Eye For Film >> Movies >> Pink Narcissus (1971) DVD Review
James Bidgood was a master of his photographic art, but no great shakes as a film-maker. And it's to his credit that in the interview extra he makes no claims to be such - he's humble, and tickled that his film has found a cult audience - it wasn't much thought-of at the time, hence his decision to drop his name off the credits. And when invited to describe its message, he says there isn't one - it's just about one young chap's narcissism. "It's about someone who's in love with himself and in his fantasies he's always the object of desire."
Take a look at the stills from Pink Narcissus in the interesting accompanying booklet, which gives more background on Bidgood and the screamingly gay muscle magazines. They look a million dollars, highly camp theatrical images that are joyful, innocent and, yes, sexy. Then see them in context on screen, with movement and music, and they look cheap, tacky.
Although the film itself is a bit of a disappointment, the extras are worthwhile.
Reviewed on: 17 Apr 2007