Watch Circus of Books

Circus of Books is a 2019 American documentary film, directed by Rachel Mason, and features Karen Mason, her husband Barry, and their son Micah. The film is an intimate portrait of Karen and Barry's journey as owners of the Circus of Books, a gay pornographic bookstore and adult video rental shop located in West Hollywood. The documentary opens with Karen Mason sitting in the empty store. She reminisces on the more than 30 years the bookstore was open and how it came to be. Circus of Books was started in the 1980s when Karen and Barry Mason purchased an Established Customer Network (ECN) franchise which specialized in gay pornographic materials. The couple, who were Jewish and had no experience in adult entertainment or sales, quickly became successful in the industry.

Through a series of interviews with friends, family members, and former employees of Circus of Books, the documentary traces the journey of the Masons as they build a thriving business and navigate the complex social and legal landscape of the adult industry. The film also delves into the personal struggles of Karen and Barry as they balance their unexpected success with their roles as parents to Micah, who was unaware of his parents' business until he was in his mid-twenties.

The documentary does not shy away from the controversial nature of the business, and the Masons' decision to keep their involvement in the store a secret from their friends and family for many years. However, the film also shows the positive impact Circus of Books had on the LGBTQ+ community, which was often stigmatized and marginalized during the era in which the store was established. Through the years, Circus of Books became a social hub for the community, where people could gather and connect, and the store also provided a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals who were experiencing discrimination or violence.

The documentary, which is primarily narrated by Rachel Mason, is well-structured, and its unique blend of personal and social history keeps the viewer engaged throughout. Circus of Books successfully humanizes Karen and Barry Mason, who are portrayed as complex individuals, rather than mere operators of an adult entertainment store. The film is also notable for its use of archival footage, which highlights the transformation of the gay community and the adult industry over the past few decades.

The camera work is overall amateurish but seems intentional, as the primary focus is on the relationships between the individuals rather than on polished cinematography. The soundtrack is also notable, featuring original songs by Rachel Mason and a mix of popular and obscure tracks from the 70s and 80s, which further contextualizes the era of Circus of Books.

The film concludes with the Mason family packing up the store as it prepares to close for good. The scene is emotional, and the documentary leaves the viewer with a melancholic reminder of the fleeting nature of time, and the impermanence of even the most successful business endeavors.

In conclusion, Circus of Books is an insightful look at the intersection of the adult entertainment industry and the LGBTQ+ community. The film succeeds in personalizing Karen and Barry Mason, both of whom are excellent interview subjects, and contextualizing their legacy in the larger context of the social history of West Hollywood. Circus of Books is a touching ode to a unique and much-missed institution and is a must-watch for those interested in the social and personal history of the LGBTQ+ community.

Circus of Books is a 2020 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 74.