Paris Is Burning (1990)

A chronicle of New York's drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era its warmth and vitality.

Director:

Jennie Livingston

Stars:

Brooke Xtravaganza, André Christian, Dorian Corey

16 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brooke Xtravaganza	...	Self (as Carmen and Brooke)
André Christian	...	Self (as Andre Christian)
Dorian Corey	...	Self
Paris Duprée	...	Self (as Paris Dupree)
Pepper LaBeija	...	Self
Junior LaBeija	...	Self
Willi Ninja	...	Self
Sandy Ninja	...	Self
Kim Pendavis	...	Self
Freddie Pendavis	...	Self
Sol Pendavis	...	Self
Avis Pendavis	...	Self
Octavia St. Laurent	...	Self (as Octavia Saint Laurent)
Stevie Saint Laurent	...	Self
Anji Xtravaganza	...	Self (as Angie Xtravaganza)

Storyline

This is a documentary of 'drag nights' among New York's underclass. Queens are interviewed and observed preparing for and competing in many 'balls'. The people, the clothes, and the whole environment are outlandish.

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Plot Keywords:

national film registry | new queer cinema | new york city piers | ball | ambition | 

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Taglines:

Having a ball...wish you were here

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Picked by Entertainment Weekly magazine as one of the "50 Greatest Independent Films" in a special supplement devoted to independent films that was only distributed to subscribers in October 1997.

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Quotes

Dorian Corey: I always had hopes of being a big star. But as you get older, you aim a little lower. Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. Then you think, you've made a mark on the world if you just get through it, and a few people remember your name. Then you've left a mark. You don't have to bend the whole world. I think it's better to just enjoy it. Pay your dues, and just enjoy it. If you shoot an arrow and it goes real high, hooray for you.

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Connections

Featured in Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema (2006)

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Soundtracks

Love Hangover
Written by Pam Sawyer (as P. Sawyer) and Marilyn McLeod (as M. McLeod)
Performed by Diana Ross

User Reviews

Absolutely riveting

Documentary starts in 1986 in NYC where black and hispanic drag queens hold "balls". That's where they dress up however they like, strut their stuff in front of an audience and are voted on. We get to know many of the members and see how they all hold together and support each other. As one man says to another--"You have three strikes against you--you're black, gay and a drag queen". These are people who (sadly) are not accepted in society--only at the balls. There they can be whoever and whatever they want and be accepted. Then the film cuts to three years later (1989) and you see how things have changed (tragically for some).

Sounds depressing but it's not. Most of the people interviewed are actually very funny and get a lot of humor out of their situations. They're well aware of their position in society and accept it with humor--just as they should. We find out they all live in "houses" run by various "mothers" and all help each other out. The sense of community in this film is fascinating.

When this film came out in 1990 it was controversial--and a big hit. It won Best Documentary Awards at numerous festivals--but was never even nominated for an Academy Award. Their reason was "Black and hispanic drag queens are not Academy material". Fascinating isn't it? Homophobia and racism all together.

Seen today it's still a great film--and a period piece. It just isn't like that anymore--the NY they show no longer exists. The balls are still held but not in the spirit we see here. Also drag has become more "accepted" in society (for better or worse). And I've heard the houses are gone too. That's kind of sad. I WOULD like to know where these characters are now--I know two died of AIDS but I have no idea about the others. And what DID happen to that 13 year old and 15 year old shown?

Still, it a one of a kind documentary--fascinating, funny and riveting. A must see all the way! A definite 10. Where's the DVD???

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

August 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Children Are

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$310,127, 11 August 1991

Gross USA:

$3,905,297

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,905,297

Company Credits

Production Co:

Art Matters Inc., BBC Television, Edelman Family Fund

Technical Specs

Runtime:

71 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1