John Waters’ twisted comedy about a mentally ill woman (Mink Stole) who flees to the criminal town of Mortville after killing her husband with the help of her maid (Jean Hill). Featuring Edith Massey, a Waters regular, as the evil Queen Carlotta as well as perfectly trashy sets by production designer Vince Peranio. This showing includes a Cinematheque exclusive pre-recorded Q&A with Peranio as he discusses his work on this film and other Waters’ classics. 106 min (including Q&A). “Desperate Living is John Waters’s most furious political statement.” – Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine.