Paris Is Burning (1991)

Thanks for the memories!

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Documentaries that singlehandedly convey one person's life are far easier than to tackle an entire culture, so director Livingstone had a challenge ahead to portray New York's ballroom community. A minority culture powered by African-Americans, Latinos, gays and transgenders where they "walk" in a variety of categories for trophies. Against the controversy she received for being a white lesbian female, Livingston intelligently crafted a documentary that manages to be both historically significant and personably poignant. To portray a relatively underground subculture, using each key participant to tackle inherent issues that surround LGBT individuals, whilst presenting developed backstories of each competitor and remaining informative throughout, is nothing short of genius. The AIDS crisis, gender equality, the class and wealth system of American at the time, drag acts and the progression of fashion. A plethora of sensitive subjects where we view the perspective of possibly America's most prominent minority group. It was emotionally impactful and saddening to hear that these young performers yearn for fame and wealth, because it's something they've never experienced and believe it to be a privilege among "real" culture (a category within the balls where performers must act straight). The differing attitudes between younger performers like Venus Xtravaganza and the more experienced like Dorian Corey was refreshing to see. The whole documentary was incredibly powerful and insightful. It's unfortunate that it feels overstuffed, where the narrative cohesion needs more focus. The first half represents a history lesson in comparison to the second half that progresses towards the performers themselves. The short 78 minute runtime is mostly to blame, as Livingstone attempts to pack as many subjects in as possible. However, this documentary gifts us with a rare view into a subculture that never becomes sentimental or emotionally manipulative, and I truly appreciate that.

I don't usually watch documentaries but I loved this one! The movie depicts the gay New York of the 80's, focusing particularly on the struggles of . It features the young black drag queens. It follows transgenders, hustlers and voguers... and the tremendous dedication these people show to perform at what they call "The Ball", their main stage event. The movie manages to show why The Ball is so important to everybody involved, and how being on stage and acting to be somebody different means so much for people coming from poverty striving for wealth and fame.But even though Paris IS BURNING is quite concerned with societal issues, it never becomes reduced to its political statements. Instead, the movie just shows, quite subjectively, what happens in the drag scene and what people think and feel. And then you find yourself drawn into this wonderful world of lively, honest and hard-working people and their quests.The movie's message is life-affirming and leaves you in high spirits. And it is this message that is as relevant today as it was in the 80's. Paris IS BURNING is a near- perfect documentary that has stood the test of time... it's absolutely worth watching even today!

Geez, as a Gay man who lives in NYC I can gratefully say that I have never seen the underbelly of Gay Culture that is portrayed in this film - and I am glad of it!!! Was this film broadcast on TV across the United States there would be a great anti-Gay backlash and I cannot say that I would blame them. The people in this film do not represent the average Gay American or even the average Trandgender American, what they do represent is a sheer and utter nightmare. The inclusion of obviously underage characters is appalling and the obvious racist sentiments (anti-White) are blatant and unsettling - society cannot be blamed for people who have chosen drugs, unemployment and rejection of education on the part of the film's "cast" - the actions of these people are not acts of desperation, but rather a rejection of anything resembling personal ambition and a willingness to make something out of one's self.

I saw Paris IS BURNING at the San Francisco Gay Film Festival when it wasn't yet finished. But even without closing credits and closing music, it was one of the most powerful endings and the audience jumped to its feet with a standing ovation. There is a very elegant, heavyset light-skinned black performer doing her eyelashes and explaining that when she was young she thought life was about being a success but now she understands just surviving is a success in itself. It ended with "and if you can -----, then hooray for you." I'm not getting this right. Can somebody tell me who this was and what the speech is? At least that closing piece.BTW: I was very actively gay in NYC in the 80s, for two years I shared an apt with the love of my life who was an African-American man. And I NEVER KNEW THESE BALLS EXISTED!!!