Hola wrestling aficionados! Will someone be wearing a singlet to the screening today? Hmmm. Enjoy this thought-provoking and entertaining film on musings and discussions about homoeroticism and homophobia in wrestling, from upstate NY native Victor Rook. This is the first time that this film will be screened at a theater venue. ImageOut is honored to be its World Premiere screening.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 10: STRONGHOLD: In the Grip of Wrestling
Hola wrestling aficionados! Will someone be wearing a singlet to the screening today? Hmmm. Enjoy this thought-provoking and entertaining film on musings and discussions about homoeroticism and homophobia in wrestling, from upstate NY native Victor Rook. This is the first time that this film will be screened at a theater venue. ImageOut is honored to be its World Premiere screening.
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26 comments:
A good film, but it is long.
from Greg J. Winter:
STRONGHOLD is a great story but needs a great deal of editing. There are 3 openings and 3 closings to this film - pick only 1of the 3 that has the meat of the story... pick the best of the interviews and cut the rest to get the movie down to 1.5 hours long. Then this interesting story will be a great movie. If removing your own footage is like cutting off an arm - hire an editor to do it. Just my opinion. -Greg.
The subject of this film was not one I have every given thought to so I found it interesting. I agree with the comments that it is too long. I would suggest cutting it down to 60 or 70 minutes. At its current length, it may appeal to wrestling fans, but I think it would have a much wider appeal by tightening up the editing and cutting the length. The point about the eroticism was made repeatedly; I think we all got the point the first time it was made, so that would be a good place to do some cutting.
Having enjoyed professional wrestling with my dad and brothers on TV in my teens during the 60s plus various modes of wrestling with my brothers, friends, roommates and rivals into my college years, I found the film charmingly robust and playful in the way it brought back memories and whims long–since abandoned in waking life.
I did not notice that Stronghold was overlong, an opinion expressed by many others during conversation after the film, but then, most of the people I talked with are younger and never had the opportunity to become (even partially) immersed in the early pro wrestling culture, nor to share my freshman year roommate!
Taking a step back from my personal experiences, I can see why some felt that the film would benefit from another round of editing. For me, however, it proved an interesting reexamination and a potent catalyst for a meander through a portion of my past that colors my present only indistinctly. Like so many others, I feel that I have outgrown all that physical wrangling except in my fantasies and dreams; however, I am so pleased to see that there are those who prefer to keep it real… or at least “happening” if you question the “reality” of the “pro” sort of wrestling.
I think most people agree on this one -- the film is too long and would have been excellent had it been edited better. But glad that a lot of you still enjoyed it and found it interesting.
And thanks for a good crowd on a beautiful Sunday afternoon!
Ballot comment from C.R.:
Would benefit from some editing.
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Don't use default fonts!
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Boring film. My partner was very interested however.
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Could be more effective as two or three separate films. A lot of info for a single piece.
Where does sumo fit in?
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A bit too long.
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An exhaustive study.
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Good but a bit too long.
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A little long but interesting topic.
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Well researched and creative but I don't buy that wrestling is universal and stigmatized, homoerotic and non-sexual all at once.
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Very insightful. Only comment is some scenes felt too long before making their points.
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Well narrated.
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Bit long in parts but good coverage of the topic. Needed a more consistent style.
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A little long.
Ballot comment from A.L.:
Great fun - male bonding. Nice to see an Asian version of Judo.
Ballot comment from Gary:
This was GREAT! My favorite of 7 movies this season.
Ballot comment:
Excellent film but please have someone else edit for you!
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Excellent but waaay too long!
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Actually very good. Thought it would be too long but it works.
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A little long, needed more insight into the world of female wrestling, or wrestling from a female perspective. But otherwise, hilarious, informative and great documentary.
When does the DVD come out???
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Finally, a film that speaks to my life-long fantasy and obsession. My favorite of the festival.
It was rather interesting for me to read the post. Thanks for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I would like to read more on that blog soon.
Sincerely yours
Timm Clade
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