Us, Naked: Trixie & Monkey

Us, Naked: Trixie & Monkey is a compelling documentary that features Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey, two renowned burlesque and variety performers. Directed by Kirsten D'Andrea Hollander and released in 2014, the film offers an intimate glimpse into their extremely creative, often hilarious, and ultimately touching world. It's an exploration of their relationship, their one-of-a-kind stage act, and the deep passion flowing beneath the outrageous antics that define their persona.

The core narrative of Us, Naked: Trixie & Monkey centers around the evolving relationship of Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey, whose real names are Beatrix Burneston and Adam Krandle respectively. They're not just performers but real-life partners who share a bond that transcends their glittering stage life. Living their dream in the intriguing world of burlesque, winning crowns at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas and travelling for performances around the globe, their journey together is brought to life with soul and intensity in this film.

Kirsten D'Andrea Hollander masterfully captures the essence of their world with some incredibly beautiful shots, using a visual approach that feels both stylized, suitable to the world of burlesque, yet also raw and intimate. She takes an observational stance to maintain the authenticity and reality of their personal lives, while making sure their theatrical and glamour-filled stage shows get the flamboyant treatment they deserve. The film is filled with candid shots, giving the audience the feeling of being backstage with Trixie and Monkey, sharing in their successes and challenges.

One of the film’s central threads reveals the evolution of their relationship. We get to see their dynamic as a couple and how they navigate their romance alongside their careers. Little and Monkey pour their hearts into their work, and it's clear they share a deep, enduring love for their art. But they also face the grueling realities that come with such a demanding lifestyle. The film details how they mitigate the toll it takes on their personal lives and aptly portrays the dichotomous existence between the stage and home.

However, Us, Naked: Trixie & Monkey isn't just about burlesque; it's about the journey of the artists themselves, their triumphs, and their tribulations. We see Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey as they face obstacles, both on and off the stage. The film is a poignant reminder of how challenging it can be to lead a life in the spotlight while trying to keep one's private life intact. Balancing personal identity with a bold stage persona, they firmly stand their ground in the face of adversity, communicating a subtle yet clear message of resilience and determination.

The performances by Trixie and Monkey stand out as they bare their souls, adorning their stage personas yet subtly revealing their true selves in front of the camera. They inject humor, energy, and provocative storytelling into their acts, making their performances captivating. Yet off-stage, viewers witness their vulnerability, their conflicts, and their resolution, adding human warmth to the larger-than-life characters they portray on stage.

The documentary underscores the power of extraordinary performance art, simultaneously honoring the bygone era of burlesque and variety shows while bringing forth the current resurgence of the genre. Some of the film's most enjoyable scenes involve vibrant performances where Trixie and Monkey steal the show with their gravity-defying acrobatics, their bikinis made out of dollar bills, and their larger-than-life onstage antics that keep the audience enthralled.

Us, Naked: Trixie & Monkey includes interviews with fellow performers, family members, and other pivotal individuals in Trixie and Monkey's life journey. It gives their story a well-rounded perspective, adding depth to their compelling narrative.

In conclusion, Us, Naked: Trixie & Monkey is a tapestry of love, lust, struggle, passion, and performance. It's more than a showcase of outlandish costumes and audacious routines. Above all, it's a poignant story of two extraordinary people living their dream while juggling the highs and lows that come with it. The film celebrates the human spirit, encouraging viewers to be audacious, to love fiercely, and to live passionately, just like Trixie and Monkey.