VIFF 2009 | Pop Star On Ice at Schema : more than ethnic

VIFF 2009 | Pop Star On Ice

Pop Star on Ice
USA, 2009, 85min
DIR: David Barba, James Pellerito

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Pop Star on Ice follows the rise of 25 year old American figure skater Johnny Weir, from his small town Pennsylvanian beginnings to his current position as an Olympic competitor.

Although it is shot like any other standard documentary, the film's subject matter, Johnny Weir, is anything but. Specifically chronically Johnny's career between 2006 and 2008, the filmmakers James Pellerito and David Barba are mindful about giving an equal amount of attention to Johnny's professional career as his personal life, which is often far more provocative.

Inter-spliced between interviews and real-time footage are playful and clearly humorous clips of Johnny and his best friend/one-man entourage Paris Childers donning extravagant make-up and flamboyant outfits (think glitter, boas and wigs). More than once we hear Johnny putting on a thick Russian accent, invoking a country and culture which we learn he is quite amorous of despite the anti-American controversy it causes. Known within the skating community for speaking his mind, Johnny's cattiness and egotism, are beloved by his fans.

Even to those unfamiliar to the competitive figure skating world, Pop Star on Ice would be the enjoyable story of one skater's journey to the World Championships, the challenges (none of which came without their share of hissyfits), sacrifices and achievements along the way. Perhaps most memorable, however, is the profiling this particular figure skater's unconventional roots, development and personality. "There doesn't need to be only one type of role model" remarks Johnny during a press conference. Cameos include Oksana Baiul, Kurt Browning, Brian Boitano, Scott Hamilton and Sasha Cohen.

Upcoming Screenings:

Fri. Oct. 16, 11:00am, Vancity Theatre