Tag: documentary

Paris is Burning

Paris is Burning is a 1990 documentary directed by Jennie Livingston.

Paris is Burning documents the 1980’s New York City drag scene and profiles some of its most vibrant performers. Livingston does a great job detailing the motivations behind the culture, including a need for community and expression. Through its performers revelations, the evolution of the culture is chronicled – including the shift from creating style to purchasing it. The documentary’s natural tone reflects an imbalance – the highs of performing clash with the realities of the participants’ normal lives.

THE BEST – The Categories

The entire documentary was enlightening but most interesting was the volume of awards given at the balls. On the surface, these could be compared to “student participation” awards, but the awards better reflect the diversity found within the drag culture. Most intriguing were the awards given to those who “blended” best into straight society. More than just costume play, these awards represent safety to a vulnerable population.

THE WORST – “The Greatest Example of Behavior Modification in History”

However, these same awards reflect the damaged psyches so many within the culture face in their daily lives. There has to be immense emotional wreckage found in people taking pride in an assimilation that can never truly occur.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5

Paris is Burning is a thorough documentation of a truly unique culture. Even more vital is the generational shift occurring, as chronicled by those who helped shape the culture. Livingston does a tremendous job detailing these lives. A must watch.

American Boy

American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince is a 1978 documentary directed by Martin Scorsese.

American Boy is an extended interview with Steven Prince, who tells a variety of stories that involve his history of drug abuse. Scorsese alternates Prince’s stories with clips of his childhood to illustrate the path his life has taken.

Here’s your one-line synopsis of American Boy: Steven Prince has led a dangerous, fascinating life – much of it while high on heroin.

Prince has worked as a stagehand, gas station attendant and road manager for Neil Diamond. Along the way, he gets into acting – where he’s probably best known for playing Easy Andy, the gun salesman in Scorcese’s Taxi Driver.

The premise of American Boy is simple. Scorsese and a small crew set up at actor George Memmoli’s house and await Prince. Memmoli perfectly sets the expectations by suggesting: “how can you tell a Steven Prince story in two minutes?”

Prince emerges and is wrestled to the ground by the burly Memmoli – then the stories begin. There’s a story about a Silverback Gorilla in an apartment, caricatures of his family and getting a boat captain drunk, before the mood changes as Prince talks about a kid electrocuting himself during a performance.

Scorsese proceeds to ask the first of many questions regarding drugs. Prince recounts the first time he tried crystal meth, as a carpenter injected him. “How much did you take?” “As much as he gave me.” Scorsese and his crew are delighted with Prince’s tales and there’s a sense Prince is feeding off the energy.

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