Peter Charney’s review published on Letterboxd:
Last night, I saw “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” a reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical set within the vibrant world of ballroom culture. Though I was familiar with ballroom culture in passing, I had little understanding of its structure, rules, and the lifestyle surrounding it, so this felt like the perfect moment to finally watch Paris is Burning. Viewing the documentary after experiencing this “Cats” added layers of context and insight, deepening my appreciation of the production and its specificity in honoring this world. It's a testament to the brilliance of those who revived the musical that I could now recognize the connections between its character relationships, style, and themes to those inherent to ballroom culture.
As a documentary, Paris is Burning offers an intimate, immersive glimpse into the lives of its subjects and the electric atmosphere of the balls they participate in. The film is beautifully structured, following a diverse group of individuals and subtly capturing their stories within a period of major cultural transformation. At its core, this is a generational story about legend and legacy—how spaces are nurtured for younger queer people, especially those of color, to find safety, belonging, and community. Its significance is timeless, especially now, as aspects of queer culture are increasingly embraced by the mainstream. Paris is Burning serves as a vital reminder that these elements of culture were born from acts of resistance and survival. It's not just a documentary—it's a preserved piece of history that honors the revolutionary roots of queer culture.
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