How To Watch Myra Breckinridge?

How to Watch Myra Breckinridge?

Myra Breckinridge is a 1970 American comedy film directed by Michael Sarne and starring Raquel Welch, Rex Reed, and Mae West. The film is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Gore Vidal, which was loosely based on the life of socialite and transgender woman Christine Jorgensen. Myra Breckinridge is a camp classic that is both outrageous and subversive. It is a film that defies easy categorization, and it remains a controversial and misunderstood work of art.

If you are interested in watching Myra Breckinridge, there are a few different ways to do so. You can rent or purchase the film on DVD or Blu-ray, or you can watch it streaming on various platforms. Here are a few options:

  • DVD/Blu-ray: You can rent or purchase Myra Breckinridge on DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon, Walmart, or other retailers.
  • Streaming: Myra Breckinridge is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Vudu.
  • Theatrical: Myra Breckinridge is occasionally screened at repertory theaters. You can check the listings at your local theater to see if it is playing near you.

No matter how you choose to watch Myra Breckinridge, it is an experience that you will not soon forget. This is a film that will make you laugh, think, and question your assumptions about gender and sexuality.

How To Watch Myra Breckinridge?

| Option | Details |
|—|—|
| Streaming | Myra Breckinridge is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Kanopy. |
| DVD/Blu-ray | Myra Breckinridge is available on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. |
| Theatrical | Myra Breckinridge is not currently playing in theaters. |

Background of the Film

Myra Breckinridge is a 1970 American satirical comedy film directed by Michael Sarne and starring Raquel Welch, Rex Reed, and Mae West. The film is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Gore Vidal. The story follows Myra Breckinridge, a wealthy heiress who undergoes a sex change operation and becomes a male impersonator. The film was a critical and commercial failure, but has since gained a cult following.

Plot and Themes

Myra Breckinridge tells the story of Myra Breckinridge (Raquel Welch), a wealthy heiress who undergoes a sex change operation and becomes a male impersonator. Myra travels to Hollywood, where she meets a group of eccentric characters, including the aging actress Dixie Lee (Mae West), the transgender actress Bambi (Rex Reed), and the film director Buck Loner (John Huston). Myra quickly becomes a star, but her success is short-lived. She is eventually exposed as a fraud and her career is destroyed.

The film’s themes include gender identity, sexual liberation, and the commodification of the female body. Myra Breckinridge is a satirical take on the Hollywood film industry and the superficial values that it promotes. The film is also a commentary on the social and political upheaval of the 1960s.

Release and Reception

Myra Breckinridge was released in theaters in 1970. The film was a critical and commercial failure. Critics dismissed the film as being tasteless and vulgar. The film was also a box office bomb, grossing only $2 million against a production budget of $10 million.

Despite its negative reception, Myra Breckinridge has since gained a cult following. The film has been praised for its campiness and its subversive humor. The film has also been cited as an important example of early transgender cinema.

Critical and Cultural Significance

Myra Breckinridge is a significant film for a number of reasons. The film is one of the earliest Hollywood films to deal with transgender identity. The film also offers a satirical take on the Hollywood film industry and the superficial values that it promotes. Myra Breckinridge is a complex and challenging film that continues to be relevant today.

Viewing Options

Myra Breckinridge is available to watch on a variety of streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. The film is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.

There are two different versions of Myra Breckinridge available. The original theatrical release is the most widely available version. The director’s cut, which includes additional footage and a different ending, is only available on DVD and Blu-ray.

In addition to the film itself, there are a number of other materials that can be helpful for understanding the film. These materials include the novel by Gore Vidal, the screenplay by Gore Vidal and Larry Kramer, and the documentary Myra Breckinridge: The Lost Goddess.

Myra Breckinridge is a complex and challenging film that continues to be relevant today. The film’s themes of gender identity, sexual liberation, and the commodification of the female body are still relevant today. The film’s satirical take on the Hollywood film industry and the superficial values that it promotes is also still relevant today.

If you are interested in seeing a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, then I recommend watching Myra Breckinridge.

Analysis of the Film

Key Themes and Ideas Explored in the Film

Myra Breckinridge is a complex and multifaceted film that explores a wide range of themes and ideas. Some of the key themes explored in the film include:

  • Gender identity and expression
  • Sexual liberation and repression
  • The commodification of women
  • The power of the media
  • The nature of reality and illusion

Characters and Their Motivations

The characters in Myra Breckinridge are all complex and well-developed, and their motivations are often ambiguous and contradictory. Some of the key characters in the film include:

  • Myra Breckinridge (played by Raquel Welch): Myra is a transgender woman who is determined to become the most beautiful woman in the world. She is driven by a deep need for validation and acceptance, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
  • Dr. Christian Schmidt (played by John Huston): Dr. Schmidt is a brilliant surgeon who specializes in sex reassignment surgery. He is a complex and morally ambiguous character who is both fascinated and repelled by Myra.
  • Rusty Brown (played by Mae West): Rusty is a wealthy and powerful woman who is Myra’s mentor and benefactor. She is a ruthless and manipulative character who uses her money and power to control others.

