Beautiful Darling
2009
United States
85 mins
Documentary Film Competition
| James Rasin | |
| James Rasin | |
Candy Darling was a fixture in the New York Off-Broadway scene in the 60s, in Warhol films such as Women in Revolt and Flesh, and became a prominent personality in Warhol’s circles, influencing such noted contemporary artists as Madonna, David Bowie and Lou Reed. This documentary will use a series of interviews, archival footage, and images from Candy’s home in Massapequa, NY. Archival footage includes rare 25 year-old interviews conducted by Jeremiah Newton with members of Warhol’s Factory and Tennessee Williams. The film features interviews with colleagues, contemporaries and friends of Candy, including John Waters, Peter Beard, Holly Woodlawn, Bob Colacello, Geraldine Smith, Pat Hackett and Ron Delsener.
Reviews
“Tender and intimate… immensely affecting and mysterious… brilliantly arranged.” – AMY TAUBIN, ARTFORUM
“DARLING enhances Candy’s mystique rather than exploiting it… If today’s priced-out, sanitized New York is no longer a place for runaways, let this film serve as an elegy. But if there is still hope for reinvention here, Beautiful Darling may prove that seductive siren that cues the beautiful freaks.” – NICK CURLEY, NY PRESS
“Touching… a sad, lyrical reflection on the foolish worship of movie stars.” – STEPHEN HOLDEN, THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Incisive… “Darling” expertly recreates a slice of the cultural history of the ’60s while also telling us something about the poisonous addiction of fame.” – STEPHEN FARBER, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“This is not your classic story of a woman born in a male body, but something a lot more special… perhaps the best documentary I have ever seen.” – BIANCA FERNANDES, MAHALA
“Auspicious debut… manages to transcend mere nostalgia.” – Logan Hill, NEW YORK MAGAZINE
“Sad but sweet… persuasively showcases her innate charisma.” – VARIETY
“Compelling… engaging… a sensitive portrait.” – JESI KHADIVI, INTERVIEW MAGAZINE
“A beautiful tragedy.” – SAWYER J. LAHR, FILMMONTHLY.COM
“An elegant character study that unfolds almost as a mystery as it explores the public face and private thoughts of an enigmatic heroine. The film navigates the contrasts of its subject – beauty and decay, fame and obscurity, masculinity and femininity – to moving and thoughtful effect.” – JURY, CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, GOLD HUGO (BEST DOCUMENTARY)
