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That Man: Peter Berlin

Name: That Man: Peter Berlin
Director: Jim Tushinski
Released: 2006
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2006

Unrated

Director

Jim Tushinski

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jim Tushinski’s documentary is a remarkable study of niche historical documentation. It elevates queer eroticism into a legitimate subject of artistic and sociological inquiry, disrupting traditional biographical clichés by focusing on identity construction. The film documents how Peter Berlin used visual media to create an idealized masculine identity, providing a nuanced look at the systemic pressures of the era while respecting the subject's role in shaping his narrative. While the film excels in its focus on queer identity, it remains limited by its narrow demographic scope, concentrating on a specific white, underground subculture and leaving little room for broader racial or ethnic perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does That Man: Peter Berlin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on LGBTQ+ history and places queer sexuality and gay male aesthetics at the heart of the narrative, exploring the reclamation of the male gaze.

How does That Man: Peter Berlin portray gender?

Excellent

The documentary examines gender performance by looking at hyper-masculinity as a deliberate, stylized choice rather than a fixed biological trait, breaking down traditional masculine hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Man: Peter Berlin?

Fair

The film centers on the white, queer underground of the mid-20th century and does not prioritize diverse racial perspectives within Berlin's social circles.

How does That Man: Peter Berlin represent religion and culture?

Good

The film highlights queer subcultures on the periphery of mainstream institutions, implicitly critiquing restrictive mid-century social norms by favoring individualistic expression and sexual autonomy.

Does That Man: Peter Berlin include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities as central narrative elements in this biographical study.

Present on Screen

Offers a deep look into non-straight identities and queer visual culture.
Examines masculinity as a performative and stylized concept.
Highlights underrepresented subcultures as subjects of serious cinematic and historical study.

Limited or Absent

Does not actively center diverse racial perspectives within the historical narrative.
Maintains a heavy focus on a specific white, mid-century underground subculture.

Official Synopsis

He slept with Sal Mineo, was photographed by Andy Warhol, and he was lusted after by millions of men around the world. Model, photographer, filmmaker, clothing designer, and porn icon Peter Berlin is his own greatest creation. Berlin is front and center in this bio documentary from director Jim Tushinski, and featuring interviews with director John Waters, novelist Armistead Maupin, 70s porn director Wakefield Poole and more, all with Berlin as the subject. This intimate film reveals the legendary man with the white saran wrapped pants, undersized leather vests, and Dutch-boy haircut

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