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The British Guide to Showing Off

The British Guide to Showing Off poster

The British Guide to Showing Off

"For the outsider in all of us"

201193IMDb6.5/10

Where to Watch The British Guide to Showing Off

The British Guide to Showing Off is a critically acclaimed 2011 documentary feature that celebrates the eccentric world of artist Andrew Logan and Britain's most eccentric competition, the Alternative Miss World Show. Directed by Jes Benstock, this luminous, wildly engaging film offers viewers an intimate, immersive experience while portraying the joyous spirit of this unique event and the creative genius driving it. The movie features artist and visionary, Andrew Logan, who is also the creator of the peculiar show. Notable personalities who make an appearance include Brian Eno, renowned English musician, record producer, and visual artist, as well as popular English artist Grayson Perry.

The focus of The British Guide to Showing Off is the Alternative Miss World Show, a magnificent costume-pageant and performance-art event that has been taking place since 1972. The eccentric and egalitarian competition, inspired by the Miss World contest, was devised to celebrate diversity, imagination, creativity, and very much the ethos of 'anything goes'. With characters, themes, and costumes that appear to have sprung from the deepest corners of the creative universe, the spectacle is a feast of color, humor, subversion, and an all-embracing collective spirit.

Through the coverage of the 2009 show, the movie offers up-close and personal encounters with a myriad of fascinating characters including participants, past winners, audience members, and Logan himself. Miss World Show, which invokes "glamour, divine" as its catchphrase, demonstrates a kind of exuberant defiance against conformity and celebrates the art of 'showing off' in grandiose style.

The heart of the documentary is a deep dive into the life and world of Andrew Logan. Revolving around his eclectic artistry, it reflects his world view that regards life itself as a work of art. Operating outside the mainstream art world, Logan has always followed his unique path, living and working according to his own rules. His sculptures, installed in various public spaces across the globe, capture his unique artistic vision.

Benstock’s documentary films Logan as he takes us through the meticulous process of putting together the myriad pieces that constitute the Alternative Miss World Show. We see him as he sculpts, creates the show, and interacts with a broad range of personalities from various walks of life. Much focus is given to his astounding process, focusing on the elaborate, inclusive, and celebratory heart of the event rather than its competitive aspect.

At the surface, the film might seem like a continuous procession of fabulous costumes, eccentric personalities, glitz, and glamour. Still, beneath the spectacle, it uncovers a gathering that promotes self-expression, diversity, creativity, and non-judgement. This underlying message resonates throughout, with Benstock ensuring that the human have their moments amid the spectacle.

Furthermore, Brian Eno and Grayson Perry add richness to the narrative. They participate in the show and offer their insights about Logan's creation, thereby enlightening viewers about the grandeur, significance, and immersive artistry of the event.

Music plays a pivotal role in the atmosphere of the film and the show itself. The soundtrack is an incredible collection of glam-rock, disco, psychedelic and classical music which accentuates the experience. Its pulsating rhythms and expansive panoramas beautifully support the visual narratives, adding another layer to the mischievous spectacle.

Filmed over a span of five years, the documentary also circles back time and again to the history of the event. Through archival footage, interviews, and still photographs, it provides context and draws parallels between past and present. These retrospections form an essential part of the movie, exposing the longstanding tradition of creative exploration that the show represents.

In a nutshell, The British Guide to Showing Off is a joyful celebration of life, creativity, and flamboyant self-expression. It provides an unvarnished look at a subculture that encompasses both the philosophical and artistic stance of Logan and his tribe. It's more than just a movie - it's a ticket to a wonderland where imagination reigns supreme.

201193
IMDb6.5/10
Director
Jes Benstock
Stars
Andrew Logan, Biran Eno
Genres
Documentary