All Man: The International Male Story is a fabulous and entertaining documentary written and executive produced by Peter Jones (a former feature reporter for KVUE (ABC) in Austin, TX, before he formed Peter Jones Productions). Directed and produced by Bryan Darling (Love is Not Enough, Who Leads) and Jesse Finley Reed (Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation), this documentary narrated by Matt Bomer (Magic Mike, Papi Chulo) tells the story of The International Male magazine started by Gene Burkard, a once-closeted Midwesterner, and GI, who found freedom in San Diego after his military service (the 70s).
When I heard about the film last summer at the All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities (aGLIFF) PRISM Film Festival, I did not know of The International Male magazine/ mail-order catalog. Still, the story by Jones covers three decades of the catalog’s unlikely but lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and sexuality in America. Men’s fashion was new and hip, away from the traditional suits that had been worn for so long. The catalog (International Male) reached gay and heterosexual customers across the US, especially in smaller towns without urban clothing stores. Over time, it generated revenue and circulation in the millions (which also included several other countries).
The documentary includes interviews with many of the original staff working with Burkard (founder). It has plenty of images from the catalog archives to accompany the insight provided by interviews with featured individuals, Matt Bomer, Simon Doonan, Carson Kressley, Parvesh Cheena, and more. It is great to see the images of the male models in the catalog and then as they speak of their experiences during the photo shoots and later when the public recognizes them.
When the store opened in California, it was found that many of the clientele were women who were shopping for their boyfriends and husbands, eager to update their wardrobes.
The original music by Bright Light (Rod Thomas, Death Drop Gorgeous, 2020) includes some excellent tunes, and I found them entertaining as they enhance the story.
This film was an Official Selection at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, Frameline Film Festival, Outfest, Sheffield DocFest, PRISM Film Festival (Austin), and Provincetown Film Festival. This film is having a theatrical release with special screenings hosted by Alamo Drafthouse (including Austin, TX, to a sold-out theater) as the film becomes available to rent/purchase on all major digital platforms on June 6th.
Runtime: 83 minutes / Not Rated / English / For more information, visit https://www.internationalmalemovie.com/
Source: Giant Pictures