How I Feel About The New "Burlesque" Movie-BLAAAAHHH
“The funny thing about this burlesque in the movie is they sort of reinvented it in a way that Europe already knows it. Americans kind of associate burlesque with stripping, which is not what it is at all. Burlesque is actually sort of a funny, wonderful, playful tease.”
-Kristen Bell, star of the upcoming “Burlesque” movie-
That movie. We all know what one I’m talking about. Don’t we? Oohh yes we do. That “Burlesque” movie. With Cher. And Christina Aguilera. That one. Ugh. I’ve rewrote this several times and its so hard to get into it without ranting. I think the best way I’ve heard it put as to why exactly the whole thing is so unsettling was from Madame Mae I, a wonderful Vancouver performer and producer. In her feedback on one of the first rants I had written, she wrote to me about how she felt:
“with all the variety in the world of true burlesque – in shapes, sizes, personalities, styles, music preferences, presentations, use of props, senses of humor, etc – the most offensive part of it all is that this movie is claiming to define what Burlesque is without making any reference to all that they have left out. “
THAT IS EXACTLY IT!!! This combined with the very obvious intentions of selling the movie to the same target market of thirteen year old girls who buy Christina Aguilera and Pussycat Doll CDs is leaving a very icky taste in my mouth.
From what I can tell, the feeling in the community is one of distrust, apprehension, and general outrage. Pretty sure no one is happy about this. Being misrepresented on such a large scale is pretty frightening. So what do we do!?
As the release date approaches, I’m FINALLY seeing some dialogue about this. First step, lets keep that coming! If we don’t say something about it, how is anyone going to know we don’t want to be identified by a glorified music video.
Secondly, lets look at this as an opportunity to draw some attention to ourselves! Hello coat-tails!!! Now I’ve thought about this. My first ideas were abit too, erhm revolutionary. I basically wanted signs and pasties at every premiere and probably Steve Antin’s head on a pike. Oh April. So Lord of the Flies. I’ve since rescinded into thinking there must be an easier and better way. Stay with me here… but what about Facebook? We’re all on there, and we’re all on there all day, every day. If the global community and all our supporters were to band together- the media takes note when 100000 people do anything. That includes joining a group on a social networking site. I’m obviously up for any other suggestions. If anyone can think of any other Wacky Publicity Stunts to get our opinion any exposure without coming across as the bad guys, please, please please- Suggest it, Dialogue it, Do it! I know I have been waiting for someone to say or do something. I don’t know if people just don’t know want to do or if we just don’t want Cher to be mad at us- but I think its important to stand up for what we believe in.
If Burlesque the movie does not represent Burlesque to you, please join my Facebook group and voice your concerns and disappointment.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_163698530330190&ap=1
