A repressed young woman becomes obsessed with pornography and the mysterious rich patrons of the Times Square porn theater where she works selling tickets.
Direction
Gordon's camera treats sleaze with anthropological patience.
Cinematography
Times Square porn marquees shot like sacred architecture.
Acting
McLeod's blankness weaponized—she watches better than anyone acts.
Director
Bette Gordon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Nan Goldin cast herself; her real photography of queer NYC nightlife influenced the film's authentic grime. She was already famous, not acting.
Gordon screened this for De Palma—he stole the surveillance-obsession for 'Body Double' same year, but made it male and camp. This stayed female and cold.
US
