WHOLE SUNDANCE PARTY

This was my first time seeing the all-new, all-finished, amputeriffic Whole. It's the story of people (mostly older men) who have an intense, inescapable desire to amputate a perfectly healthy limb. One guy shoots his leg off. Others try to find a surgeon, almost impossible without going to a third-world country. Others learn to live with it — "wannabes" who tie a leg behind them and hop around on crutches.

It was a great night for Melody Gilbert (above). Can you imagine how difficult it must be, finding these people and getting them to talk about their dark secret? Medical science is barely aware of this disorder. But Melody doesn't dwell on the medical underpinnings as much as how it affects relationships. Suddenly your husband of many years reveals his deep, torturous need to amputate his leg. That he'd feel more attractive and whole with one leg. Hmmmm! Yes, I know what I'd say: Hot.

Whole is airing on the Sundance Channel this month, or you can buy the DVD.

ABOVE: Melody Gilbert (Whole, Married at the Mall), Nikki Tundel (Postville: When Cultures Collide), Juliah Rueckert (Night Gamers), Elizabeth Hoodecheck

I was worried about watching an intimiate interview-based documentary in a party atmosphere, but the crowd was respectful once the show started. Well, I wasn't exactly respectful: I kept imagining mockumentary versions of Whole: Boys who have an inexplicable desire to shoot their junk off. Or, the deep-seated need for an additional appendage: "I just always wanted a dick on my face... I can't explain it." His wife: "I kinda like it. *giggle*"

I have a good excuse for my sick thoughts - the Komedy Koven is gearing up for another 24-hour movie this weekend. New legions of fans are waiting to be offended! Yay!