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Blackstar: Autobiography of a Close Friend

0% | Feb 11, 1976
Documentary

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

Featured Crew

crew
Mark Massi
Camera Supervisor
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Loren Hammer
Camera Supervisor
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Peter O'Neill
Camera Supervisor
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Tom Joslin
Editor
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John Terry
Camera Supervisor
crew
Peter O'Neill
Sound
crew
Loren Hammer
Sound
crew
Tom Joslin
Camera Supervisor
crew
Mark Massi
Editor
crew
Tom Joslin
Director

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