What I'm Watching #241

Just watched this short documentary called "Zona Rosa" about the people who work in the gay dance/strip clubs of this notorious Mexico City barrio.

Primarily, it's the story of Christiano: a cage dancer at a gay club called El Antro. He's "straight" and the father of Christiano, Jr. He lives with his mother and is a tea totaler who belittles other strippers as lesser artist and tramps, in particular a well hung stripper named Patricio. The video also gives you glimpses into the lives of a middle aged transvestite performer named, Tito; and the likewise, past his prime, El Antro show director, Willy.

At one point we are treated to the "Mr. Banana" contest in which three strippers show off their erect penises and have them measured to determine the "winner"! In the end it's not the size but the audience reaction that determines the winner! And then Christiano pontificates on how beastly the whole contest is! it's a tirade that exposes his inner queen...and gives him mother a chance to defend his profession on it's venue.

The whole film is rather raw in its production values, but given the subject matter, it feels cohesive. Toward the end of the movie, Christiano is asked what he would do if his son turned out to be gay, and he replied, "I would try to be a good father to him."

Then we are treated to a revisit after one year has passed. Christiano is now working as the manager at a club that caters to women only. He's managing the dancers there. He's clearly more buff and he has a special dancer "friend" in particular, Mario. They get into a really weird conversation about the male ass and wether or not it's ideal shape is dictated by abject muscularity or full, round, bubbleness! We are never told that they are lovers; but it's clear that they are in love.

Which is so Down Low in Latin America!