Starting out as an actor and a face on British stage and screen in the 60's, Bette Bourne became involved in the burgeoning Gay Liberation movement before becoming a veteran of the drag performance circuit. This documentary follows Bette's story, personal life and political struggles.
Chances are, Bette Bourne: It Goes With The Shoes will fly under the radar of the public consciousness. A bare-bones documentary about a very countercultural figure, It Goes With The Shoes definitely gives away certain limitations but also has moments of genuine power. Like some other documentaries made for the cinema, It Goes With The Shoes doesn't make the effort to be cinematic. Whilst it's near-90-minute run-time may seem more akin to a film, the aesthetic and conventions of the film seem more televisual than cinematic.
With Bette Bourne being the main focus of the film, Bette is an intriguing figure. Brash and outspoken, it's clear that Bette has lived an interesting life and Bette's skill as a performer comes to the fore, performing scenes from his life which do come with some moments of genuine emotional impact, however the film really seems at its most interesting when it looks at the wider scope of Bette's time with Gay Liberation and drag performance which is worthy of a film all its own however Bette's a fascinating enough premise for the film to survive a little on the focus of a singular figure.
Bette Bourne: It Goes With The Shoes is interesting and entertaining viewing but it lacks a sense of craft to help seal the deal as well as it probably benefitting from a focus on a specific aspect rather than just skipping around several points it wants to make; still, those who are interested in what this film addresses might find something to enjoy.
Next time, a new spin on an old classic as Joel Kinnaman dons the metallic armour and hits the streets of Detroit in Robocop.
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