Description
For this Out Takes, we reviewed two documentaries that looked at the long-term cultural impact of the mid 90’s films ‘Showgirls’ and ‘Kids’ which continue to spark discussion nearly 30 years after their release and the controversy they unleashed on the world. First up was ‘You Don’t Nomi’, which looks at Paul Verhoeven’s ‘Showgirls’ which in 1995 was met by critics and audiences with near-universal derision and then traces the film’s redemptive journey from notorious flop to cult classic, and even masterpiece. Then we discussed ‘We Were Once Kids’ that came out in 2022 and explores the aftermath of the young people involved in the film ‘Kids’ in the mid 90’s who were thrust into the mainstream spotlight only to be then left adrift under the bright lights. While some discovered transcendent lives and careers, others were abandoned and unequipped to handle fame, with some going on to suffer fatal consequences. We were joined by Australian filmmaker Eddie Martin who directed ‘We Were Once Kids’ and presented the stories of the now adults who as the original ‘Kids’ were mainly unknown teens actually living this life who’s likeness and stories were taken and worked into this film that won awards, made millions of dollars and turned them in to overnight celebrities without any of the skills or support needed to handle it. He shared why he wanted to tell this story, how he connected with the subjects in the film and the many challenges and surprises that have come with sharing this story with the world. Both of these films are streaming now on DocPlay.
With MQFF 2024 in full swing, we took the opportunity to do our final round of reviews and recommendations including spotlighting a great new local film that is screening now around Australia. ‘Strange Creatures’ tells the story of Nate, a proud pansexual man who used to be close with his big...
Published 11/18/24
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival is Australia’s oldest and largest queer film festival and returns from November 14 to 24 with a program that celebrates the way sound and vision have been a source of inspiration and transformation for LGBTQIA+ communities and everyone across the world. MQFF...
Published 11/11/24