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The Neon Woman

The Neon Woman (1990)

Jan 01, 1990 1h 30m Comedy Mystery

Produced in 1978, The Neon Woman is an “outrageous murder mystery” set in a run-down Baltimore burlesque house managed by a retired stripper, Flash Storm, the hottest stripper that ever lived who has gone legit, opened her own strip joint, and is trying to cope with whatever comes along. There's Kitty Larue, the stripper with an identity problem. There's the horny bible thumping senator who wants to pray with Divine but really wants something less spiritual. Finally, Divine's young virgin daughter returns from boarding school and within minutes is turned into an alcoholic, heroin addicted stripper who has been betrothed to the black janitor. There's more but as the cliché goes, it has to be seen to be believed! By the time of it's VHS release, the 12 year old live footage was already a bit raw and gritty, but still gives more than a fair idea as to why Divine was so loved as a performer. The production ran for eighty-four performances at the Hurrah Discotheque, New York.

Directed by Ron Link

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ron Link
Writer
  • Tom Eyen
Producer
  • Ina Meibach Minkin
  • Bruce Mailman

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Thematic Analysis

The Neon Woman represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Mystery cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Ron Link brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Neon Woman took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 160 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1990, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Neon Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Murder She Said, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Neon Woman subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Murder at the Gallop and Murder Most Foul explore similar territory, The Neon Woman stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1990
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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