Jack Wrangler was an adult film superstar in a way you don’t find anymore these days. He was a phenomenon that slowly enveloped the smut culture, constructing a name for himself through whispers and uncomfortably long, held gazes. When they write that they don’t make ‘em like they used to, they’re talking exclusively about Jack Wrangler.
“Anatomy of an Icon” is a straightforward documentary piecing together an overview of Wrangler’s often potent life and his imprint on the glittery, marquee-intensive “Boogie Nights” culture of 1970’s pornography. Directed by longtime documentarian Jeffrey Schwarz, the picture is a blazingly-paced injection of information and retro sensations, revealing Wrangler to be a puzzling, intelligent human being who greatly contrasted the perception of the adult movie world, eventually reaching icon status as he conquered the gay porn scene and then, without batting an eye, the straight one as well.
Wrangler is the emcee of this event, sharing his story with lightning speed while Schwarz buffers the interview with a horde of stills and footage documenting the actor’s meteoric rise to a formidable object of lust. Born Jack Stillman in 1946 and raised in the shadow of Hollywood’s entertainment factory, it was a given than Wrangler would find fame at some point. Trying his hand at acting, Wrangler fell into the lucrative world of dinner theater, where he flourished as a creative force dealing with impatient crowds and difficult stars of Hollywood’s golden age.
The way Wrangler describes his eventual ride into gay porn fame sounds so effortless and natural. Using his looks and his sculpted body, Wrangler found his start at the peak of the sexual revolution, while appearances in gay cinema classics such as “Kansas City Trucking Company” sent his name into the stratosphere. Schwarz captures the meteoric rise marvelously, tapping into the energy of a time before AIDS, where sexual activity was unbound, pornography was the new toy amongst the suburbanites, and the talent actually had some talent. Perhaps we’ve seen this winding story before, but the filmmaker lends the topic fresh perspective as Wrangler becomes the face of the gay porn scene, challenging feminine stereotypes with his “everyday man” presentation and aggressive marketing angles.
Watching Wrangler articulate his rise and eventual fall from fame is a riveting experience; he seems as shocked as anyone on how much he achieved during his reign, discussing the branding of his name on sex toys and poppers, and his uneasy personal appearances, where he would work out stand-up routines to throngs of baffled men. Wrangler’s testimony is backed by a slew of cult icons, including Bruce Vilanch, Chi Chi LaRue, Sharon Mitchell, Marc Shaiman, and Jamie Gillis.
The last act of the documentary is devoted to Wrangler’s curious relationship with Margaret Whiting, the famous elder songstress who fell in love with the young star, ignoring his career and his pronounced sexual proclivities. The pairing is handed ample screentime to appreciate, also allowing Schwarz a comfortable transition to explore Wrangler’s declining years in the adult industry, and his eventual career as a legitimate musical theater presence.
“Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon” lives up the title’s promise, providing a rich comprehension of the man behind the legend. The end of this documentary feels like a roller coaster slowing to a halt, concluding a ride of amazing experiences and revelations, showcasing a man who, in his words, “wanted to take a bite out of life.” He succeeded in glorious fashion.
A-
Thank you for this fine review of "Wrangler....Anatomy." Having just weeks ago seen the film, I was particularly moved by the sentiment today - upon learning of his death yesterday. As a lifelong porn fan, I certainly identified with the impression he made in the 70s. A good man throughout his life -- including his years with Margaret. R.I.P.
Posted by: Jim | April 08, 2009 at 07:56 PM