Queendom
Agniia Galdanova
2023, 99 mins.
“You’re literally in the boonies now”
Perfect timing: Just as Pride Month begins (and the Ukraine-Russia war soldiers on), here is a documentary portrait of Russian-born, creature-drag artist, Gena Marvin. Sporting over-the-top makeup (especially around the eyes), multi-coloured high heels and all manner of costumes (one of which brings new meaning to heavy metal), Galdanova’s film boldly chronicles the purposely troubled life and times of one of Russia’s most alluring and expressive performance queens.
Moving from small-town Magan to metropolitan Moscow brings an equal amount of accolades, opportunity and ridicule (largely from Maga-like Muscovites who will never have the intelligence to accept the different amongst us).
Frequently, the courageous performer has chats with his/her back-at-home grandparents (Grandma is mostly supportive; Grandpa just wants his wayward relative to find a real job).
In our current era of “just be white and hetero like me” (many of whom are lying to themselves out of fear of the truth), this film is a must-see for the millions amongst us who need to better understand, empathize and celebrate all of those who have the courage of their convictions. JWR
Aisha
Frank Berry
2022, 94 mins.
Bus stop
With immigration and border crossings all the rage in the workup to the US election, Berry’s chronicle of an asylum-seeking Nigerian in Ireland comes along at just the right time.
We are brought into the frustrating, slow-moving world of Aisha Osagie who has found refuge on the Emerald Isle while awaiting a hearing on her permanent status. In the title role, Letitia Wright admirably carries almost all of the film on her courageous shoulders over a two-year period of meetings, relocations and, thankfully, a burgeoning love story.
Josh O’Connor does discreet yeoman’s service as local enforcement officer turned paramour, Conor Healy, gradually falling head over muddied heals for Aisha.
Berry (who also wrote the screenplay) largely takes a gamble by setting the film at as slow a pace as the bureaucratic machinations slowly grinding their tedious way forward.
It’s a fine example of art imitating life.
The icing on this cautionary cake is Daragh O’Toole’s original score, artfully keeping the ear engaged even as the drama moves steadily--if at times ploddingly--forward.
A viewing is heartily recommended, especially for those who are quick to condemn refugees but have never met one of them.
Don’t miss the heels-in-the snow and cello-accompanied trek through the muck!
Queers to all that!! JWR
Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes
Sam Shaid
2023, 96 mins.
A really full artist
For me, this portrait of a groundbreaking male nude photographer (George Platt Lynes, 1907-1955) was more a confirmation than a revelation of his extraordinary talent of getting men to take off their clothes and look beautiful, natural rather than merely pornographic.
Thanks to the David Reddick’s comprehensive study (The Male Nude, Taschen, 2000) and other sources, Shaid’s film is like saying hello to an old friend rather than “Oh, my gosh, he did that?”
But for most viewers this production will come as insightful, at times uncomfortable (and you guys know who you are), at the American’s celebration of the male body (and, as was pointed out, relatively few qualms worldwide with savouring the undraped female form).
The details of Lynes’ personal life are also laid equally bare (largely closeted, long-term threesome tryst, cocktail party devotee, several times bankrupt, chain smoker leading to an early death), but it’s his singular accomplishment as an image artist that makes this film well worth a look. JWR