Pink Narcissus
Presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.
Part of the UCLA Film & Television Archive screening series Legacy Project Screening Series. Learn more at cinema.ucla.edu.
West Coast restoration premiere!
In 1963—the year of Scorpio Rising, Flaming Creatures, and Warhol’s first films—physique photographer James Bidgood began working on an ambitious homoerotic film fantasy he called Pink Narcissus. For over six years, he filmed his star, Bobby Kendall, using 8mm Kodachrome and later 16mm Ektachrome stock on numerous lavish sets, most built in the confines of his cramped Manhattan apartment.
After many delays, the film’s backers grew tired of waiting for a finished film and dropped Bidgood from the project. Bidgood repudiated their version, and when Pink Narcissus was released in 1971, his credits for producing, directing, writing and photography were listed as “Anonymous.” Nearly 30 years later, Bidgood reclaimed his role as the visionary creator of the queer cinema classic and became a major influence on artists ranging from Pierre et Gilles to David LaChapelle and Steven Arnold. Now, over 60 years after Bidgood began crafting his sumptuous opus, the Archive presents its 4K restoration in this West Coast restoration premiere.
DCP, color, 68 min. Director: James Bidgood. With: Bobby Kendall, Don Brooks, Charles Ludlam.
ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM?
Ticketing: Admission to Archive screenings at the Hammer is free. Your seat will be assigned to you when you pick up your ticket at the box office. Seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Box office opens one hour before the event. Questions should be directed to the Archive at programming@cinema.ucla.edu or 310-206-8013.
Member Benefit: Subject to availability, Hammer Members can choose their preferred seats. Members receive priority ticketing until 15 minutes before the program. Learn more about membership.
Parking: Valet parking is available on Lindbrook Drive for $15 cash only. Self-parking is available under the museum. Rates are $8 for the first three hours with museum validation, and $3 for each additional 20 minutes, with a $22 daily maximum. There is an $8 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
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