Deep In Vogue (2019 | United States | 102 minutes | Dennis Keighron-Foster, Amy Watson )
Joy. We all strive for it, always looking for that moment of pure, simple joy in our lives. Fleeting though it may be, it’s a pretty rare thing to feel completely and utterly comfortable in your skin and at the same time be accepted by those around you. I’m not sure I can say I’ve had more than a handful of those experiences in my life. Deep In Vogue peers into the lives of those that don’t fit the picture perfect version of a human that we’re constantly told is the ideal. The truth is, none of us will ever live up to that picture and it’s a beautiful thing to see folks be truly authentic and joyful in who they are and how they look. This film shows us that and so much more.
The ballroom or “vogue” scene has changed in the decades since it was born. Starting in Harlem, NY in the late 70’s it was meant to be a place for gay men to feel themselves, feel loved and adored for who they were, and truly throw caution to the wind at a time when the general public despised them a regularly abused them verbally and physically.
Just like any creative movement, each pocket of a scene has its on unique feel despite a shared set of rules, especially when they grow as distinct, yet parallel forms of art. Set in the current Manchester, UK ballroom scene Deep in Vogue offers a progressive view of voguing inclusive of everyone whether you’re straight, gay, male, female, black, white or anything in between. As a straight female member of the scene put it, “I’m not gay, but I’m definitely queer.”
If you’ve ever seen the HBO show Pose (highly recommended and also now available on FX), Deep In Vogue is a must watch. Heck, if you’re even slightly interested in drag culture, you should not miss this film. It’s both racially and sexually charged, rich with the history of a people that deserve our attention and respect.
Deep In Vogue is now available to rent on Amazon Prime Video