Variety (1983)

The Story

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF THE 2K RESTORATION

"Bette Gordon's filmic creation is a truly rare movie that transcends time in its openly transgressive treatment of American culture. Genius.” – Cole Smithey

Often described as a “proto-feminist film noir” and as a “psycho-sexual thriller”, Gordon’s 1983 film is set in the sex shops around Times Square. Christine takes a job as a ticket-seller in a porn cinema known as Variety and becomes fascinated by the sleazy attendees and the Wall Street walk-ins. Her challenge to be in the same space men occupy in the sexual world leads her to obsessively stalk an older businessman whom she believes controls the rackets in New York’s fish markets. Joe Brennan called Christine “a curious boundary-pushing heroine” while claiming the film “transformed the neo-noir genre”. A 2K restoration with a music score from the NYC jazz icon John Lurie.

“A feminist Vertigo.” — LA Weekly

“I think a feminist Taxi Driver would be a more truthful moniker.” — Lyzette

“One of the best US independents of recent years.” — Time Out, London

This screening will be introduced by Angelica Waite, film programmer, scholar and member of the Cinema Reborn organising committee. 

Rating

R18+

Duration

100 min

Cast

Sandy McLeod, Will Patton, Nan Goldin

Director

Bette Gordon