My overall impression
Regardless of how you feel about pornography, the actors in this business are real people, with the same struggles, addictions and problems that everyone else has. This movie did an awesome job of exploring them, their triumphs, their setbacks and their attempts to leave the business and carry on a “normal” life.
Seka, Houston, John Leslie, Randy West, Mary Carey were once made famous by porn but left the business – some on their own terms and some by necessity.
Filmmaker Bryce Wagoner spent three years interviewing and editing this film, and the result is a compelling look at this controversial subject.
The film was featured as the only performance of the Fringe’s Opening Night festivities, and proved to be well worth the effort.
I laughed, I cried, I even got a little turned on by Mary Carey (who wouldn’t?). In fact, she is just the kind of politician we need today. I mean, isn’t one of Italy’s most famous politicians a former porn actress?
Seriously, regardless of how you feel about the subject, the film is compelling in its portrayal of the people behind the industry.
Warning – there is nudity in the film and were it rated, would carry an NC-17 rating, however, the nudity is not there for the shock or stimulation factor, just a backdrop to the individual stories.
I highly recommend this film – check it out, as well as the other Fringe [film] offerings, at the Elephant Stage on Lillian (around the corner from Theatre Asylum).
