I have long been frustrated about the ignorance and banality that most people display when espousing their knowledge of BDSM and its practices. It is not surprising then, that I teach and write in order to eradicate some of the many misperceptions that exist. Recently, documentary filmmakers have begun to expose the underpinnings of BDSM and reveal more complex views of life in the SM lane. In the most recent documentary, BDSM: It’s Not What You Think: Kinksters Confront Stigma and Stereotype (a decidedly chewy title), director Erin Palmquist unravels some of the mystery around BDSM by interviewing long-term San Francisco players and educators around the myths that surround their craft.
It’s a daunting task to make a film of such proportions in thirty minutes, hence it is a somewhat girthy piece—deep and satisfying, but could be a little deeper. Within its brief run, though, the film does a fantastic job at addressing what BDSM is, why people practice it, how they do it safely and the importance of education and community. Further, it is not simply a talking head piece, (although there are many brilliant talking heads within it), it also interweaves cuts of sensual SM play with the sultry Selina Raven and satiric vignettes presented in classic silent film motif. Because of the juxtaposing of said sensuality and witty segments, the film is not as dry as it could be, and for that I say hooray! Finally, a documentary on SM that adds some humor and “sex” to the mix.
The diverse array of people interviewed by Palmquist helps to give a wider perspective around issues of people of color and BDSM. Although the tiny portion on that subject is an awesome start, it merely teases those of us who would love to see an entire documentary in the vein of Marlon Riggs's Tongues Untied created on the subject. Further, the people of color issue is entirely addressed by African-American players, which is a great start, but I would relish hearing more varied voices such as pan-Asian, Latino/a, and others who wish to step forward and discuss the complexity of their situation. Perhaps Ms. Heart and the POC in BDSM project could take this on? On another note, I missed seeing a leatherdyke in the film. I know it’s often hard to tell who’s who and what’s what—especially in the BDSM scene in San Francisco, or it may simply be a prejudice, (you know what I’m talking about)…I’m just sayin’ a hot butch Daddy talking head of any color would’ve worked for me.
Of course, the main question here is, does the film succeed in confronting stigma and stereotype? I am not quite sure. Perhaps I am jaded. I simply wonder who the audience for this film really is. I would like to think that it will be screened in classrooms, police academies, hospitals, and anywhere someone may eventually be exposed to a BDSM practitioner and will be informed enough to ask the right questions if any at all. Even more ideally, however, I would love it if this film were a prerequisite for everyone over the age of consent. Society would be a much better place if such films did not need to exist and people like the stellar Sybil Holiday didn't have to point out the ludicrousness of organized sports and their various injuries being widely socially accepted, but a little bruise or scratch from alternative sex activities raises alarm bells. Of course, the film addresses the importance of safety and trust, and Master Hines is one of the more eloquent individuals on the subject of connection and catharsis in play. No one says it overtly in the film, but although BDSM is not therapy, it can be therapeutic, and that's one of the many reasons why people practice it. Nova’s insight on female power is formidable, and Janet Hardy’s discussion on the effects of capsicum is pointed and right on. I often say that San Francisco is a “bubble” for perverts, and often what is practiced here, tends to stay here or be made fun of, sitcom style, by the larger public. I hope BDSM: It’s Not What You Think reaches a vast audience, and unlike “preaching to the perverted” actually accesses some of the non-converts to enlighten and enrich their perspective.
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