The VHS Strikes Back
Street Trash (1987)
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Episode notes
Supporter Susan from Geek Girl Soup (https://geekgirlsoup.com) has picked some corkers in the past, and this choice is no exception. It's the 1987 body horror comedy, Street Trash.
Street Trash, directed by Jim Muro, was a low-budget endeavor that became known for its outrageous blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. The film was originally conceived as a short student project by writer Roy Frumkes, but its success led to the development of a full-length feature. Muro, who was only 21 years old at the time, brought his unique vision to the project, heavily influenced by his background in Steadicam operation, which he utilized to create dynamic and fluid camera movements that became a signature of the film’s visual style. Filmed primarily in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and various locations around New York City, Street Trash captures a grimy, apocalyptic version of the city, which perfectly complements its story of melting derelicts and social decay.
The film's practical effects are one of its standout features, delivering some of the most memorable and grotesque gore sequences of 1980s horror cinema. The story revolves around a batch of toxic liquor called "Tenafly Viper," which causes the homeless people who drink it to melt in vividly colorful and shocking ways. Despite its micro-budget, the production team managed to create elaborate melting effects using a combination of foam latex, prosthetics, and colorful slime. These effects, coupled with the film's darkly humorous tone, helped Street Trash gain a cult following. The film was controversial for its unflinching portrayal of societal outcasts and graphic content, but it has since been celebrated for its daring approach to blending genres and its influence on the splatter film subgenre.
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Plot Summary:
In a rundown neighborhood in New York City, a liquor store owner discovers a case of "Tenafly Viper," a mysterious and expired alcoholic beverage. When consumed by the local homeless population, the drink causes their bodies to grotesquely melt, leading to a series of bizarre and horrific deaths. Amidst this gruesome madness, the film also explores the lives of various misfit characters, including two homeless brothers trying to survive on the streets, a deranged junkyard owner, and a corrupt cop, all of whom get caught up in the escalating violence and absurdity that surrounds the toxic brew.
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