Everyone loves a good success story, but there’s something uniquely captivating about an underdog tale. “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” a 1999 mockumentary directed by Michael Patrick Jann, fits this mold perfectly. Initially, it was a box-office flop and received harsh reviews from critics. However, over the years, it has garnered a devoted cult following, despite some of its elements being considered problematic by today’s standards.
The film, a darkly comedic take on small-town beauty pageants, stars Kirsten Dunst as Amber, a girl with dreams of winning the local pageant to secure a scholarship and escape her humble hometown. As the competition heats up, contestants start meeting untimely and suspicious ends. The movie features a stellar ensemble cast, including Allison Janney, Kirstie Alley, Denise Richards, Brittany Murphy, Ellen Barkin, and even Amy Adams in her debut role.
Despite its initial failure, “Drop Dead Gorgeous” has become a beloved cult classic. Here are 20 fascinating facts about this offbeat comedy:
1. The film was a box-office bomb, grossing only $10.5 million against a $15 million budget.
2. Critics were not kind to the film upon its release, and it holds a 47% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Screenwriter Lona Williams based the screenplay on her own experiences in beauty pageants in Minnesota.
4. Like Amber, Williams was a runner-up in pageants but used her scholarship money to attend the University of Minnesota.
5. The film’s cult status surprised everyone involved. Allison Janney recalled an airport encounter where fans recognized her and started screaming.
6. The dark humor of the script was a turn-off for some producers, making it a tough sell initially.
7. Williams initially wanted to cast unknown actors, similar to “The Blair Witch Project,” but the final cast included well-known names.
8. Williams also wrote “Sugar & Spice,” another dark teen comedy that flopped at the box office.
9. Director Michael Patrick Jann envisioned the movie as a piece of counter-culture, aimed at those who felt alienated by mainstream teen comedies.
10. Amy Adams made her film debut in “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” playing the sweet pageant contestant Leslie Miller.
11. The film’s failure led Jann to focus on television directing, with “Organ Trail” in 2023 being his first theatrical film since “Drop Dead Gorgeous.”
12. The film’s dark humor has contributed to its queer cult following, with director Darren Stein noting its transgressive nature.
13. The movie celebrates high school “weirdos,” allowing them to live out dark fantasies in a cinematic form.
14. Drag queen Peaches Christ screened the movie at her midnight movie series in San Francisco, helping to build its cult status.
15. Peaches Christ believes the movie was marketed to the wrong audience, suggesting it was more suited for urban queers.
16. It’s rumored that “Gilmore Girls” was inspired by the mother-daughter relationship in “Drop Dead Gorgeous.”
17. Many of the film’s quotes have become famous, including the iconic “Jesus loves winners!”
18. The film wasn’t available for streaming until 2019, when Hulu acquired the rights for its 20th anniversary.
19. The movie features a gay character, Peter, played by Jamie Olsen in his only credited screen role.
20. Adam White of The Independent summed up the film’s appeal, noting it was made for a generation of “freaks and outsiders.”
“Drop Dead Gorgeous” may not have been a hit when it first came out, but its unique blend of dark humor, memorable performances, and quotable lines have cemented its place as a cult classic. As we approach its 25th anniversary, it’s clear that this problematic fave continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate its offbeat charm.
