Jack Smith + The Destruction of Atlantis

An entertaining documentary celebrating one of America’s most prominent yet misunderstood queer icons.

Inspiring the likes of Andy Warhol and cult director John Waters, legendary actor, photographer and filmmaker Jack Smith was the darling of the New York underground scene, hosting parties in his NY loft for the Warhol crowd. He hit the headlines in 1963 when his provocative feature, Flaming Creatures, was banned in 22 American states and four countries due to its apparent obscenity. The landmark case came to represent freedom of expression. Disappointed at the avant-garde's appropriation of his film, Smith determined never to finish a movie again - reputedly projecting his own films and even editing the works as the spools rolled.

This fascinating documentary, packed with clips and interviews with family, friends and colleagues, reveals the transformative nature of Jack’s work ranging from his brilliant writing and wit to his film portrayals of gender-bending drag queens and beautiful eroticism.

WINNER Honorable Mention Best New York Documentary Feature - 2006 Tribeca Film Festival

“Superb… a fascinating portrait” Timeout London

Director Mary Jordan
USA, 2006, 93 mins