Fall of Communism as Seen in Gay Pornography (The)

The(ir) Blurb...

The Fall of Communism as Seen in Gay Pornography, a 20-minute tape by William E. Jones, is a fascinating critique of eastern Europe in the ’90’s that combines deeply disturbing imagery with genuine insight.

Jones compiles excerpts from gay porn but shows no genitalia and focuses instead on faces smiling or frowning for the camera. The tape ends with a long series of screen tests in which a British pornographer quizzes prospective actors (What do you think about when you masturbate?) and gratuitously fondles them; they’re completely exposed while only his hands are visible, a clear articulation of the power relationship.
Jones’s argument reaches past the commodification of sex: smiles and even thoughts are pinned down for the camera like butterflies, youths robbed of their privacy and their souls for “the money.”