Dir:Jes Benstock,UK, 2011, 97mins,
Cast: Andrew Logan, Brian Eno, Richard O’Brien
Review by Francesca Neagle
“The British Guide to Showing Off” focuses on the life and times of eccentric British artist Andrew Logan and his Alternative Miss World competition. Sympathetic to Logan’s artwork, Benstock’s playful documentary is a mixed-media patchwork of archive footage and photos, commentary from Logan, talking heads from the world of art, fashion, music and theatre, his own family and friends and some fittingly eccentric, inventive and decidedly-British animation.
The spirit behind this alternative event is transformation and appreciating the virtues of being different. Launched in 1972 as a forum for the extravagant, extreme and extraordinary, it is held sporadically whenever Logan and partner Michael Davis raise enough funds. The glam factor of the actual extravaganza contrasts rather amusingly withLoganand his partner’s struggle to raise the funds for the 2009 show. Andrew’s passion for this and for all his projects comes across very well on screen, particularly through such an observational method of filming. And the support and affection from those featured is touching and offbeat. Brian Eno and Richard O’Brien are especially witty and delightful.
Fascinating footage from past pageants, outrageous day wear, evening wear and swim wear, crazy contestants, ambience and vibe and cult celebrity patrons makes the viewer want to see more material from the pageants and less ofLogan. To a certain extent the film is a victim of its own success: Initially it isn’t that clear that the aim is to focus on the 2009 event, due in part to the collage-style editing. But by the time we get to this particular show, we want less of the artist and to know more about the participants. It is frustrating to see an array of colourful characters parading and performing onstage and to only briefly get to know one or two of them. We get a snapshot of some of the 2009 entrants: we glimpse office workers sitting at their desks – ordinary people leading ordinary lives. It would have been fun to be able to match them up with their onstage persona and get to the very heart of the competition andLogan’s motivation for it. But even this “lacking” appears warmly sympathetic toLogan’s character. We’re left wanting more but still delighting in what we’ve seen.
xx - posted on 23/05/2012 13:13:28
