Director: Beth B
Starring: Rose Wood, World Famous *Bob*, Mat Fraser, Julie Atlas Muz, Bunny Love, Bambi The Mermaid, Dirty Martini, Tigger!, James Habacker
Running time: 78 minutes
Certificate: 15
If the title EXPOSED: BEYOND BURLESQUE catches your eye purely for the word ‘burlesque’ then I’m afraid, my friend, you have picked the wrong film.
Starring a melee of talent, this documentary delves into New York City’s underground performance art scene, with interviews from several different – and definitely unique – performers. From the 1980s onwards, these artists have used the style of burlesque dancing to inform, aggrevate, and politicize their messages, ranging from a dance featuring a nipple-tasseled Lady Justice, to a satirical act focusing on a rabbi (and yes, the male performer is naked from the waist down). Although many of the acts shown are ‘piss take’ pieces, many of the performers had led shy, sheltered lives before taking up the profession, completely contrasting how we see them on stage.
Although sex may be at the core of this documentary, equality and acceptance are our main focus. Whether it be our naked rabbi friend, or a couple simulating sex on stage, all the performers want to do is make their audience laugh, with Mat Fraser describing the way in which laughter and humour helped him accept his disability, lifting the focus off of himself and onto his jokes. With moments of reflection mixed in amongst the expository style, we’re shown the ins, outs and difficulties of performing on stage…when you’re supposed to look like a green mermaid, covered head to toe in glitter and jewels. With meticulous attention paid to the finer details, these artists bring the stage to life, leaving their audiences wanting more each time.
Although delving into the roots of the NYC scene, we’re only really given glimpses of each individual, with the editing style flitting back and forth between acts and locations. Whilst giving a broad spectrum of personalities and points of view, it makes the film seem a little flat, with us not really coming to know who we’re watching. However, aside from that, EXPOSED: BEYOND BURLESQUE really does expose a topic which has never been seen before, especially not on a UK home rental (unless you venture into certain adult genres). Quirky, lively, and witty, the documentary does its best to represent equality among the arts, highlighting how just one form of performance can change a person’s life.
[usr=3] EXPOSED: BEYOND BURLESQUE is released on DVD from Monday 10th February
