A&E
A talk with filmmaker Beth B
By Bridget Lavin ’18
October 8, 2015
The Spectator: Can you give a brief description of Exposed! for the benefit of our readers?
Beth B: Exposed! is a portrait of performance artists who use burlesque as a vehicle to discuss broader issues, whether social, gender or political. They also broach issues around disabilities in an extremely vulnerable and brave way, which I think makes it so riveting. In a way, they take their flaws and recontextualize and embrace them in a way that is empowering for all of us. Another very important aspect is the concept of acceptance and understanding where our judgments come from and trying to rearrange our perceptions of normality.
What initially drew you to this project?
I was drawn to this project because it brought me back to my roots in independent film, as well as work that is completely uncensored. It’s bringing me back to uncensored dialogue and being able to speak about the unspeakable and creating new frameworks. I’m trying to break beyond the boundaries that are instilled within each of us, and while it’s not at all about politics per se, it’s very much a political piece.
Are there any aspects of Exposed! that are fundamentally different than other films you’ve created?
I came out of the underground filmmaking scene of New York City, and originally made films that I thought were confronting ideas that weren’t being dealt with. But as time passed I went into television, working on films and documentaries. With this project, I’m going back to roots in portrayinging uncompromising visions of my world. I’ve always tried to follow my independent, outspoken approach to film, but also figure out how to support myself. I did this throughout the nineties mainly with my work on documentaries, but now I believe I have to get back to roots in uncompromised film.
Since its release in 2013, what has the reaction been?
It’s been highly surprising the way it’s been embraced. A lot of the screenings have been with live performances with the performers. It really emphasizes a celebration of the body and self as well as the concept of difference. The most exciting thing is when you get an audience that gets intimidated by the film, but it’s done in such a way that it comes from a place of safety and the characters are so lovable and vulnerable that you really start rooting for them and understanding their struggles.