Change Your Image
thatteesgirl
Reviews
Beautiful, Baby, Beautiful! (1980)
Interesting Modeling Documentary
This documentary highlights the many facets of the modeling profession and was pioneering during a time in what many consider the true birth of the supermodel. Filmed in late 1979 and early 1980 (but not shown on HBO until the spring of 1981) it features interviews with the original supermodels such as Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley, Jerry Hall, Janice Dickinson, Iman and Cristina Ferrare, who were considered the top models of the day. Other supermodels of the time, like Kim Alexis, Gia Carangi and Lauren Hutton, who may not have been available for interviews are either pictured or mentioned by the narrator. Also featured are segments of retired models and top runway models and designer muses like Carla LaMott and Pat Cleveland (who is interviewed with her then- husband, Markus Scnaric, also a runway model) in addition to parts models and a modeling hopeful, as well as scenes with modeling agency legends like Wilhemina and Eileen Ford (and her husband Jerry). Designers Clovis Ruffin and Bill Blass are also shown. Makeup artist legend Way Bandy is also spotlighted.
The soundtrack sounds like something straight out of a dark corner of the infamous discoteque, Studio 54 and the narrator and models themselves consistently put emphasis on the hardships one must endure to reach the top of the profession. Also emphasized is the fact that it's a million dollar industry all based on illusion. I don't think that mantra has changed even over 40 years later and probably never will.
Interesting and realistic time capsule on the industry.
Filthy Gorgeous: The Bob Guccione Story (2013)
Interestingly Enough
This 2013 documentary tells the story of the legendary founder and publisher of Penthouse magazine, the late Bob Guccione.
From his meager beginnings as a literally starving artist to international success with Penthouse, started in the United Kingdom in 1965 and brought to America four years later in 1969, this film chronicles Guccione's professional and sometimes personal relationships along the way, as told by his children, business associates, acquaintances,a couple of Penthouse Pets and other employees through a series of interviews. However, it seems no one has anything bad to say and considering his estranged relationships with his children (and apparently his mending of the ways before his death in 2010), I find it a bit odd.
The soundtrack is pretty good and actually in tune with the time period that Penthouse reigned supreme and would continue to do so into the mid eighties. Guccione had accomplished his goal: To compete with Playboy on home ground beat Hefner at his own game.
By now, everyone who grew up in the 70's and 80's (and some a bit later) realize the social and cultural impact history Penthouse made by a man who lived like a Roman emperor: He created an empire and he destroyed it.