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Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Don't Believe the Hype

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Documentaries that singlehandedly convey one person's life are far easier than to tackle an entire culture, so director Livingstone had a challenge ahead to portray New York's ballroom community. A minority culture powered by African-Americans, Latinos, gays and transgenders where they "walk" in a variety of categories for trophies. Against the controversy she received for being a white lesbian female, Livingston intelligently crafted a documentary that manages to be both historically significant and personably poignant. To portray a relatively underground subculture, using each key participant to tackle inherent issues that surround LGBT individuals, whilst presenting developed backstories of each competitor and remaining informative throughout, is nothing short of genius. The AIDS crisis, gender equality, the class and wealth system of American at the time, drag acts and the progression of fashion. A plethora of sensitive subjects where we view the perspective of possibly America's most prominent minority group. It was emotionally impactful and saddening to hear that these young performers yearn for fame and wealth, because it's something they've never experienced and believe it to be a privilege among "real" culture (a category within the balls where performers must act straight). The differing attitudes between younger performers like Venus Xtravaganza and the more experienced like Dorian Corey was refreshing to see. The whole documentary was incredibly powerful and insightful. It's unfortunate that it feels overstuffed, where the narrative cohesion needs more focus. The first half represents a history lesson in comparison to the second half that progresses towards the performers themselves. The short 78 minute runtime is mostly to blame, as Livingstone attempts to pack as many subjects in as possible. However, this documentary gifts us with a rare view into a subculture that never becomes sentimental or emotionally manipulative, and I truly appreciate that.

I don't usually watch documentaries but I loved this one! The movie depicts the gay New York of the 80's, focusing particularly on the struggles of . It features the young black drag queens. It follows transgenders, hustlers and voguers... and the tremendous dedication these people show to perform at what they call "The Ball", their main stage event. The movie manages to show why The Ball is so important to everybody involved, and how being on stage and acting to be somebody different means so much for people coming from poverty striving for wealth and fame.But even though Paris IS BURNING is quite concerned with societal issues, it never becomes reduced to its political statements. Instead, the movie just shows, quite subjectively, what happens in the drag scene and what people think and feel. And then you find yourself drawn into this wonderful world of lively, honest and hard-working people and their quests.The movie's message is life-affirming and leaves you in high spirits. And it is this message that is as relevant today as it was in the 80's. Paris IS BURNING is a near- perfect documentary that has stood the test of time... it's absolutely worth watching even today!

In a film in which the subjects are referred to as having "3 strikes against them" from a socioeconomic, racial, and sexual preference perspective, we as viewers are taken deep into the tight knit community that is New York Ballroom culture. This group of individuals is completely marginalized and essentially shunned by the white patriarchal structure of our society. One of the key aspects and benefits of being a part of a culture of this nature for these individuals is the sense of community that exists as a result. For a group of men who had no one to turn to in their day to day lives, their involvement in the ballroom scene was crucial to their survival as human beings. They were given a place to express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin (or the skin of others). The way in which the concept of "drag" is explained in the film is not simply a definition consisting of describing gay men who dress in women's clothes. In Paris is Burning, drag is a way to take on a new identity; to disconnect oneself from reality. Chosen costumes and ensembles range from Marilyn Monroe to Marine drill sergeants and anything and everything else imaginable. The transparency with which Jennie Livingston made this film with in terms of her ability to be that ever so crucial fly on the wall, truly gave the subjects their own voice that flowed naturally throughout the film. The hand-held shooting style employed by Livingston made for a genuinely warm and poignant piece. Similar to Shirley Clarke's film Portrait of Jason, the camera and the subjects have very intimate relationships. In both films, ample time is spent focusing on hand motions and body language. By following the model of 90's queer documentary, Livingston contributed to paving the way for other free form documentaries to exist within the culture. Paris is Burning is an ethnological piece that effectively explores a subculture within itself. Ethnographically speaking, Livingston dissects and debunks this marginalized group of individuals "strike" by "strike" throughout the course of the film. We as viewers are able to understand and absorb the fact that these men are people and this is their passion. For people who are unfamiliar with this culture, listening to these men tell their stories and express the importance of the new york ballroom scene in their daily lives, it is quite easy to understand. Paris is Burning paved the way for documentaries focused on marginalized groups of people. In terms of the internet, the majority of the documentaries i come across that are web based (but function in a similar way as Paris is Burning does in terms of purpose and aesthetic) are centered around marginalized groups. Ethnographies are an excellent way to gain an understanding of something or someone that you would not have access to otherwise. Being able to post personal reviews centered around internet based material, leads to the overall further discussion and progression of society and personal relationships with difficult subjects such as race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.

I had just recently watched "Paris Is Burning" and I love it. I find it very interesting and artistic and creative the way they move and dance. It's like a whole different world. My friend received it as a gift and after watching it I am going to hunt a copy down for my own collection. The next day I found out from a friend that Willie Ninja had just passed away a couple of days before. At first I didn't want to believe him. So I went searching for anything that would confirm what he had said, he was right. Even though I didn't know him personally, there's no doubt in my mind that he will be missed, and I would consider it an honor to have been a friend of his. To anyone who knew him I am sorry.R.I.P WILLIE NINJA - Angel Ray from San Bernardino, Ca