Sunday, December 29, 2024

Buzz

buzz
Director: Andrew Shea
Release Year: 2019

Buzz, a 2019 documentary directed by Andrew Shea, dives deep into the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author H.G. “Buzz” Bissinger. Best known for his 1990 best-seller Friday Night Lights, Bissinger is a man who has made his name in the world of high-profile journalism. The documentary paints an intimate portrait of the celebrated writer as he navigates through a phase of personal and emotional upheaval, brought about by his collaboration with Caitlyn Jenner on her memoir, his struggle with his sexual identity, and the complexities of his third marriage.
 
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In Buzz, director Andrew Shea attempts to shed light on the evolving desires and self-discovery of Bissinger, especially as the writer embraces his identity as a cross-dresser with a particular penchant for leather. However, while the film explores Bissinger’s internal journey, it also stumbles in its approach to gender identity, as the narrative often feels scattered and unfocused. Instead of presenting a cohesive examination of Bissinger’s personal challenges, the film meanders, drawing attention to the filmmaker’s quest to turn Bissinger into a symbol for gender questioning. Unfortunately, the result is a documentary that, at times, seems more about sensationalism than meaningful exploration of identity politics. The documentary follows Bissinger during a pivotal year of his life, which includes the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Friday Night Lights, a book tour, and the writing of Caitlyn Jenner’s memoir, for which Bissinger had previously written a groundbreaking Vanity Fair piece documenting her coming-out journey.
 
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The documentary also delves into Bissinger’s tumultuous marriage to his third wife, Lisa, who seems bewildered by the changes occurring in their relationship as Bissinger struggles with his evolving sexual identity. Bissinger’s relationship with Jenner serves as a key point in the film, showcasing the interaction between the two as they work together on the memoir. The moments between them are often charged with the feeling of playful camaraderie, akin to a locker-room dynamic. Bissinger, a man who identifies as a leather enthusiast and cross-dresser, seems energized by Jenner’s journey toward self-acceptance, yet his own exploration of his desires feels more self-centered than profound. 
 
While his internal conflict could be an interesting narrative, Bissinger often presents his struggles as little more than a distraction, creating an atmosphere that invites curiosity but never fully satisfies it. The documentary touches upon the emotional complexity of Bissinger’s marriage, with Lisa clearly struggling to understand the new dimensions of their relationship. As a sympathetic figure, she seems torn between supporting her husband and grappling with the reality of his shifting desires. In these moments, Buzz hints at deeper emotional themes, but they are often overshadowed by the more superficial exploration of Bissinger’s desires and identity. 
 
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This sense of narcissism becomes increasingly apparent as the film progresses. Bissinger’s narrative arc - the notion that he is struggling to discover who he truly is - sometimes feels like a bid for relevance, rather than a genuine exploration of identity. His journey seems less about seeking peace or acceptance for those who are struggling with their own sense of self and more about highlighting his personal struggles for public consumption. The film often gives the impression that Bissinger is performing his quest for authenticity as much for the camera as for himself. Bissinger’s exploration of his sexual desires had already begun in 2013, when he published a GQ article about his fashion addiction. At the time, the 58-year-old writer had experienced a surge of notoriety, particularly with the revelation that he was battling an obsession with designer clothing. 
 
The article detailed his fascination with rock-and-roll-style, gender-fluid outfits that gave him a sense of freedom and sensuality. The allure of these clothes, many of which were leather-based, was not just aesthetic for Bissinger. They represented a source of sexual arousal, evoking what he described as the “cinematic excitement of engorging flesh.” He referred to these purchases - including expensive leather pants, thigh-high boots, leather gloves, and jackets made of ostrich and pony skin - as an indispensable part of his self-expression. The financial toll of his fashion obsession was staggering. Between 2010 and 2012, Bissinger spent nearly $600,000 on designer clothing. Yet, for him, the price of these indulgences was worth it, as the act of buying and wearing these clothes felt liberating. He reflected that repressing his true self for over 50 years was a far worse price to pay than the exorbitant costs of his sartorial exploration. 
 
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For Bissinger, clothing became inextricably tied to his sexuality, and the documentary presents this intersection of fashion and sexual identity as both central to his personal journey and a reflection of the broader themes of self-realization. The documentary is often unclear in its message. On one hand, it tries to present Bissinger’s experiences as a universal exploration of self and sexuality; on the other, it feels too focused on sensationalizing his personal journey. At times, it seems more interested in exploring the eccentricities of Bissinger’s life - his cross-dressing, his relationship with Jenner, and his expensive fashion habits - than in providing a genuine insight into his internal struggles. The film's approach to gender identity and desire lacks nuance, often making Bissinger appear less like a complex figure of self-discovery and more like a man desperately searching for relevance in an ever-changing world. Despite these flaws, Buzz is undeniably engaging, particularly for those interested in the lives of high-profile individuals grappling with questions of identity and authenticity. 
 
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The film’s portrayal of Bissinger’s relationship with his wife, as well as his interactions with Jenner, offers glimpses into the emotional turmoil that comes with trying to reconcile one’s private desires with public expectations. However, the documentary’s failure to fully explore the emotional and psychological complexities of Bissinger’s journey ultimately leaves the viewer with more questions than answers. In the end, Buzz is a documentary that struggles to balance the personal and the public, the internal and the external. Bissinger’s journey is fascinating, but the film’s failure to provide a clear, coherent narrative leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity. What could have been a deep exploration of gender, identity, and sexual awakening instead feels like a disjointed attempt to make sense of a complicated life, one that leaves the viewer both intrigued and unsatisfied.
 
via: youtube
Image credits: YouTube

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