What is Camp? (and we're not talking about the Wilderness)
What is Camp? And no, we’re not talking about going out to the wilderness with a tent and supplies and ‘roughing it’, that’s something else entirely – you’re thinking of ‘camping’.
Camp can mean so many different things to so many different people, so much so that it’s hard to actually define, though generally it’s considered to heavily feature irony, satire, flamboyance and a lean toward the theatrical. ‘Camp’ often conjures up images of bright colours and high volume, frivolity and to many, a lean towards ostentatiousness, exaggerated femininity and often showiness. Now, the language I’ve used there, might almost come across as derogatory, because some of those words tend to get used more often in the context of criticism, as is the concept of ‘camp’ in a lot of circles, but today I’m talking about Camp in the context of celebration – and why its allure is so strong!
Now, many will say they’re ‘not into camp’ and then make an exaggerated comment and exaggeratedly flouncy gesture to underline their point, ironically being actually being camp, but it’s totally OK if you’re being ironic, right? Like if it’s ironic, then it’s not actually that thing, despite it actually being that thing, but… whatever. Ooh, even writing about camp-ness, I’m already being extra sassy! See, it’s fun and infectious. Not to mention all around us. To say you’re ‘not into it’ implies you’re not into entertainment, because it’s simply everywhere in entertainment, especially in the comedy genre.
Let’s take some examples:
‘Absolutely Fabulous’ is considered by some to be the epitome of camp, with its exaggerated leading ladies, often slapstick comedy and, for heaven’s sake, the fashion industry, sweetie! Firstly, it’s penned by comedy genius Jennifer Saunders, who also takes centre stage and is partnered with the terribly extraordinary Joanna Lumley, who is just nothing short of a goddess (and also, intrepid explorer, charity icon and activist all while managing to serve us effortless beauty, not diminished since her modelling days that started in the sixties - she does it all!) It’s a ginormous pastiche of nineties excess culture, designer labels and a glossy world packed with designers, singers and other celebs desperate to get a guest appearance. In fact, certain guests stars have become a recurring part of the show’s world, playing hilarious send-ups of themselves, such as songstress Lulu and Spice Girl Emma Bunton. It’s full of booze and fun and effervescent ridiculousness all packed into the adventure of the week. Firstly, if you’ve never seen it, where have you been hiding? Secondly, it’s a lot easier to watch than to quantify. It’s pure escapism, even if my friends and I planned to use it as our blueprint for life. It just seemed like entirely too much fun, darling!
My next example is something of a cult film, often discussed, mocked and quoted, certainly in the circles I move between, also often referenced by RuPaul as a favourite, and also many of the folks I know, the incredibly underrated 1981 film ‘Mommie Dearest’ is most definitely a camp classic. While not at all marketed as a comedy, it has become (according to many) a beacon of camp. There could be any number of reasons for this, but I’m going to take the casting of Faye Dunaway as one of the main reasons, as she plays the lead role of Hollywood legend, Joan Crawford, supposedly in the true (and what you’re supposed to understand as rather harrowing) story of how she raised her children. Joan Crawford was already a gay icon in her day, so to have her played by another of similar standing was an explosion of camp waiting to happen. Add to that the scandals of the film and the fact that Ms Dunaway hated the project and refused to talk about it for years, combined with her fabulous and often exaggerated portrayal and delivery of lines, hilariously acted fight scenes and some iconic one liners, the film was destined to become what it has. Do yourself a favour and don’t watch it sober, like the lady says: “I should have known you’d know where to find the boys… And the booze!” Have a few drinks, get some company who you can comfortably have a good cackle with and give it a watch, if you promise not to take it too seriously, you’re in for a treat! If you’ve ever heard someone shrieking about ‘Nooooo Wire Hangers!” Or “Tina, bring me the axe!” Then you’ll know too look out for those iconic moments in this film. It really does prove that no subject is off limits to laugh at and that it’s essential to have a good giggle, even at something you probably shouldn’t. Some say an inappropriate sense of humour is just a way of finding some light in the dark. Obviously, I’d never try to make light of the subject matter, but the way it’s acted just completely prevents you from taking it seriously. Everything is hammed up to the Nth degree to the point where it’s impossible not to laugh.
Side note, the film is from a book by the daughter and during one scene near the end, a character says “Leave it to mother to always have the last word” only for the daughter’s character to almost stare directly into the camera and dramatically ask “Does she? Does…..She?” – It took me about fifteen years to work out that the book and the film are the last word. Duh.
For some reason, camp always contains strong female characters and scathing put downs so, for the next example let’s look at The Golden Girls, again, side splitting comedy, four lead females each with incredible presence and some of the best put downs you’ll find anywhere. Not to mention some of the shoulder pads and interior design ‘choices’ – it was very much a product of its time, but still stands up to good viewing today, and you’ll laugh just as hard as you ever did. There’s also the fact that the show was light years ahead of its time and featured positive references to LGBTQ+ people as well as other minorities years before most other shows would even consider it. In fact, all these years after the fabulous Bea Arthur’s passing, she’s still helping the LGBTQ+ community, as her fund has even opened a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ kids. That’s the great thing about a lot of gay icons – they often love us back.
A lot of camp classics tend to be older films or shows, which raises the question: Is there a connection between timelessness and camp? Is nostalgia intimately intertwined with camp? Is part of the allure a desire for things long gone? The days of fabulous gowns, chivalry, dancing, hats (ooo hats! I’m always saying there’s not enough hats these days!)
Further examples seem to indicate the freedom and adventurousness of camp, like Rocky Horror and Priscilla Queen of The Desert, there a strong themes of liberation and living your authentic self but there’s always an element of overcoming adversity, no matter how ridiculous and lighthearted that method may be. These would also be hugely appealing to anyone discovering themselves through ‘camp’ media, as many of us will have done.
When describing ‘Camp’ as a visual style, it’s often showy, opulent and frivolous, sometimes crossing over with Kitsch. The interior design equivalent of enormous shoulder pads and magnificent millinery, perhaps. It doesn’t have to be all floral either, heavens no! It can feature bright, block colours and high gloss stylings. It can be anything, as long as it’s fabulous!
It can be found in music, too. We all love a good jiggle, but there’s something about the 1980s that grabbed camp and brought it into he charts like never before. It had always been there to a degree, but as my friends and I plough our way through 80s re-runs of Top of The Pops, there are some amazing, delightful and sometimes shockingly questionable performances (We won’t even discuss some of the wardrobe ‘choices’ – that’s a WHOLE other topic!)
Of course, there are numerous examples of camp in the personalities in pop culture. Cher, Elton, Liberace, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, all of whom are performers who’ve seen and done it all, with glorious, excessive outfits for every occasion and talent to match.
But in summary, it seems that camp is actually an appeal to our inner need to be ridiculous every now an then. It’s frivolous, satirical, brash, showy and above all, fun! It reminds us not to take ourselves, or indeed anything else, too seriously, including life itself. There’s quite enough darkness and misery in the world, sometimes we need to take a break from it and relax into pure enjoyment. And THAT’S what ‘Camp’ is. It’s our essential need to just let go, adventure, be ridiculous and feel a bit fancy. Camp is a reminder that life can, and should, be a party. It’s about making the best of life and spreading smiles. All of those things. And More.
And for anyone who tries to use ‘Camp’ as a derogatory term, or for those in the gay community who see themselves as ‘above’ the ‘camp’ members of the community, (and trust me, this one is rife- honestly), I Just have one thing to say:
Lighten up, you’re missing out sweetie!
Stay Safe, Stay Sane, Stay Vidalicious x
