Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story (2005) User Reviews

Filthy, Gorgeous, Disgusting, Exciting, Campy, Fun, Raw, Talented

[missmistyeyez · 8/10 · 27 March 2006]

Filthy and Gorgeous are only a couple words that would describe the shows at Tranny Shack, a few others would be Raw, Exposed, Fun, Campy, Exciting, Disgusting, Entertaining, Unique, Alternative, and Truly Talented; this is not your typical drag show. This film takes you on a wondrous journey into the Tuesday Night Tranny Shack at the stud bar in San Francisco California. We learn about the life of Tranny Shack from its inception to life at the moment. If you have any appreciation for the art of female impersonation or love of drag queens this is a journey you do not want to miss. However, I must warn you this is not a film about the silicone injected fake breasted beauty pageant drag queens you are commercially exposed to this is raw and talented men that enjoy entertaining the audience for the sake of art. They used lots of great original show footage, exposing us to the shows stemming from the mid ninety's to present. My most favorite aspect of the film was the intimate look, behind the scenes footage of the one on one intimate interviews. Well I say behind the scenes for not only are they not stage, they are talking candidly on their bed, or in their yard for an interview. However several of them are completely out of costume and very normal looking and in some cases very attractive men. Giving you a glimpse of the real and true man behind the makeup, which is what I call my secret Identity, my Clark Kent to my Wonder Woman. BTW I have a slight lesbian crush on "The Steve Lady" he is not only a hot guy but a gorgeous girl. The interviews are absolutely great, they are not only talking about the bar and how long they work there but they also talk about Tranny Chasers (the straight guys that look for guys in drag for sex) and the struggles of dating gay guys that freak out when they find out who they are, "Oh my God, I love you... but I don't want to date a drag queen." That and the fun stories about how they did drag when they were little going tot he mall when they were 13. There are many, many touching and intimate moments of this film. I was most impressed with the editing for it was very much a journey, and as the audience you never got tired or bored it was constantly moving, you cannot look away for one second for you will miss something. This is was not your typical documentary it was an interesting and loving voyage. There was no specific narrator, however Heklina does become the ring leader as she is in the real show she does most of the talking, but she shares the responsibility with most of the all stars from the show. Every time you see a clip of a drag queen performing it shows both their name and the year and event the footage was taken from. Please go see this film you will love it, and after watching you will have a new appreciation and a new respect for drag queens, and if you are a drag queen you will want a job at the Tranny Shack. Who wants to plan a trip to San Francisco with me?

Documentary captures spirit of Trannyshack

[livinglaser-1 · 6 July 2005]

For those who don't know, Trannyshack is an "alternative" drag show in San Francisco that has been a Tuesday night staple since the early-mid 90s (I think). The performances often feature non-traditional drag show numbers (e.g. heavy metal, rap, etc.) and often feature humorous, often scatological stage shows. I've been maybe a dozen times since 2000 so obviously I enjoy the show and for me the movie really did capture the irreverent wittiness of Trannyshack. Also, since I'm only familiar with the on-stage personae of the performers it was interesting to see and hear some of them interviewed at their homes out of drag. Heklina in particular came off as quite bittersweet in contrast to her flamboyant stage personality. I'm not sure how well this documentary would play to someone who had never experienced Trannyshack live, though. Its a bit long and some of the interviews might not be that interesting to the uninitiated.

A beautiful miasma of performance art

[wheelercub · 10/10 · 28 April 2014]

I've been to Trannyshack several times when I lived in SF and I have to say that this documentary brings back some great memories. Trannyshack has always been one of those 'slice of life' club experiences that you have to see to truly believe. Those who frequent the show then and now truly enjoy intellectual and slightly askew views of both the world and the performers of Trannyshack. And I have to say that Filthy Gorgeous really exemplifies and conveys that experience to new viewers.

Filthy Gorgeous is on my top 10 list of shockingly fun movies to show my friends, and a wonderful piece of San Francisco nostalgia for myself. If you can get to the West Coast, take a disco nap on Tuesday and then head out to the Midnight showing of Trannyshack for an experience you won't forget. And if you can't make it out to SF, get yourself a copy of this film and enjoy the heck out of it.