I Realized Something

I was sending a link of a recent video I produced (Hypocrisy Now- Jerry Falwell Jr.) which, like the title indicates calls out the hypocrisy of Jerry Falwell Jr. to a friend of mine on Instagram and it dawned on me how my feature film The Luring and this new short video makes a similar statement. Both show people who are “freaks” which is not a bad term at all in my book. Actually being called a freak is a compliment. I don’t want nor have I ever wanted to be “normal.” I don’t want my art to be “normal.” I embrace different people and always have been even growing up in a small town (it’s actually a small city) called Glen Cove Long island. It’s what I’ve been taught by parents who are open minded. When I see people trying so hard to be “normal” and live this fake moral bullshit I just want to ask them why? And for what? Who cares what others think? Why do so many try to live within the confines of what others preach? When Jerry did it he was lying, he had a long list of things his students weren’t allowed to do and yet he was doing freaky shit and breaking the very rules he was enforcing. It’s hypocritical to say the least. Why should anyone care what he thinks? Even before he was caught doing “adult” and “kinky” activities.

In my film The Luring I purposely wrote in scenes that are, well, kinky. To some it may seem odd, maybe even out of place. Seeing how some react is fun because some laugh, some think it’s super weird. We all do and want certain things we may not feel we can openly admit to. Those desires we keep hidden, to ourselves. In The Luring I wanted to be a fly in the wall and show what a certain character does when they think they are alone and no one is watching. Can you imagine the kind of weird shit a fly in your wall could see? That to me is interesting when creating a character and writing a film. Yes it makes some people feel uncomfortable but that’s not a bad thing. In a twisted psychological thriller I think it’s perfectly normal and fun to produce. Being weird, a freak is something I wish more people embraced because freedom is a big place and everyone is invited.

My point is, none of us should feel ashamed of being a freak. For being into kink. Liking things that aren’t mainstream. How dare religious people cast their disdain on us. I’m sure as shit Jerry Falwell Jr. would secretly relate to the undertones of kink in my film but shame it in front of his flock. I’m sure there would be some small part of him that would admire me for bringing some light to the world of kink- but never admit it of course. And that’s okay because I don’t need his praise. I’m not looking for a pat on the head from anyone who slut shames and is a bigot. Who’s father said 911 was punishment for the gays. I’m just saying that he isn’t this perfect person and instead of shaming others he could have been open about it from the get go. Allowed his students to embrace their kink. Why not? Clearly I’m talking about consenting adults of course.

So it was a bit of a strange day to connect the dots from 2 very different projects. I’m proud of the off the beaten path work I produce. I may not be mainstream but I like being among my fellow freaks.