My dear reader(s), it's a common complaint of mine that I never have time for the movies anymore, but when Circus of the Scars turned up somewhere accessible to me, you better believe I found the time immediately.
Circus of the Scars-the Documentary follows the unlikely rise and probably predictable fall of the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow.
There is nothing slick or polished about Circus of the Scars, and I suppose it would be inappropriate if there were. The sideshow itself started out as a bar attraction that picked up performers (and momentum) as it rolled along, ultimately hitting its highest high as a second-stage attraction on the 1992 Lollapalooza tour.
The movie mixes old show footage and new interviews with Jim Rose and his merry band of misfits: Joe Hermann (the Amazing Mr. Lifto), Tim Cridland (Zamora the Torture King), Matt "the Tube" Crowley, and Paul Lawrence (the Enigma). The rifts that ultimately derailed the sideshow are evident, but there's a good-naturedness among the performers that makes the film an easy watch. Many of the interviews look like they were recorded on someone's phone (or via Facetime), giving the film a fitting DIY vibe. If everyone probably saw the ending coming, that does nothing to undermine the electric thrill of watching these unique performers grow from humble beginnings to the biggest, worldwide stages.
Circus of the Scars-the Documentary clocks in at 95 minutes and is unrated. It is not - I repeat NOT - for the faint of heart or weak of atomach.
I was one of the fortunate folks who witnessed the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow on Lollapalooza '92, and the experience is one I'll never forget. You do not want to miss this opportunity to know these amazing artists through this terrific documentary feature. (And look for some of them on tour in a city near you!) Of a possible nine Weasleys, Circus of the Scars-the Documentary gets all nine.
Circus of the Scars-the Documentary is now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.
Until next time...
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