Paris Is Burning (1990)
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 71 minuten
Country:
United States
Directed by: Jennie Livingston
Stars: Dorian Corey
IMDb score:
8,2 (20.880)
Releasedate: 13 March 1991
Paris Is Burning plot
"Having a ball… Wish you were here"
Documentary about New York drag nights, in which the underclass turns all the dimes to put the other's eyes out in terms of beauty and to strengthen self-esteem.
Reviews & comments
Onderhond
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- 87623 messages
- 12890 votes
Nice doc.
An extravagant niche that I didn't really know existed. I often like that kind of documentary, even if it is a niche that means absolutely nothing to me. And you can add it there. A lot of fuss and many broken characters who somehow try to make something out of their lives.
But on the other hand, it is interesting how a whole cultural identity arises around it. With its own language, its own habits and its own events. Honest interviews that do provide some insight into the why of all this. Sometimes also poignant, because behind all this outrageous outward show there is often a lack of respect for one's own personality.
It is primarily a doc offering an introduction to a particular niche culture. Apart from some interviews and a short explanation of some terms and customs, there is not much to experience. But those who are not familiar with these matters still have a nice introduction ahead of them. Could have gone a little deeper, but not wrong in itself.
2.5*
Translated from Dutch · View original
Woland
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- 4809 messages
- 3825 votes
Quite interesting. Paris is Burning is therefore not about banlieus and the like, but about the (black) travesty scene in New York in the eighties. An important part are the so-called balls, extravagant dressing up in a kind of competition form. They are huge social events, with participants often penniless but willing to do whatever it takes to look their best at the balls. In the beginning it seems mainly innocent entertainment, but the raw reality also passes by later. Especially when we get to know the participants better - the young people often rejected by their families (homophilia was not exactly accepted, and transsexuality was not at all) are often organized again in 'houses', makeshift families, and try to survive as a community in this way . With often big (unrealistic) dreams, with life in the margins where theft and prostitution are also part of existence, and ultimately the escapism of the balls. Worthwhile as an image of a subculture that I didn't know, that I don't have much with, but that I still looked at with some intrigue.
Translated from Dutch · View original
starbright boy (moderator films)
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- 22474 messages
- 5143 votes
I think I'm going to see some documentaries in the near future. I still have many left. Started with a documentary with classic status. And it is right and easy to understand. What the film does amazingly well is portray a subculture with all the complexities that go with it. A subculture that was born directly from racism, sexism, homophobia and financial inequality. And with all causes has a complex relationship. Something that can be insanely comforting and make someone a star. In his own little world, but still. Born in the underground, it became more mainstream partly because of this film and the ever-alert Madonna adopted one of the many sides of ballroom culture in her hit Vogue. Something like Rupaul's Drag Race is full of elements that started on the balls. Aids was pretty much at its worst in the gay scene at the time of this documentary, but is only touched upon indirectly.
Livingstone didn't make much of a difference after this. But this special time capsule will be watched for a very long time.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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