Blackstar: Autobiography of a Close Friend
- Documentary
Overview
In this experimental, self-ethnographic documentary, Tom Joslin blends breathtaking, moving snapshots from the natural world, filmic cultural touchstones, and cutting (pseudo) cinéma vérité to dissect and reassemble his gay identity despite constant warnings to stay in the closet. Blackstar sees Joslin and partner Mark Massi fleshing out their enduring commitment and obvious love for one another amidst the insecurity that a self-conscious documentary lens instills. As interviews with Joslin’s mother, father, and brothers attempt to break down the legitimacy of Joslin and Massi’s romance, the pair use everything at their disposal, including inspiration from gay revolutionaries and painfully honest conversations, to hold up their “abnormality” as a point of pride rather than shame. – Shayna Warner
Keywords
- coming out
- experimental documentary
Details
- Status
- Released
- Release date
- February 11, 1976
- Original language
- English
- Spoken languages
- English
- Countries
- United States of America
- Production
- Alchemedia
- Budget
- Not recorded
- Revenue
- Not recorded
- IMDb
- tt0211266