Beefcake

[Guest BenDover]

I just watched one of the most enjoyable videos in years. It was called Beefcake, distributed by Strand Releasing, I think. The video tells the story of Bob Mizer, one of the physique photographers from the 50s-70s, and interviews individuals like Joe D'Allasandro and Jack LaLaine. Its filled with incredible photography that expertly blends the old photos and films of the 50s with the modern videography of the video. Its hard to tell what is authentic and what is new. It has some beautiful men in it, but more interestingly is the documentary aspect of it wherein they interview the older gentlemen who were actual contemporaries of Mizer and some of the guys who were photographed. The ending is quite moving with one fellow stating, "We have to tell these stories and write them down. Otherwise, they will disappear forever."

I'd be interested to know if anyone else has seen this video and what your thoughts are. If you haven't seen it, I really think its a must see. My god, from whence we have come to this day!

[Will]

Thanks for this review, Ben. It sounds like something I need to buy. Did you rent it or purchase it?

[Losgatan]

I bought a copy directly from Strand Releasing. Great flick!

[+ bigjoey]

i enjoyed the movie. i like the films that give us a picture of life before stonewall (the movie "stonewall" on television is good, too).after seeing the film, i really felt fortunate to be living in our time even though things could be alot better (marriage, "don't ask, don't tell", etc.).

[vers7]

I saw the film at an artsy film festival in Toronto when I was visiting there about 3 years ago. It was a lot of fun. The recent porn Gluttony (1 of the new 7 dealy sin films)is sort of a take off on this theme.

[Guest ChicagoCorey]

I saw thsi movie at the Music Box here in Chicago when it was originally released (a friend gave me the picture book on which it is released for my birthday a few years previously). It was fun to watch -- but even more fun in the group of guys in the theatre I saw it. Everyone was really into it, and I actually went out for drinks with the guys sitting right next to me. Definitely a fun film.

 

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