PARIS IS BURNING

By Jonathan Duffy

Lets face it, we’ve all done it. In public, at home when we think no one is watching, even with a friend. That’s right, sometimes everybody Vogues. The dance made famous by Madge in the 90’s was an infectious craze to storm clubs across the world but few know of its origins.
In this Documentary by award winning filmmaker Jennie Livingston, we are introduced to a fascinating 80’s subculture. In the community halls of Harlem, an underground collective of gay men began hosting drag balls. On makeshift catwalks, flamboyant characters would strut their stuff in a variety of categories including; “butch guy-first time in drag;” “town and country;” “catwalk supermodel;” and even, “the guy who robbed you at the train station on the way here.”
Each character would strut their stuff, pull their junk out of their trunk, or tuck the snake in the back gate to win a much-coveted trophy (I think most people won a prize from the amount of trophies seen in the film). The people behind these balls are the meat in this highly entertaining sandwich. Their stories are hilarious, candid, shocking and at times heart breaking. Watching the interviews now, will have you asking, “What happened to these people?”
The subjects have huge dreams of stardom and wealth. Many of the characters emulate the women of dynasty, or at least pretend for one night that they are Alexis. In a time when it was terrifying to be gay, these men sought solace in a catwalk dream of colour. This film is due for re-release by Love Films on March 22 so look out for it. Everybody Vogue!