ANY SHOPLIFTER CAN GET A LABEL...
Gregory J. Rivera | NYC | 10/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw this movie in 1991 during my first week at Hampshire College at some theater in Northampton Massachussetts. I was about 17 and had just come out as a latino gay male. I cannot begin to tell you how this movie impacted my life. Paris is Burning has given be comic material and one-liners for well over a decade. Regardless of class, race, or gender, my circle of friends can recite at least one brilliant line from the movie. The DVD has new outtakes and some choice commentary by the very wise and articulate Dorian Corey. Dorian discusses the lack of imagination that exists among today's youth as a result of their reliance on popular media for entertainment. Furthermore, the "ball scene" is a parody of the social paradigm, where roles are played and an outfit, designer label, or the ability to "pass", brings the marginalized individual one step closer to the "American Dream", if only for that fleeting moment on the ballroom floor. "At one time or another we have all lusted to walk a ballroom floor"."
An Item Worthy of the Time Capsule
Olukayode Balogun | Leeds, England | 10/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember seeing this movie when it first came out in the early nineties. To a (much younger) black gay man at the time it was a hugely significant piece of work. Looking at it more than ten years later now, I feel it's just as significant if only in a historical context. If any black gay man no matter where he lives in the world, wants to get a taste of what life was like for many of his peers back then in New York City, then this is a must. I was there (albeit very briefly) and I can't think of a more accurate snapshot. This one should definitely go into the time capsule!"
You wanna talk about reading...
XtravaganzaPower | Alexandria, VA | 10/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE this movie and have had the VHS for years.
I can't believe the tape hasn't broke yet from viewing
it so much. I am SO GLAD to finally see that it's on DVD
and I can buy another copy!
Pepper LaBeija - Pepper LaBeija :-) Ives St. Laurent of course!
"