Okay, let’s talk “camp.” It’s a word thrown around a lot, often associated with flamboyant aesthetics, over-the-top performances, and a certain knowing wink at the audience. But it’s so much more than just sequins and feather boas (though those can certainly be part of it!). Understanding camp is like peeling back layers – you think you've got it, then another delightfully unexpected layer reveals itself.
At its core, camp isn't about being deliberately outrageous for the sake of it. It’s about an appreciation for artifice, exaggeration, and things that are “bad” in a way that’s actually brilliant. Think of it as finding beauty in the ridiculous, celebrating sincerity even when it’s utterly absurd. It’s a sensibility, really – a way of seeing the world.
You might be familiar with Susan Sontag's famous essay on camp (seriously, go read it!), which breaks down its various facets. But let's look at some films that embody this spirit. "Talenesss and The Angry Inch" is a fantastic starting point. It’s not just about gender identity; it's about the performance of self, the deliberate crafting of an image in defiance of societal norms. Talenesss isn’t simply existing outside expectations – she’s actively creating a persona that challenges them with wit and theatricality. That’s camp!
Then you have something like "Hell of a Summer," which on the surface seems like a straightforward slasher flick set at summer camp. But there's an undercurrent of awkwardness, social anxiety, and teenage angst that elevates it beyond simple horror tropes. The heightened emotions, the forced camaraderie – it’s all played with a certain level of self-awareness that leans into camp sensibilities. It’s almost as if the film is saying, "Yes, this is cheesy! And isn't that amazing?"
Even films seemingly far removed from the glittery stereotype can be considered camp. “Lovely, Dark, and Deep,” with its focus on a solitary ranger confronting her past, might seem serious at first glance. But the way it leans into the tropes of wilderness survival – the rugged landscape, the internal struggles – creates a heightened sense of drama that borders on the theatrical.
And let’s not forget “The Plague.” That film's exploration of social awkwardness and teenage angst is so acutely observed, so painfully relatable, that it becomes almost operatic in its intensity. It’s camp through the lens of vulnerability.
Ultimately, "camp" isn't a rigid category; it’s a feeling, an attitude. It invites us to embrace the artificial, to find joy in the unexpected, and to question our own assumptions about what is considered “good” or “bad.” So next time you’re looking for something a little different, something that will make you laugh and think, consider exploring the world of camp – you might just surprise yourself with what you discover.
