Paris Is Burning (1991)

It is a performances centric movie

Excellent, a Must See

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Paris Is Burning is a riveting documentary that focuses on the aspirations and culture of African American homosexuals and transsexuals. One very important aspect of the film is the depth that is shown of the culture of these men. Prior to this film, there were not many people, including myself, that new much about African American homosexuals, transsexuals and drag balls during this time. After watching the film though, I felt enlightened about this culture and had a new understanding of what these people were like, how unfairly they were treated, and their desire to be accepted in society. The mix between interviews and shots of the actual balls, the film is very well put together and is also easy to follow. Even though you might not be interested in the topics of balls, homosexuality, racism, or voguing, you might be surprised by hoe much this film pulls you in and keeps you interested until the end. I would definitely recommend the film to anyone, especially those looking to expand their point of view about different topics.

Wonderfully put together..I wish there was a follow up to this documentary to follow up with the lives of some and celebrate the lives of others lost...there should be a part two..a real one. It was great..the film wasn't long enough..I would like to know why the creator of the film did not follow up!! this is so important to the community period..well if your are reading this please consider doing another documentary of this sort...I am really tired of hearing from naive writers how AIDS and Men go together when they don't; actually its the hetero's that we need to look into..this film didn't even bother to mention HIV or AIDS and I was so glad for that..I really appreciated the break downs and definitions too. Thank you s much for allowing this film to exist.

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!!!

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???