In 2003, Macaulay Culkin returned to the cinema after a 9-year hiatus in a movie that it supposed to be an ode to the clubbing subculture of the 80s and 90s and its dark side. After his last performance in the film “Richie rich”, Culkin got the role of an infamous promoter of New York parties, Michael Alig in the movie “Party Monster. The film was inspired by the book “Disco Bloodbath”, the memoir of James St. James, who was a friend of Ali and saw the rise and fall of this legendary figure from the United States underground clubbing scene, due to his drug addiction.

The film was not well received by the audience and critics, although Macaulay’s interpretation impressed everyone and received a lot of praise. Critics said the film has a boring and sad script, and also lack of dramatic resolution. However, not everything was a waste of time concerning the film. The soundtrack is a great hit by directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, and celebration of the clubbing underground movement.

Plot

Set in the New York club scene of the late 1980’s thru the 1990’s, a tale which is based on the rise and fall of club-kid promoter Michael Alig, a party organiser, whose extravagant life was sent spiralling downward. The film opens with Michael Alig as a small-town outcast who lived with his mom in Indiana before moving to New York. Michael learns the New York party scene from James St. James, who teaches him the “rules of fabulousness”, which mostly revolve around attracting as much attention to oneself as possible. He becomes an underground legend, known for his excessive drug use and outrageous behavior in the club world. At his peak, he has his own record label, and magazine, and hosts “Disco 2000”, one of the biggest club nights in New York in the ’90s. He does a lot of drugs, and as his addiction gets worse, his party themes become darker and more twisted. Alig’s saga reaches the most tragic moment when he viciously murder his drug dealer and friend, Angel. The power he wields on the club scene makes him feel untouchable, so he doesn’t hesitate to boast of the murder.

Have a look at the official trailer:

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of the movie “Party Monster” is a tribute to the clubbling scene and includes several artists related to this one, such as Vitalic, Miss Kitten & The Hacker, Ladytron, Felix Da Housecat and Scissor Sisters.

The main song of the film and one of the most emblematic moments of the film when Michael sings the verses of the song “Money, Success, Fame and Glamour” as you can check out the video below.

There is no way to listen to the album and not move the shoulder and hip. The track is contagious for those who like me enjoy electronic music and has one foot on the dance floor and alternative clubbing movement.

The soundtrack peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums. Play the tracks and shake your body.