
Andy Warhol's Bad
Where to Watch Andy Warhol's Bad

Andy Warhol's Bad is a slice of avant-garde cinema released in 1977. Created under the influential direction of Andy Warhol and helmed by director Jed Johnson, it subverts conventional cinematic norms to present a dark, satiric comment on the extremes of human behavior.
The cast of the movie is led by Cyrinda Foxe, who puts up an impressive performance as Hazel Aiken. Aiken is a seemingly conventional housewife living in Queens, New York, but her benign home-front is a cover for her unsavory business: a service for hiring contract killers. Matthew Anton and Cathy Roskam play influential characters in the movie, both adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
The movie steps into the gritty aesthetics of its era. Being one of Warhol's later forays in the world of cinema, Bad takes a distinct shift from his earlier works, which were defined by their minimalistic and observational nature. Right from the outset, you are drawn into its melodrama, yet the movie savors a deliberate detachment, much like a distanced observer of this societal malaise, an approach very much characteristic of Warhol’s oeuvre.
Cyrinda Foxe's character Hazel Aiken is the keystone of the narrative. A mother to a malformed and socially misfit son, played by Matthew Anton, her nonchalant demeanor conceals a ruthlessness. Simultaneously juggling two personas – a caring mother and a murderous businesswoman – Aiken doesn't flinch when it comes to the question of survival.
Roskam's character Mary Aiken is also crucial to driving the narrative forward, providing contrast to the amoral opportunism that defines Foxe's Hazel. Mary's overtly religious outlook and submissive nature create an interesting dynamic, allowing the viewer to explore the themes of power, subjugation, and morality through the unintentional lens of satire.
As the story unfolds, the elements of trashiness and vulgarity, tempered by a sense of realism and a hint of black comedy, lend the movie an abstract quality. The scenarios take you through a series of morally reprehensible incidents and lead you towards a deeper understanding of the film's characters, their motivations, and their dire circumstances.
The film is notorious for its performances, with Foxe standing out for her stellar portrayal of Hazel. This performance, coupled with her lifestyle, further blurs the line between her on-screen persona and her off-screen life.
Warhol’s hand in the film's production also shaped its narrative and presentation significantly. He was known for his controversial personas and artistic styles, which challenged pre-existing norms. However, Bad marks a departure from his relatively insipid “Screen Tests” and “Static Films” and demonstrates a move towards more narrative-driven cinema with direct social commentary.
Warhol's influence subtly permeates through the film, particularly in the unforgiving portrayal of the grimmer aspects of American society. The brutal honesty in his depiction of characters, laced with an underlying critique of consumer culture, is reminiscent of the quintessential Warholian idiosyncrasy that stood him apart from his contemporaries.
Jed Johnson, the director and long-time Warhol collaborator, also contributes significantly to the film's vision. Johnson’s handling of the distasteful yet engrossing subject matter, combined with his adept direction, brings to life the characters and the grotesque world they inhabit with immense aplomb.
Despite its subversive and disconcerting content, 'Bad' serves as a unique cinematic experience that presents a stark commentary on the uncomfortable realities of life. However, viewers should be prepared for its unconventional storytelling, explicit content, and a gritty, no-holds-barred depiction of violence, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
In summary, Andy Warhol's Bad is a twisted masterpiece that tests the limits of the viewer's tolerance, making them squirm in their seats even as they are simultaneously drawn in by its biting critique of society in the disguise of an engaging narrative. Topped by the brilliant performances from Cyrinda Foxe, Matthew Anton, and Cathy Roskam, it definitely holds its place as a distinctive entry in Andy Warhol's cinematic catalogue.
Andy Warhol's Bad is a Horror, Comedy, Crime movie released in 1977. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.0..
