Holly aspires to dance with the royal ballet, yet works as a stripper/pole dancer. Juliette yearns to help children in Africa, but survives as a pharmacist’s assistant and object of lust. A.K. dreams of being a superstar rocker, meanwhile role-playing as a cross dresser.
The film’s narrator, A.K., profoundly states, “Without filth, there is no wisdom – without darkness, no light.”
Inspired by Federico Fellini, Madonna fuses her passions – music, dance, romance and fashion. Although the film runs long, its eclectic soundtrack and message of dreams emerging from struggle hold redeeming value.
Grade: B-
Filth and Wisdom releases in select theaters Oct. 31.