WATCH
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I’M A PORNSTAR
Filmmaker Charlie David's light-hearted rambling
review of the burgeoning gay pornography
industry could never be mistaken as a serious
piece of investigative journalism. After speedily
racing through the whole history of the business
from its birth in the 1930s up to present day, the
documentary focuses on four of the most
successful performers today. They have probably
earned the accolade of 'star' but then again this
grossly overused title has now been claimed by
everyone who has ever had a bit part in a movie or
video. And there are a lot of them. In our internet
based culture there now an estimated 370 million
porn websites online contributing the bulk of a $13
billion business worldwide!
All of David's subjects are very affable men and
happy enough to candidly share their views on
controversial topics such as barebacking, HIV,
social stigma, fetishes and escorting. The whole
question of gay-for-pay was also discussed by them
and not always in a positive manner. Whilst Colby
Jansen's attitude regarding his evolving sexuality
was refreshingly honest, Johnny Rapid's constant
reminders of not only how straight he was ('When
I am being f..ked by a guy, I keep thinking of my
girlfriend just so that I can remain erect') became
very tiresome.
And with interviews with Ryan R a leading director
(and a heterosexual) who claimed as others did
that he did gay instead of straight porn because it
was financially more lucrative, David never pushed
him or anyone else further on this issue. The fact
that there are seemingly so many straight men
either side of the camera seems to indicate that as
a community we still haven't dispensed with all
our internalised homophobia.
Review by Roger Walker-Dack |Pictures: TLA RELEASING
The most likeable, and by far the most levelheaded of the pornstars featured, was the younglooking 29 years old Canadian Brent Everett. He's
not only an out proud gay man, but a happily
married one, who also has the full support of his
parents for his chosen line of work. Everett, quite a
charmer, is very effusive about his very successful
career and doesn't proffer any hint of regret or
become an apologist for his roles like so many of
his peers. He revels in the fact that his work is fun
and that he is clearly committed to make it as
entertaining and sexy as possible for his legions of
fans.
And that was probably David's motives in making
this titillating movie with its explicit scenes of sex
and a seemingly endless parade of erect penises
that often distract you from some of his narration.
He also succeeds in making the industry look like a
well-run corporate type business far removed from
its old sleazy and seedy back-street image. It's an
enjoyable and diverting lively romp that will
fascinate and amuse anybody with the slightest
interest in the subject i.e. all gay men!
AUG / SEPT 2014 | THEGAYUK 31