FANCI'S PERSUASION
A film review by Max Hoffmann
Copyright 1995 Max Hoffmann
Touted as a chaotic fairy tale for the queer, urban world, FANCI'S PERSUASION might more aptly be retitled GET OUT OF TOWN! Because that's exactly what you'd be doing if San Francisco even slightly resembled the unwatchable mish mash captured by Director/Writer/Producer Charles Herman-Wurmfeld. If you're part of the politically correct set that can't possibly criticize a queer film, and just have to support it no matter what--my advice; go to this flick stoned.
The press kit claims this film celebrates the visual styles of Pedro Almodovar and John Waters with a story loosely based on A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. The only thing missing is wit, humor and talent. As near as we can tell, a few cardboard cutouts of a flamingos constitute the tribute to John Waters, and Almodovar is honored with a few garishly painted walls in some Mission District flats and intricate hair-dos.
The film falls several yards short of being high camp enough to entertain on an unintended level. Frequent black-and-white dream segments might have caused a few titters, if they weren't so damned embarrassing. Most of the performances invoke the same type of painful embarrassment you feel for a neighbor's talentless child who's goaded into an impromptu recital.
Cinematographer David Rush Morrison spins gaudy images that resemble a film student's homage to Andy Warhol. However unsteadily the camera may be held, it's an irresistible attraction for the actors, who are more than just a little aware of its presence.
Drag superstar Justin Bond is utterly wasted in the role of the vicious mother to lesbian bride wanna-be, Fanci (Jessica Patton). The title character is surely the most annoying screen presence this side of Pippi Longstocking. Fanci's intended, Lorretta (Boa) is yet another screen version of a black lesbian that can't let "butch" and talent coexist in the same frame.
The plot: A mysterious spell falls over San Francisco, causing power outages, and unlikely sexual liaisons. Will the marriage vows be spoken? asks the press kit. The answer is a resounding: who cares!
A butt-numbing 80 minutes of incomprehensible sound and image can be yours at San Francisco's Red Vic Theatre October 5 & 6. FANCI'S PERSUASION will crop up regularly at Midnight showings around the country.
Maxwell Hoffmann film critic, OutNOW!
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