Review of Flesh (1968) by Lars J — 19 Feb 2011

Has there ever been a more literal movie title than Paul Morrissey's 'Flesh'? The film plays like a ninety minute homage to lead star Joe Dallesandro's naked body, following his character's attempts to hustle on the streets of 1960s New York and earn enough money to pay for his wife's girlfriend's abortion.

That just about covers the whole story. Morrissey guides us through a day in the life of our handsome protagonist, recording his encounters with clients and friends which range from the strangely erotic to the downright bizarre. However what unites all these encounters is that they always manage to be somehow amusing, acting today as a fascinating keyhole into the world of sexual liberation during the so-called Swinging Sixties.

What makes Flesh most interesting today is its place in the canon of Andy Warhol productions. This is one of Warhol's most well-known and mainstream-accepted films despite its art house feel and prolonged nudity. In 1970 Rolling Stone magazine labeled it the "Best Film of the Year" and Dallesandro became an overnight star. He's the driving force of the film, and it comes as no surprise to me that cinemagoers swooned at his impressive physique and perfect proportions. Morrissey spends a lot time capturing his naked body from almost every angle imaginable, at times lapsing into repetitive shots of almost indistinguishable flesh, but for the most part creating an intoxicating study of bodily perfection that flows like a love letter to the male form. One New York Times film critic wrote of Dallesandro, "His physique is so magnificently shaped that men as well as women become disconnected at the sight of him." I'm inclined to agree.

Several other faces made famous by Warhol during the era also appear, most notably transgender actresses Jackie Curtis and Candy Darling as friends of Joe. His other meetings include a sweet encounter with a male gymnast, and an amusingly uncomfortable afternoon with an elderly artist who wishes to undertake some life drawing.

This is honestly one of the most unique films I've ever seen. It's raw and roughly edited, moves at a snail's pace and will not appeal to all, but something about Flesh feels important. If you're interested in exploring the more arty and dare I say seedier side of sixties' cinema then consider Flesh; a genuinely fascinating and unique experience.