Blackstar: Autobiography of a Close Friend

(1976)

★ 10 IMDb · 1 votes

Genres: Documentary

Year: 1976

Runtime: 85 мин

Country: United States of America

Director: Tom Joslin

Cast: Tom Joslin, Mark Massi, Mary Joslin, Charles Joslin, Whitey Joslin, David Macaulay, Dave Joslin

Plot

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