'Paris is Burning' was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. It is. In all three categories. Along with 1968's 'The Queen', 'Paris is Burning' is the most important documentary about the Drag subculture. The director, Jennie Livingston has said, that this is a film that is important for anyone to see, whether they're gay or not. She is correct. This is a must-see movie because it sheds a lot of light to the problems which the trans, gay and drag community had to go through. To be honest, a lot of these people still face the exact same troubles, although society has seemingly become more acceptive and tolerant.
The film also has huge entertaining value, especially for those who are into Drag as an art form. It documents the origins of 'Voguing'. Explains the meaning of the words 'reading', 'shade', 'legendary', 'house' and 'mother' in the Drag subculture. Also the fabulous footage from the Ball where people could be free, just themselves. It was fun to watch the contestants of the 'Banjee realness' compete over who could look more passable as a macho. Besides the introduction into the Balls, and the tragic stories of these awesome people, the movie offers a deep social commentary. Just listen to some of these interviews. And then listen to them again. A lot of truths were thrown out.
Livingston has been criticized for leaving herself out of the film, but I liked that the movie didn't try to give the concrete perspective, rather allowing the audience to decide themselves how they see the movie.
The film perfectly managed to balance the fun and the seriousness of the LGBT world, but still, the sad undertone remains - why someone can't be who they truly are and express themselves like they truly are.
The film also has huge entertaining value, especially for those who are into Drag as an art form. It documents the origins of 'Voguing'. Explains the meaning of the words 'reading', 'shade', 'legendary', 'house' and 'mother' in the Drag subculture. Also the fabulous footage from the Ball where people could be free, just themselves. It was fun to watch the contestants of the 'Banjee realness' compete over who could look more passable as a macho. Besides the introduction into the Balls, and the tragic stories of these awesome people, the movie offers a deep social commentary. Just listen to some of these interviews. And then listen to them again. A lot of truths were thrown out.
Livingston has been criticized for leaving herself out of the film, but I liked that the movie didn't try to give the concrete perspective, rather allowing the audience to decide themselves how they see the movie.
The film perfectly managed to balance the fun and the seriousness of the LGBT world, but still, the sad undertone remains - why someone can't be who they truly are and express themselves like they truly are.
