Watch I Am Divine

I Am Divine is a 2013 documentary film that traces the life of one of the most flamboyant and controversial figures in the world of drag, Divine. The film takes an inside look at the life of the drag superstar and tracks his journey from his early days, performing in underground clubs in Baltimore, to his rise to fame as a cult icon in the 70s and 80s.

The film starts with a glimpse of Divine's childhood and the social circumstances that shaped his unique identity. Born as Harris Glenn Milstead, Divine grew up in a conservative family in Baltimore, Maryland. The movie portrays Divine as a rebellious child who was fascinated with the world of show business and conjured up a persona that would become his alter-ego for the rest of his career. His interest in drag performance, like many things in his life, started as a way to shock and rebel against his conservative upbringing.

The documentary then takes us through the timeline of his career through interviews with famous figures who knew him well, like John Waters, Ricki Lake, and Michael Musto. It showcases the evolution of his stage persona, which was marked by raunchy performances, provocative costumes, and over-the-top makeup. It also explores the various collaborations he had with John Waters and the development of their unique style of filmmaking.

The movie also delves into the personal life of Divine, revealing details about his relationships and his experiences with drug abuse. It offers insight into how Divine navigated the world of drag and the public perceptions of his performances. This is illustrated through interviews and candid footage of some of his performances.

The filmmakers provide plenty of anecdotes about Divine's life, but what is truly interesting is the way they manage to humanize this larger-than-life character. The documentary is filled with both humor and pathos, and it offers a comprehensive look at how Divine struggled to find acceptance in a world that often viewed him as an outsider.

Overall, I Am Divine is a touching tribute to a unique and polarizing figure in the world of drag. It's an intimate portrait that covers all the aspects of Divine's life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame and his untimely death at the age of 42. The film acknowledges that Divine was not just a drag queen or a cult film actor but also a person who had to navigate through the world with all the nuances and complexities that come with it.

One of the most remarkable things about I Am Divine is the way it captures the essence of what made Divine such an enduring figure. The movie celebrates his slovenliness, his vulgarity, and his trashiness but also acknowledges the artistry that underpinned his performances. It provides a lens into the world of drag that can help new viewers understand the importance and cultural significance of this form of performance.

In summary, I Am Divine is a must-watch for fans of drag, independent film, and anyone who is interested in an unconventional story of a unique figure who left an indelible mark on popular culture. It's a well-made and well-researched documentary that illuminates the life of a man who was always larger than life. It's a fitting tribute to Divine's legacy and an inspiration to new generations of artists looking to forge their own paths in the world of art and performance.

I Am Divine is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 70.