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jamesd-18
Reviews
American Circumcision (2017)
Outstanding Documentary
'American Circumcision' begins with a beautifully filmed dramatization of a baby boy about to be cut, but stops short of the "procedure." We're whisked to Washington DC, during 'Genital Integrity Awareness Week' where activists interact with the public. The film continues at a swift pace that doesn't let up for an hour and forty minutes. The wide range of scenes and interviews that follow are very compelling, Marotta's skillful editing weaves everything together seamlessly. The information flows. There are moments of profound insight, deep sorrow, a few laughs and some unexpected reveals. The audience I saw this with paid rapt attention until the credits.
The music by John Allen Graves underscores the movie perfectly contributing to the profound gravitas.
'American Circumcision' is unique, a must see, award-winning documentary for anyone who wants to be informed about this issue. It's Brendon Marotta's first full-length documentary film as director.
Mondo Rocco (1970)
Great, great early gay history film. Much fun!
As a young gay man coming out in 1970, I remember reading in the Advocate about LA filmmaker Pat Rocco and his film Mondo Rocco. Finally after 40 years I get to see Mondo Rocco and what a fun trip back to a more innocent and very sexy time.
Rocco accompanies us through the gay events of the day in LA, and he's a great interviewer, jumping into scenes of gay life, asking participants their opinions of the events, cruising in Griffith Park, covering well attended street protests (led by gay activist Reverend Troy Perry), young men with few clothes or in towels act out a kind of soft core plot that revels in the spirit of the day. Rocco is with his camera and crew in a bar as its being raided for having a nude dancer! Later we talk with the lawyers, then back to the drag show in the bar and impersonator Jim Bailey as Mae West singing the music from Hair!
I recommend Mondo Rocco most highly, This is a precious romp back to another era.