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Using extensive interviews and archival footage, the film puts the Masons' story into the context of LGBT history. At the time of the Black Cat raid and protests in 1966, Circus of Books was the only place that sold gay literature. Then through the Reagan years, the Masons walked a tightrope amid anti-porn sentiment, getting caught in an FBI sting. This was also the time when many employees died of Aids, and they were horrified that so many parents refused to visit their dying children.

Things get even more personal when Mason turns to her brother Josh, who grew up believing it was wrong to be gay, then struggled to accept that he was gay himself. And Karen struggled with this as well. But this conservative family understood the importance of compassion. They stood up to bigots who called them sick, even as they couldn't talk to family or friends about their business, even when they were in trouble. So while it's sad to see their customers dwindle, the Masons' ongoing work as activists is inspiring.

themes, language, strong images

22.Apr.20

First, The Skin of the Brontosaurus explores Chatwin's first book In Patagonia (1977), as Herzog travels to the cave he photographed, discovering how his grandmother's stories sparked his imagination. Landscapes of the Soul follows Chatwin's exploration of lay-lines in Wales, echoed in Herzog's film Signs of Life (1968). Songs and Songlines highlights Chatwin's thoughts on the Australian landscape, how identity is formed by language, songs and poetry, and vice versa. The Nomadic Alternative looks at an unpublished mythical manuscript about how our ancestors travelled as far as they could go.

Journey to the End of the World follows Chatwin to southernmost Chile, where the indigenous nomadic civilisation was wiped out by Europeans, something that haunted him. Chatwin's Rucksack looks at the bag that travelled thousands of miles before Herzog took it on, putting it in his film Scream of Stone (1991), where it saved Herzog's life. Cobra Verde centres on Herzog's 1987 film adaptation of Chatwin's book The Viceroy of Ouidah, about a real Brazilian outlaw who became a slave trader in Africa. And finally, The Book Is Closed touches on Chatwin's bisexuality, which Herzog feels was irrelevant, while Elizabeth says it never affected their relationship. He died from Aids at age 49.

The film is beautiful both thematically and visually, as Herzog captures surreal landscapes with his distinct perspective, such as ants crawling on a freaky spiny lizard. Indeed, Herzog sought creatures and places that looked like sci-fi movies, mixed with wonderful historical photographs. Chatwin particularly loved one of Herzog's aphorisms: "The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot."

themes, nudity

13.May.19

The stories are recounted with energy and a witty sense of perspective, mixing silly memories with more pointed topical events, such as when Jurgen cast his first sarcoma in resin or the way he photographed himself wasting away and dying, drawing ironic contrast with his previous images as a gay scene pinup. He even instructed a friend to photograph him after his death, reflecting his mantra: "Educate people, don't hide." As one friend observes, Baldiga had a real talent to connect with people; his media and techniques were almost incidental.

Filmmaker Viefhues creates a vivid, pointed portrait as people remember events firsthand and Baldiga's depictions help guide them into a deeper understanding of their own lives. His close friend Neubert admits that he was in love with Baldiga, who designated Neubert to be the custodian of his journals. He also takes the viewer through a series of framed portraits stored in a cupboard that are powerfully emotive. This film recounts Baldiga's story, and especially his final years, with the honesty he demanded of his friends. It's tough and real, and surprisingly affirming even as it documents a devastating period in human history.

themes, language, nudity

29.Mar.20 flare