Bettie Page Reveals All - 2012 - 7/10
I was still active on FBook when Bettie Page died, and I posted a news blurb.
Some of my friends asked, “Who’s she?”
I uploaded a photo.
They may not have known her name, but they recognized her immediately.
Arguably the greatest pinup model of all time.
Loving documentary succeeds despite flaws.
First problem, the editing of the first half is below amateur level.
Brief scene or story plays out for a minute or two with accompanying music.
Quick wipe, then another vignette unspools with totally different music.
This buggy bouncing tone mars the fame period, her “glory” years.
There is a well known group of film “faneditors” out there.
At least twelve among them could have produced a more polished, more fluid, result.
Ain’t no use crying, however. Jumpy is what it is.
Better by far, Page provides most of the narration herself, in a hoarse Southern drawl that bears witness to decades of hard road.
Covering her later years, the director grows more cohesive, and that half is better composed.
Another problem is less tangible, more subjective.
I have been buying Bettie Page “stuff" since the 70’s.
When she resurrected in the 80’s, collectors gradually learned which photographers peddled her photos, yet never paid her a dime in royalties, knowing of her poverty.
Some were among the doc interviewees. Sorta stuck a craw in my throat.
Page’s image is iconic. Regarding icons, there is an uneasy line between appreciation and appropriation.
Early on, you see individuals borrowing the Bettie look.
Ordinary souls in search of an identity are one thing. Celebrities out for an extra dollar, though …
Takes all sorts in this world.
Even though I am kicking parts of this documentary around, I enjoyed it tremendously.
Of all the Bettie Page shorts, reels, and that godawful movie, this is the best.
Honest, unflinching, packed with sexy images, as well as bitterness.
Not always a fun documentary, but altogether satisfying.
One gets the feeling Bettie departed this world, touched with grace.