James Hosking - Beautiful By Night (2014)

James Hosking’s short documentary “Beautiful By Night” aims to examine the themes of labor, aging and identity through drag representations and follows a trio of older drag queens- Donna, Collette and Olivia - who work at the same bar, Aunt Charlie’s Lounge. The film starts with performers’ ritualistic transformation. Hosking interviews these drag queens one by one while they were putting on makeup and clothes at their homes. During the interviews, the audience does not feel Hosking’s presence in any way, which creates a feeling of a sincere chat between the audience and the performer. Also, the fact that these interviews were shot in a home environment, performers’ comfort zone, provides a more honest and frank glance at the lives of these drag queens.

After leaving the house, the camera takes on a completely observant mode and examines the nightlife in Aunt Charlie’s Lounge. After a long job, drag queens return to their home and take off their makeup and clothes. The documentary which ends in the same sincere environment, addresses the unspoken themes, like aging, of the entertainment industry.

For more information: http://jameshosking.com/beautiful-by-night