Watch That Man: Peter Berlin

That Man: Peter Berlin is a documentary film that traces the life and career of one of the most iconic gay adult film stars of the 1970s, Peter Berlin. Directed by Jim Tushinski, the film explores the cultural and historical significance of Berlin's persona as a multidisciplinary artist, fashion designer, and sexual icon. The film takes us on a journey through Berlin's fascinating life story, from his childhood in Germany to his arrival in San Francisco in the late 1960s, where he became an instant gay culture sensation. Berlin embodied the ideal of masculinity and beauty, taking self-portraits of himself in fashionable and outrageously revealing costumes, which he often displayed in public in bold and provocative displays of flamboyance.

Interviews with Berlin, his friends, and notable figures such as Armistead Maupin and John Waters provide an intimate insight into the tenets that informed Berlin's persona and artistic output. Berlin's philosophy was rooted in the idea that sexual liberation should be a social goal to strive for, rather than a private indulgence. His work, which included erotic photobooks and short films like That Boy, expressed an underlying desire to inspire a body-positive, sex-positive, and hedonistic gay image, which was at odds with the majority of mainstream media understandings of LGBT representation.

Peter Berlin's talents go beyond simply posing for the camera, as he was also a talented fashion designer. In the peak of his career in the 70's he was making clothes for clients like Elton John and ambassadors' wives. With a team of tailors he could make anything, but his signature look ended up being two pieces - some variation of tight pants or shorts with a pocket or pouch at the front, and a white top tucked in. He made a lasting impression on the fashion and art world, with his clothing being featured in exhibits fom the Victoria and Albert Museum to the Modern Art museum in New York.

The documentary highlights the impact Peter Berlin had on gay culture, and how his work broke through the conservative agenda of the 1970s as a symbol of queer defiance. The people who knew him tell their stories, painting a picture of a carefree and engaging man whose energy was infectious. The cultural shockwaves produced by Berlin's image and output are still felt today, and his story serves as a testament to the power of artistic self-expression and the potential for challenging established heteronormative conventions.

That Man: Peter Berlin takes us on a visually stunning journey that traces Berlin's impact on the LGBT community and shows the fascinating and complex story behind the creation of a gay icon. Peter Berlin's designs continue to sell out, and his mind still lingers in the world of art and fashion, showing the world that the Peter Berlin brand is still going strong. The film ultimately creates a portrait of a man whose influence and impact on gay culture is only now being fully appreciated.