Symbolism and Imagery

Myra Breckinridge is full of symbolism and imagery that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Some of the key symbols and images in the film include:

  • The mirror: The mirror is a recurring image in the film, and it is often used to represent Myra’s fractured and distorted self-image.
  • The doll: The doll is a symbol of Myra’s desire to be a perfect and idealized woman.
  • The snake: The snake is a symbol of danger and temptation. It is associated with Myra’s sexual liberation and her desire to control others.

Directorial Style and Techniques

Myra Breckinridge is a visually stunning film that features a variety of innovative directorial techniques. Some of the key directorial techniques used in the film include:

  • The use of color: The film is full of vibrant colors that are used to create a heightened and surreal atmosphere.
  • The use of music: The film’s score is eclectic and experimental, and it helps to create a sense of unease and tension.
  • The use of camerawork: The film’s camerawork is often unconventional and experimental, and it helps to create a sense of disorientation and chaos.

Overall Assessment of the Film

Myra Breckinridge is a controversial and provocative film that is sure to divide audiences. The film is audacious, ambitious, and often hilarious, but it is also deeply flawed. The film’s treatment of gender identity and sexual liberation is often problematic, and the film’s tone is often misogynistic and transphobic. However, the film’s insights into the nature of reality and illusion are fascinating, and the film’s visual style is undeniably impressive.

Personal Reflections on the Film

I found Myra Breckinridge to be a fascinating and challenging film. I was intrigued by the film’s exploration of gender identity and sexual liberation, but I was also disturbed by the film’s misogyny and transphobia. I think that the film is a valuable addition to the canon of transgender cinema, but I also think that the film needs to be critically engaged with in order to understand its problematic aspects.

Overall, I think that Myra Breckinridge is a film that is worth watching, but it is important to be aware of its flaws.

Q: How can I watch Myra Breckinridge?

A: Myra Breckinridge is available to watch on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.

Q: Is Myra Breckinridge streaming for free?

A: Myra Breckinridge is not currently streaming for free on any platform. However, it is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.

Q: What is the best way to watch Myra Breckinridge?

A: The best way to watch Myra Breckinridge is on a large screen, such as a TV or computer monitor. This will allow you to fully appreciate the film’s visuals and performances.

Q: What is the difference between the theatrical and director’s cut of Myra Breckinridge?

A: The theatrical cut of Myra Breckinridge is shorter than the director’s cut and contains some different footage. The director’s cut is the more complete version of the film and is recommended for fans of the film.

Q: Is Myra Breckinridge a good movie?

A: Myra Breckinridge is a polarizing film that has been met with both critical acclaim and derision. Some critics have praised the film’s boldness and originality, while others have criticized it for its campiness and over-the-top performances. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy Myra Breckinridge is a matter of personal taste.

Myra Breckinridge is a controversial film that has been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of gender identity, but also criticized for its over-the-top campiness and offensive content. While it is not for everyone, the film is still an important part of cinema history and is worth watching for its unique perspective on gender.

If you are interested in watching Myra Breckinridge, there are a few different ways to do so. You can rent or purchase the film on DVD or Blu-ray, or you can watch it streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Kanopy.

No matter how you choose to watch it, Myra Breckinridge is a film that is sure to leave you with something to think about. It is a challenging and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Author Profile

Carla Denker
Carla Denker
Carla Denker first opened Plastica Store in June of 1996 in Silverlake, Los Angeles and closed in West Hollywood on December 1, 2017. PLASTICA was a boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers, all hand picked by Carla. Although some of the merchandise was literally plastic, we featured items made out of any number of different materials.

Prior to the engaging profile in west3rdstreet.com, the innovative trajectory of Carla Denker and PlasticaStore.com had already captured the attention of prominent publications, each one spotlighting the unique allure and creative vision of the boutique. The acclaim goes back to features in Daily Candy in 2013, TimeOut Los Angeles in 2012, and stretched globally with Allure Korea in 2011. Esteemed columns in LA Times in 2010 and thoughtful pieces in Sunset Magazine in 2009 highlighted the boutique’s distinctive character, while Domino Magazine in 2008 celebrated its design-forward ethos. This press recognition dates back to the earliest days of Plastica, with citations going back as far as 1997, each telling a part of the Plastica story.

After an illustrious run, Plastica transitioned from the tangible to the intangible. While our physical presence concluded in December 2017, our essence endures. Plastica Store has been reborn as a digital haven, continuing to serve a community of discerning thinkers and seekers. Our new mission transcends physical boundaries to embrace a world that is increasingly seeking knowledge and depth.

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