Though the literal
translation from the French of
La Chatte à deux têtes
is “The Pussy with Two Heads,” Jacques Nolot’s film about one night in a
derelict Parisian adult movie
house was released in the U.S. under the title Porn Theatre. The
titular theatre is overseen by the long time ticket taker (played by
Vittoria Scognamiglio) who acts not only as a gatekeeper, but also as a
mother hen to the regular customers. On this particular evening she
strikes up a conversation with one such regular as they engage in a
philosophical discussion in the lobby. Meanwhile, in the theatre
there’s more action going on than just what’s on the screen as the
theatre has become a cruising location for gay men and transvestites.
Tricks occur mostly
without words as the theatre becomes a complex ballet of sucking,
jerking, and other sundry anonymous sexual encounters. Little attention
is shown to the (heterosexual) porn film on the screen, and perfunctory
police raids do little to deter the denizens as they seek to escape the
harsh light of the real world in the safety of the darkness of the
theatre. It is only there where they can be free, but a melancholy air
hangs over the proceedings as ultimately the movie must end and morning
must come when they each must return to the outside world.
-- Dan Krovich
Presented By: John
Waters
Biography:
John Waters is most famous for his long career as a film director,
which has included such famous (and infamous) works as Pink Flamingos,
Hairspray, Serial Mom, and last year’s NC-17 rated A
Dirty Shame. He is also an author, public speaker, and a celebrated
photographer whose work has exhibited throughout the world. He even
released a CD of his favorite Christmas songs last holiday season, which
included such notables as “Here Comes Fatty Claus.” Once dubbed the
“Pope of Trash,” John Waters may now be more accurately labeled as
Baltimore’s own renaissance man.
