By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Damn, I love the 1970’s. The genuine rawness and authentically erotic sexuality of that decade is palpable even today. All I have to do is watch a few movies and listen to a few songs, and I’m there. I see the generation of today searching for those elements in today’s society. They’re looking in the wrong place. Most projects, even indie, erotic, porn projects are so affected and bland. Many of the millennials are searching for those fundamental truths that were so significantly a part of the subculture in the 70s, but have long been affected and watered down. I want to sit down with these college kids and say, “All this is bullshit. Forget about it. Live in the best parts of the ‘70s, be well, be happy and fuck everything else.”
Rather than yelling at strangers, that are a decade or so younger than me, I decided to take my advice and live in the best part of the 70s. Today, the focus is THAT MAN: PETER BERLIN (2005).
The documentary follows the life and career of the magnificent, gay, film icon, Peter Berlin. Berlin, whose real name is Armin Hagen Freiherr von Hoyningen-Huene,was a gorgeous. Erotic male model and photographer. He posed in nudes and sadly because he was willing to go all the way with his art, he was cast away as a pornographer and porn star and looked down upon by the mainstream. This is an important point to think about. Berlin could have been a household name in big movies. He had the look, style and obviously was a self-made man, who easily could have attached himself ot Hollywood. He could have sold out and played the game the money-men wanted, but he chose the art instead. He chose to show and express aspects of gay culture that were fun and daringly sexy. He chose freedom over money and Hollywood level fame, and I adore him for that! It is that no-holds barred boldness that made him an international star and an individual who will be revered and loved for eternity. He’s an icon.
THAT MAN: PETER BERLIN is a perfect documentary. There are a tons of great interviews with other artists and entertainers. The topics surround everything from the art itself, its impact on fashion, what it represented, and how fearless Berlin was for doing it all.
Among the interviews, my favorite is with the spectacular John Waters, who seems both intrigued and indifferent, which though should be an impossibility, isn’t with him. He just laughs at it all and then casually gives kudos for the bravery of it all. I love Waters so much. He’s such a treasure.
A unique aspect about the movie is that Berlin leads the production. He narrates and does a marvelous job captivating the viewers with stories of his life starting as far back as childhood. He goes on to talk about love interests, love disinterest, drugs, sex, his films and his photos.
The legacy and what his art represented to others makes for such a compelling watch. The greatest moments within though are hearing Berlin tell his own story and how much of what he did was a search to be loved.
I can’t recommend this film enough. The story of Berlin’s travels from Germany to San Francisco is a riveting one from beginning to end. The flow is all over the place and stories are told out of order, but the chaos of it is part of the charm and rawness. There are some moments that will make you cheer and laugh and other moments that will make you cry. The story of his true love passing away is particularly painful to watch, but it’s important.
Though there are some genuinely sad moments, that isn’t the full film at all. It’s an inspirational and wonderful story surrounding freedom of expression and the right to be whatever you want to be. Currently, this is on AMAZON PRIME so give it a watch!
Scared Stiff Rating: 8.5/10
