A Retro Review of Cultural Resistance

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MOVIE REVIEW
Studio One Forever
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Marc Saltarelli
Where To Watch: in select theaters September 13, 2024, and VOD October 8

RAVING REVIEW: In the heart of West Hollywood, a nightclub did more than just pulse with the beat of the late 20th century; it became a cornerstone for LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy. Directed with a compassionate eye by Marc Saltarelli, STUDIO ONE FOREVER is not merely a recounting of events at a famed discotheque but an homage to a bastion of activism, especially poignant during the onset of the AIDS crisis. This documentary encapsulates a dual spirit of resistance and celebration that epitomized Studio One from its doors opening in 1974 to its doors closing in 1993.

Set against the backdrop of 2019 and the threat of demolition of the building that once held the iconic disco, STUDIO ONE FOREVER weaves a narrative that traces the roots of a venue that emerged as a sanctuary for the marginalized. Saltarelli mixes candid interviews from luminaries such as Chita Rivera and Lance Bass with emotional stories from the staff and regulars who found refuge there. The film does more than revisit the club’s dynamic atmosphere; it confronts the shadows cast by its complex legacy, particularly its challenging admission policies.

Saltarelli’s film portrays the venue's evolution from a mere entertainment hotspot to a focal point for gay rights and AIDS activism. This transformation is captured through stirring interviews and archival clips, highlighting the stark contrast between the club’s vibrant dance-offs and its periods of intense struggle. Notably, the film underscores the venue’s role during the critical AIDS fundraiser hosted by Joan Rivers, which marked a defining moment in community advocacy.

Bruce Vilanch and David Del Valle help to fill in the subplot of The Backlot, the Studio One performance space, a venue that attracted Hollywood’s elite. This storyline illustrates the club's pivotal role in blending gay nightlife with mainstream celebrity culture, broadening societal acceptance. These narratives show Studio One as a nightclub and a beacon of progress and resistance.

Saltarelli’s experiences as a frequent visitor in the 1980s bolster the documentary's authenticity, adding depth and passion to the film’s voice. In an era when historical narratives of the LGBTQIA2S+ community face potential erasure, his dedication to preserving these stories feels both urgent and vital.

Visually, STUDIO ONE FOREVER captures the era’s essence, balancing scenes filled with exuberant dancing against the sad realities of the AIDS epidemic. This approach enriches the storytelling and invites the audience to reflect on the ongoing battles for LGBTQIA2S+ rights.

As Studio One's physical structure teeters on the brink of demolition, the film champions the enduring importance of preserving such cultural landmarks. Saltarelli’s work transcends the traditional documentary form, serving as a tribute and a call to action. It honors those who embraced the club as a haven and those who fought tirelessly to ensure it stood as a symbol of freedom and acceptance.

STUDIO ONE FOREVER is more than just a film; it is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex interplay of culture, activism, and history within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of a place where many found joy, a voice, and the strength to fight for their rights.

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[photo courtesy of STUDIO ONE PRODUCTIONS, LINE 9 PRODUCTIONS, GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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