BEEFCAKE is a semi-documentary about the physique models in L.A. in the 1950's. It's not listed in any of my movie review books, but the video cover claims it's about the underground physique culture, a photographer ahead of his time, and the struggle for first amendment rights. The cover is deliberately misleading, calling the film a comedy and other things it is not, merely to sell the product. BEEFCAKE was inspired by F. Valentine Hooven III's 1996 book "Beefcake: The Muscle Magazines of America, 1950-1970".
It is fascinating to see the vintage photos and films of muscular young men in posing straps and also fully nude. Joe Dallesandro ("Little Joe never gave it away"--Lou Reed), Jim Lassiter, and other former models recount their fond memories of the era. Most were heterosexual bodybuilders who believed they were physical fitness role models for the youth of America. Fitness guru Jack Lalanne is also interviewed.
One of the problems with this film is that it mixes genres. About 10% is documentary, 15% is interviews, 20% is historical re-creation, but most is fiction. The video cover claims they are "seamlessly blended". No! It is incoherent, almost like randomly switching channels on your TV. Separating the ingredients is annoying, especially if you just want to enjoy the entertainment. The poorly focused mixture of biography, fantasy, and history doesn't work.
The story is based on the rise and fall of photographer Bob Mizer (Daniel MacIvor) and his magazine "Physique Pictorial"--the first male physique periodical. He seems naive and oblivious of the fact that his photos were bought primarily by homosexual men. Basically BEEFCAKE sugarcoats and reinvents Mizer. The movie is somewhat campy and kitschy, but "Gay" did not exist then, and is not mentioned in the film.
Mizer: "Sun, schmun. This scoundrel's on some kind of a drug trip."
(looks at David)
Mizer: "You. I warned you. We do not slap wrists here at AMG. I want you to take your weed-head friend here, and I want you to scram. I mean it!"
(David picks up his friend)
Mizer: "And don't come back! Ever."
(looks down at their naked behinds as they walk out)
Mizer: "Not until you've learned your lesson"
The cast includes: Daniel MacIvor (Bob Mizer), Joshua Peace (Neil O'Hara), Jack Grifin Mazeika (Red), Carroll Godsman (Delia Mizer), Jonathan Torrens (David), Thomas Cawood (Attorney), Jaime Robertson (Prosecuting Attorney), Dick Sircom (Judge), Thom Fitzgerald (Attorney), Orest Ulan, Glen Deveau, Andrew Miller, Marla McLean, Daniel McLaren, Marc St. Onge, Steve MacLaughlin (LaFleur), Andy Smith (Arthur Bob), James Mac Swain (Mr Summers), Michael Weir, Marc Le Blanc, Timoth Phillips, and many others. John Roby composed the music. Thom Fitzgerald wrote the script and directed.
