Flesh

Paul Morrissey's first film in the sensational and erotically charged FLESH, TRASH, HEAT trilogy was a decisive homage to the aesthetic that inspired Warhol's first works. Commencing with a prolonged shot of a sleeping Joe Dallesandro (echoing Warhol's six-hour film, SLEEP), FLESH launches into a distinctive, if somewhat esoteric plot, following Joe as he starts his day. Joe works as a prostitute to fund an abortion needed by the girlfriend of his lackadaisical wife. Bouncing between seedy encounters with delusional and damaged clients and dates with drag queens and neophyte hustlers, Joe is often the object of sexual attention and obsession (especially from the camera itself) as he meanders through his life. Whether casually receiving oral sex from a dim-witted ex-girlfriend, gently caressing his baby, or offering sexual favors in a public restroom for a twenty spot, Joe is always portrayed sympathetically. Making good on his belief that personality is the crux of any story, Morrissey trains his camera languorously on the minutiae of humanity and its many traits, talents, and downfalls, creating a highly personal insight into the failed lives of his unique characters. (official distributor synopsis)