The read
Scores higher than 89% of the 147 1990s documentary movies in this catalog. It runs a compact 1h 18m.
Synopsis
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.
Ratings
IMDb8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Metacritic82/100
567 audience votes
Key crew
- Jennie LivingstonDirector
Cast
- Pepper LaBeijaSelf
- Octavia St. LaurentSelf
- Venus XtravaganzaSelf
- Dorian CoreySelf
- Willi NinjaSelf
- Paris DupreeSelf
- Freddie PendavisSelf
- Sol Williams PendavisSelf
- Junior LaBeijaSelf
- Angie XtravaganzaSelf
- Carmen XtravaganzaSelf
- Brooke XtravaganzaSelf
Stills
Movies like Paris Is Burning
Themes
new york citytransvestismaidshomophobiadrag queenmale homosexualitytranssexualsubcultureshopliftinglgbtdragwoman director
The Best Movies of 1991
Paris Is Burning is #6 of 60
