“Velvet Vision” is the story of director/photographer James Bidgood, whose beautiful 60’s beefcake photos were different from all the others. They depicted homo-erotic fantasy scenarios dipped in vibrant colors, and pushed the boundaries of the genre. His film “Pink Narcissus” who he had worked on for many years came out in 1971 without a credit for his maker after Bidgood quarreled with the producers. The film became a cult phenomenon when people were positive it was either Keneth Anger or Andy Warhol who were behind it. It was revealed almost twenty years later that the one behind the film was one of the most influential photographers of the time.
“Velvet Vision” follows Bidgood’s attempt to go back to photography after a forty year break, this time for fashion designer Christian Louboutin. In front of filmmaker Bart Everly, Bidgood reveals all about his past as a window dresser, a drag artist and a costume designer. This is a film about social ostracism or about a man who chose to be an outcast and be lonely even if he doesn’t really want to, it’s a film about the fine line between genius and madness, fantasy versus reality.
“Velvet Vision” is a complex piece that explores the inner and outer world of a brilliant artist whose one-of-a-kind art still influences generations of filmmakers, fashion designers and photographers.
