Fifty-two years ago today, the film Flesh premiered at the New Andy Warhol Garrick Theater at 152 Bleeker Street in New York City. I first saw it at the Broadway Theater in Seattle in the early 90s. This movie appears on several top films or films to see before you die lists, you should watch it.
Title: Flesh
Directed by: Paul Morrissey
Produced by: Andy Warhol
Written by: Paul Morrissey
Starring: Joe Dallesandro, Geraldine Smith
Cinematography: Paul Morrissey
Release date: September 26, 1968
Running time: 105 min
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $4,000
As the film begins, Geri ejects Joe from their bed and insists he go out on the streets to make some money for her girlfriend’s abortion. This leads to Joe’s various encounters with clients, including an artist who wishes to draw Joe, played by Maurice Braddell, Louis Waldon as a gymnast, and John Christian.
Scenes filmed on the streets of New York City show Joe spending time with other hustlers, one of whom is played by his real life brother, and teaching the tricks of the trade to the new hustler, played by Barry Brown. The film includes a scene of Joe interacting with his real life one-year-old son. Flesh concludes with Joe in bed with Geraldine Smith and Patti D’Arbanville. The women strip Joe and begin to get intimate with each other. In turn, Joe gets bored and falls asleep.
