If you don’t know what’s going on with The Opening of Misty Beethoven, here’s a little recap.
The folks over at DistribPix announced the collector’s edition of TOoMB and revealed some gorgeous original artwork that would don the cover. This was enough to whip myself and other Radley Metzger fans into a frenzy. I was instantly taken with the serene loveliness of the art, and the passion and time being taken with the restoration of the 1975 film. In short, there was much bit chomping.
Shortly thereafter a fundraising effort was announced in order to bring the film to Blu-ray. The outpouring from fans touched me deeply, and the Kickstarter campaign flourished. Until it was suspended.
Here is where things get tricky, and at this point I couldn’t care less who’s “to blame.” Kickstarter decided to take the project down. You can read more about that on the DistribPix blog. I’m not deeply enough entrenched to speak to why it was done or how it was gone about, but I think it sucks. Pardon my lack of articulation. I just can’t seem to muster much more than that.
This project isn’t about porn; it’s not about sex. This isn’t about people’s delicate sensibilities. This is about a passionate film restoration. It’s about a dedicated fan base trying to preserve and share something they hold dear.
As someone who has yet to see Misty, I was so floored by the announcement of its release because I know its reputation. It’s an influential film. It may be a bit bold to use the term “game changer,” but the fact remains: it’s kind of a big deal. My frustration comes from the inability to view pornography as anything other than taboo or dirty.
Think what you will about the project or Kickstarter’s actions, but know this, Misty Beethoven deserves the same treatment that other highly touted genre films receive. I implore folks, especially those who dub themselves “film fans,” to let go of their preconceived notions and accept pornography (a.k.a. erotica) as a viable genre.
I can’t be too upset though. Misty is thriving in her new home. Donate now and help bring her to blu. You can also follow the happenings through the DistribPix blog.
And I mentioned it in last weeks “Links” post, but here it is again. Gore-Gore Girl takes up Misty‘s mantle and discusses “mainstreaming.”
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Gore Gore Girl
