James Bidgood's 'Pink Narcissus' Returns with BFI Restoration

James Bidgood's 1971 erotic fantasia 'Pink Narcissus' is back in cinemas with a new restoration from the BFI, reasserting its influence on queer cinema. The film, originally credited to 'Anonymous' after Bidgood removed his name, follows male sex worker Bobby Kendall through sexual fantasies in opulent sets built from stolen props. John Waters, involved in the re-release, calls it an 'outsider masterpiece.' Bidgood, who died in 2022 from Covid-19 complications, worked as a window dresser and aimed to blend Ziegfeld burlesque with pornography under US censorship. His work inspired Peter Strickland's 'Blank Narcissus' and other filmmakers. The article also surveys Bidgood's filmography: 'Good Hot Stuff' (1975) from Hand in Hand studio; 'The Queer Reveries of James Bidgood' (2000) documentary; 'Ten More Good Years' (2007) on senior queer issues; 'In Search of Avery Willard' (2012) about a gay porn photographer; Ira Sachs' 'Keep the Lights On' (2012) featuring Bidgood; and 'PS Burn This Letter Please' (2020) drag documentary. 'Pink Narcissus' releases on 12 June in cinemas and 15 June on BFI Blu-ray.