Reviews (8)

A Rock-Solid Documentary That's a Blast
I saw Cynthia Plaster Caster's "babies" on display at Threadwaxing Space in 2000, read about her in a 2001 issue of BB Gun, and was thus very eager to see this. I got my chance at a recent film festival, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

This documentary is as unique as its subject, who comes across as quirky, warm and eternally youthful, and whose craft provides us with a bizarre but indispensible bit of rock n roll memorabilia.

You'll love "Plaster Caster" if you're a fan of: British rock of the 1960s and '70s; the GTO era of LA; the "indie" music scene of the 1980s and '90s; dive bars inhabited by shaggy-haired rock n rollers; and the DIY aesthetic.

I'm definitely buying this on DVD.

I liked it
This was a fun DVD. Not War & Peace but a good, fun view at the life of Cynthia. She is talented and sweet and very driven about her "art". It is art and it is her unique art that is true to the spirit she has. I like her, or what I get to see of her in this DVD. I say anyone who buys it will be happy with it.

Exegi monumentum
Van Gogh nailed a canvas to a hay-wagon in his zeal to paint a wind-whipped landscape. Proust wrote hundreds of pages of prose in pursuit of a single memory. Cynthia Plaster Caster strives to capture an even more elusive and prized phenomenon than her artistic predecessors. For some thirty years, she has been creating life molds of the erect (or, sometimes unavoidably, semi-erect) penises of rock stars.
Early in the film, Cynthia makes it clear that she is not a "size queen." Her generous, appreciative spirit is only one of many things that makes this film a celebration of diversity the likes of which are seldom seen. As the film follows her through two castings (one substantially more successful than the other), the passion and logic of her quest uplifts the soul as much as it titillates the mind and body.
While the salt-of-the-earth heroine only grows in our estimation, any grist for post-modern irony has to be shaved off the backs of the run-of-the-mill freaks who surround her. Aging stars like Eric Burdon are seen first in blurry, hairy 60's snapshots, then as sagging, eyebrow-penciled wrecks reminiscing about their groupie years. A procession of preening young rockers, draggy hangers-on, pretentious gallery types and callow publicists underscore the point that C.P.C. is by far the most fulfilled, together, and focused person in her circle (with the possible exception of her attorney). She is that rare, heaven-anointed artist who never doubts her path for a second, and even gets to achieve her dream of a New York gallery show. The final, wildly successful casting session, shown in bravely orgasmic detail, is the best argument made for art in a movie since Charlton Heston saw his Sistine ceiling materialize in the clouds in "The Agony and the Ecstasy."

fascinating look into the mind of a strange person
I didn't know what to expect when I picked this one up. I've heard mixed reviews about Plaster Caster, but I'm a big fan of reality shows and "slice of life" documentaries, so I decided to check it out. I'm happy to report I was pleasently suprised! Ms. Plaster Caster is an interesting, funny, talented, and often pathetic person. There's no question she's an odd duck, but she sure does keep interesting company! Oddly enough, for a movie about reproductive organs, the film has little to do with adult activities (only one breif moment with an on-camera casting.) It was also nice to see the late Noel Redding (Hendrix bass player) in one of his last interviews. The pace of the film moved along quite nicely and when it was over I felt I wanted more.

The good news is, there is more! The DVD is loaded with plenty of interesting out takes, including funny footage with Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and an L7 "chest" casting sequence. I also liked the photo galleries and the Cast-O-Rama rotating cast gallery! With this feature you can have Plaster Caster's art (both boy and girl) loop on screen for infinity, if one chooses. Great conversation video at parties!

I feel this documentary is worthy of a long hard look. (sorry about that, but I couldn't resist!)

Pretty good but...
I liked this DVD but I was not impressed. When you can draw like Miss Caster you should persue some sort of craft. This casting thing is unique and cool but it isn't paying the rent for her. She still gets $100.00 dollars a month from her mother who she calls the warden. Very sad. She is a very likable person in the DVD. Almost sweet. It is really nice when she gets her "show" in New York City but the buck stops there. Where is her life going? It got frustrating. Someone with so much talent needs to get some self respect and self worth. I am a huge fan of Miss Pamela Des Barres. Maybe she should help Ms. Caster get her book done. I would buy it and read it. Miss Des Barres is a good writer and Ms. Caster could benefit from a bit of work ethic. Miss Pamela?? She could use your help. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Widening the Spectrum: Multiple Issues, Multiple Minorities
As a lesbian film student of color, I find inspiration in Cheryl Dunye's vision. "The Watermelon Woman" seamlessly weaves together the issues of race relations, ethnic and lesbian identity construction, and prevailing oppression in all its subtleties. Setting up the film as a pseudo-documentary of an aspiring filmmaker's research on a Black lesbian actor from the thirties counterpoints a historical context of these issues, with its modern manifestations. An excellent film from a multiple-minority perspective. The acting may call for more training, but the successful execution of the issues excuses the sometimes contrived reading of lines. The portrayal of Guin Turner's naively ignorant character (a white woman who prefers men and women of African-descent) was well written and played. The film illustrated race relations on many sides of the issue -- the relations between people of the same race and cross-racial relations. Funny, as well as socially valuable, "The Watermelon Woman" is one of those rare films that reaffirm my expectations for film: not just as a form of entertainment or art, but as a tool for social commentary.

Excellent portrayal of the artistic process...
This movie is the story of a woman that wishes to become a film-maker. She becomes obsessed with an actress from the 30's - and begins searching for information on her, and films a documentary in the process. Soon, the lead's love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching.

This film can be viewed on several levels... as a (lesbian) love story... a romantic comedy, if you will. It can be viewed as a story about African American women finding their place in an urban society. Or it can be viewed as a study of the creative process.

The love story bored me (luckily both Cheryl Dunye and Guineviere Turner are both really hot!)... but the exploration and struggle of the artistic journeys of Cheryl was very interesting. Any film-maker, artist, photographer, etc. would enjoy this movie... and it should not be dismissed as another silly, unrealistic lesbian love story.

you just don't want to part with this film..
Was it Jamaica Kincaid who said that there are books you just can't part with? That you just have to take them with you after you read them at, for instance, a library? (Well, whoever it was, was she justifying book thefts? I like to think so, for I understand such a quick and strong 'attraction' to certain books myself. There really are books that you can't part with.)

The minute The Watermelon Woman played on the screen, I felt that can't-part-with-this kind of instant affection toward it. It was funny, honest, and cool. I collect DVDs and this one surely made the top on my list for future purchase. I'm almost grateful to the school I attend that its library has it in its collection. I had an absolutely good time watching it.

Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.

Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing.

Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out.

On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.

A Trip Out Film!
This Film is very Creative&Eye-Opening.it Shows The World&Lives of Lesbian Women.it deals with Race,Sex&Class Issues.i happen to catch it on B.E.T Starz's&it kept my attention.it showed the flaws of The Women&everyday struggles&Battles they went thru.I wish HBO,Showtime,etc...would also show this film for a wider audience.because this Film Balance's out alot of things.it's a trip out film! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

something completely diferent
Say goodbye to your preconceived ideas and cherished vignettes of the female of the species! -- Monika Treut has put together a fascinating and enlightening view of females born, and made, that challenges our hearts and minds. There is a power and breadth of female experience here that is shocking and touching and deeply thought provoking. But you have to let yourself watch and listen-- don't write off any of these women before she has a chance to tell her story -- there is something to be learned from each one! ... Read more