Burlesque flicks to binge in the new year
My top picks to get you through the holiday season!
There are some really good documentaries around, and it’s all a matter of taste of course. I’m really interested in the history of burlesque, so my taste skews this way.
If there’s something that you think I’d love pop it in the comments below!
(No, this isn’t sponsored at all. I just love a lazy Sunday with a coffee and a great Netflix or DVD special. I’ve included some links so you can check out any of my recommendations. But no affiliate links. )
Behind the Burly Q
Leslie Zemeckis explores the first half of the 20th century in American burlesque - a time when it was one of the most popular forms of entertainment. It also seesk to rectify its omission from the history books of entertainment. This is told by women and men who were there. It's a great and fairly complete history. It's also a great preservation of this time in history. It's presented in an affectionate but honest way - the negative sides of burlesque are not overlooked at all. There's also an accompanying book that is also excellent.
Bettie Page Reveals All
The documentary from Mark Mori gets a big tick from me. It really separates the real Bettie Page from all the rumours, photos that we see today. It explores Bettie's life: from childhood transition to one of the most famous pinups of the 50s to her retirement in the peak of her career. You don't see Bettie later in life but she does reflect as an older women about her life. If you're a fan this is a must see. It captures so well her popularity as a model and pinup and why her look remains so influential on pop culture today.
Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque
A feature-length, documentary film by Gary Beeber explores the "new burlesque" scene in New York City. Whilst there is a focus on Dirty Martini as one of the founders of the neo burlesque revival, it's a wider portrayal of the burlesque revival and the performers that made it. For me it's also a great insight into how the new burlesque both homages and moves from vintage burlesque classics - where the influences are.
Dirty is one of the most popular burlesque figures in the 21st century for a reason. Through her topical issues such as burlesque, feminism, body image, sex work are discussed.
This was such a great film documenting some of the NYC legends of the new burlesque that really kick started the revival we experience today.
Stripped
Film maker Jill Morley captures her start as an exotic dancer in New York and her feelings as she continues into her career. During her journey she covers many of the other dancers in her industry - the highs/lows - money, relationships, clients and the world of the dancers.
Illuminating, candid and quite sad in places.
The reason it's all the more interesting is that is captures a young Billie Madley - one of the pioneers in the burlesque revival and an absolute icon.
