Flesh
Flesh

Movie spotlight

Flesh

1968
Movie
89 min
English

A heroin junkie works as a prostitute to support his habit and fund an abortion needed by the girlfriend of his lesbian wife. His seedy encounters with delusional and damaged clients, and dates with drag queens and hustlers are heavy on sex, drugs and decadence.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Paul MorrisseyGenres: Drama, Adult

Plot Summary

Joe is a young drifter who falls in with a group of transvestite prostitutes in New York City. He becomes involved with a married couple who are exploring their own sexuality and desires, leading to a complex and often uncomfortable exploration of relationships and identity. The film blurs the lines between reality and performance, presenting a raw and unvarnished look at its characters' lives and struggles.

Critical Reception

Flesh is a highly controversial and influential film, often cited as a landmark of underground and independent cinema. It was praised for its raw, unpretentious portrayal of marginalized individuals and its challenging themes, though it also drew criticism for its explicit content and unconventional narrative. Its artistic merit and impact on later independent filmmaking are widely acknowledged.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its groundbreaking and honest depiction of transvestite prostitutes.

  • Seen as a significant work of underground cinema that challenged societal norms.

  • Noted for its raw, documentary-like feel and authentic performances.

Google audience: Information not available.

Fun Fact

Joe Dallesandro, the film's star, was not an actor but a real-life fixture of the Warhol Factory scene, and his participation lent the film a significant degree of authenticity.

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