#1018: LIVINGSTON, Jennie: Paris Is Burning (1990)

LIVINGSTON, Jennie (United States)
Paris Is Burning [1990]
Spine #1018
Blu-ray

Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, Paris Is Burning offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza — Paris Is Burning brings it, celebrating the joy of movement, the force of eloquence, and the draw of community.

76 minutes

Color
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio

Criterion Release 2020

Director

Jennie Livingston was 28 when she directed Paris is Burning.

The Film

A

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Forty-page booklet featuring an essay by filmmaker Michelle Parkerson and a 1991 review by poet Essex Hemphill.

Commentary

Audio commentary from 2005, featuring Livingston, ball community members Freddie Pendavis and Will Ninja, and film editor Jonathan Oppenheim.

Conversation

Between Livingston, ball community members Sol Pendavis and Freddie Pendavis, and filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris.

Over an hour

Of never-before-seen outtakes.

Episode

Of The Joan Rivers Show from 1991, featuring Livingston and ball community members Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Freddie Pendavis and Ninja.

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

99

By Director
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