Review of Paris Is Burning (1991) by Jacob S — 21 Dec 2018

A vivid and poignant narrative on the folly of our nationâ(TM)s culture at the time, Paris is Burning, sheds light on the underground culture of specifically Black and Latino trans and gays. Visually dazzling and musically stunning, the soundtrack adds another thematic voice, showcasing joy, struggle, creativity and innovation. All scenes serve a purpose as to capture the lifestyle of the â~outcastsâ(TM) of that time and to show how they managed to overcome and survive huge differences in a dangerous time. The Ball scene, the most influential for most was anti-climactic but for good reason, it places the vogue scene in the heart of Harlem for where many have been influenced by this and find deep meaning in. The Documentary style of cinematography adds a sense of personal stigma and heart-felt conversations in between the musically and visually stunning shots alluding to that sense of struggle being conveyed as a part of the narrative. This film grasps at the roots of the late 80â(TM)s and early 90â(TM)s life, of a culture for the most part left behind in history with no mention anywhere else.

Throughout the film, multiple people can be heard answering questions asked by the filmmakers, sometimes even over different scenes. The shots are close-ups when interviewees are talking and almost like observing shots when showcasing runway events or other type of events. The cinematography is very tight and close knit, conveying that it only shows the essentials, the message. Once in awhile you get white lettering, letting the audience know what is going on during the shows or the upcoming topic. Most categories seem to be about impersonating other social classes, people, trends. There are many innovative and quite socially critiquing categories. Along with those participating in the shows explaining the history as well as shading the youth of that time for ignoring them and leaving them out of mainstream culture.

The editing shots in this film dually mask this as a documentary as well as a cinematic movie. While, the narrative and certain camera shots and angles are obvious documentary styles of movie-making, the editing and certain scenes also add the perception of a film. The soundtrack adds huge benefit to that of the film by way of showing the emotion or enigma of that scene, a tactic used in almost every movie to draw in the viewer. This film is quite bias, in the way that films are to relay a certain message. Livingston, the Director, is trying to convey the message that itâ(TM)s advertisers and mainstream folks fault for the unrealistic and yearnings of money and fame instead of happiness for these Drag folk.

In retrospect, there are two competing narratives by giving this film not only a documentary, but a film with a meaning and purpose, its own thoughts, ideals, and situation. The first one being the cultural prominence of participation in the balls as showcased in the beginning. That idea is contrasted by the reality of how unhappy the people who pursue this lifestyle are. Despite that, the misery of the contestants is not clearly shown or supported as the main message for this film was to convey a social message about sexuality, diversity and cultural outcasting/ exclusion.