By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Ian Bonhôte | Peter Ettedgui
Starring: documentary
Country: united_states
Year: 2018
Running time: 86
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5537600/reference
Julie says: “This was a very well done doc. I recommend it. I think it painted a very clear, honest, intriguing and endearing portrait of Susanne Bartsch’s life and those around her as well as the important times in which she lived in NYC. I liked the music incorporated within as well. Oh and there were a few short appearances of Bill Cunningham in there which was neat to see!”
Thom says: “There are innumerable reasons to praise this outstanding biographical gem. I was so pleased that it was recommended by a Chlotrudis reviewer as I might have passed it by otherwise. I was marginally embarrassed that I didn’t recall Bartsch from the time I lived in New York as she was reaching her apex at the time I lived there. What I got here was the real deal for I discovered someone I wish I knew, would want to be, and highly admire her style and life decisions. She was born in Switzerland, ran away to London when she was 17 and opened a fashion shop. She finally moved to New York and became an icon of chic & demimonde. She ruled the late night party milieu, threw lavish, over-the-top, monthly extravaganzas, raised millions of dollars for AIDS benefits, launched the careers of greats like RuPaul & Marc Jacobs. There’s time spent delving into her private life, her family (a glamorous , short, body builder husband with inexplicable charm, and a revealing adult son. The vivid imagery is outstanding and anyone with any interest in fashion or outlandish costumes with people at the height of creativity will adore this fantastic film. References to PARIS IS BURNING & the Club Kid culture are timely and historic.This film is fun, fun, fun. Bartsch is elegant, gorgeous, and a bit of a mystery. 5 cats“