see the final product, dubs himself `Cecil B. Demented' and sets out to make a `real' indie film. Toward this end, he assembles a group of like-thinking would-be filmmakers and forms them into a lethal band of cinematic guerrillas he names the `Sprocket Holes,' and has them take jobs at and infiltrate a theater in Baltimore that is about to hold a lavish premiere of a new movie featuring Hollywood star Honey Whitlock (Griffith). Honey herself is scheduled to attend, and Demented's plan is to kidnap her and force her to star in his film, which will be shot `ambush' style, intruding upon real people and situations, rolling film and getting it in the can before anyone knows what happened. He hopes. Dedicated to making the kind of movie that should be made, the Sprocket Holes are not only willing to die for their art, but go so far as to take a vow to remain chaste until the film is completed.

`Demented' is by turns outrageous, violent and hilarious, and-- some would say, subjectively speaking-- that Waters pushes the envelope of good taste to the limit. But then again, he usually does, and it usually works. Anyone who knows John Waters' movies knows what to expect (indeed, anticipate),but those who come to his work unawares may be in for a jaw-dropping eye opener. When satire is done well it can cut both ways; this one is, and it does. Movies made by the studios for no other purpose than to make a buck, and which contain no artistic merit whatsoever are the obvious target of Waters' barrage, but so are the `auteur,' legends-in-their-own-minds `indie' filmmakers with a penchant for taking themselves too seriously. Along the way, Waters is having a laugh at himself, even as he laughs along with his fellow filmmakers at both ends of the spectrum, those at whom his shots are being fired.

As Demented, Dorff takes a somewhat over-the-top and highly energized approach to the character, in a performance punctuated with exclamation points. But he leaves no doubt in the mind of the viewer that he IS Cecil B. Demented. And you know that come what may, there's going to be no stopping him. Griffith, meanwhile, adds a nice touch as Honey, a character through whom we see all the transparencies of a Hollywood `star,' whose career has never been hampered by bad acting. Inured of a caustic and ego driven personality, she nevertheless manages to garner some sympathy as the story moves along and her vulnerable side is exposed. Griffith is perfect for the part, which is something of a good natured nudge in the ribs of her own image. As intended, it's just another instance of Waters pulling aside the curtain to reveal what is really behind the facade.

In a supporting role, Alicia Witt gives a memorable performance as Cherish, the porn star who sees her co-starring role with Honey in Demented's film as a way of legitimizing her career, while at the same time thumbing her nose at the industry that has for so long shunned her `talents.' The additional supporting cast includes Adrian Grenier (Lyle),Larry Gilliard Jr. (Lewis),Maggie Gyllenhaal (Raven),Jack Noseworthy (Rodney),Michael Shannon (Petie),Harriet Dodge (Dinah),Zenzele Uzoma (Chardonnay),Eric M. Barry (Fidget),Erika Lynn Rupli (Pam),Mink Stole (Mrs. Mallory),Patty Hearst (Fidget's Mother),Ricki Lake (Libby) and Kevin Nealon (Himself). A film that will definitely get your attention, `Cecil B. Demented' sets pretentiousness on it's ear by saying what most people think but rarely say due to the constraints of social protocol. Waters crosses some lines and doesn't pull any punches with this one, which may make it a bit hard for some to take; but movie lovers in general, and aficionados of independent film especially, should get a real kick out of it. It may be a bit skewed, but it's all a part of the magic of the movies. I rate this one 8/10.

John Waters continues his trashing of "traditional" Americanism with the raucous "Cecil B. DeMented", in which an indie filmmaker (Stephen Dorff) kidnaps an air-head actress (Melanie Griffith) and makes her star in his anti-Hollywood flick in which they go around attacking anything associated with Tinseltown - especially family-oriented stuff. And the best part: he's working with a budget of zero! It's like the Patty Hearst story taken one step further (Ms. Hearst even appears in the movie).

This seems like the sort of movie that had probably been in the works for years. Regardless of anyone's opinion of "Forrest Gump" and "Patch Adams", we can likely agree that they don't need to get extended. A really funny, great movie. Also starring Mink Stole and Kevin Nealon.

Choosing the "Flintstones" sequel over a Pasolini movie. I bet that some people would do that.

If it wasn't for Johnny Depp, I'd have to say that Stephen Dorff was the actor inclined towards the most quirky roles. The fact he's not a major star in the same league as Depp is, probably means he's got more freedom to choose his projects. Or maybe he gets the stuff that Depp turns down.

I think only Johnny Depp could have done the part of rogue film director Cecil B. Demented for John Waters other than Dorff. In this dark comedy, Waters makes quite a statement about the conformity of the major league film industry. It's driven Dorff quite insane in fact.

Dorff as Cecil B. Demented has collected quite a crew of misfits around him in their scheme to make the ultimate cinema verite. In a bow to tradition though they need a name star, so Dorff and his crew capture a visiting Hollywood celebrity to Baltimore in Melanie Griffith to star in their production.

The good city fathers of Baltimore have gone to great lengths to convince film people that Baltimore and the state of Maryland in general is a hospitable climate for location shooting. That is something Dorff is determined to wreck and film.

Anyone who is expecting the rollicking and unconventional, but essentially good natured product that Waters turns out like CryBaby, Hairspray, or Pecker. Cecil B. DeMented has quite the edge to it. Still it provides Stephen Dorff with one meaty role and a large diet of good tasting furniture to chew. But it's that kind of part.