Watch Plaster Caster

Plaster Caster is a documentary film directed by Jessica Everleth that explores the story of Cynthia Plaster Caster, a notorious groupie known for her unique approach to capturing the male genitalia of famous rock stars. The film offers an intimate look into Cynthia's life and the controversy surrounding her art form. Cynthia Plaster Caster became an iconic figure in the music industry during the 1960s and 70s. Her idea of casting rock star's private parts in plaster to create sculptures was seen as both shocking and revolutionary. The film offers a fascinating insight into how Cynthia's eccentric passion brought her closer to some of the world's most famous musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Jello Biafra, and Wayne Kramer.

The documentary begins by introducing us to Cynthia, who still works as a plaster caster in her Chicago studio. Through candid interviews with her and her close friends, we learn about her motivations for starting her unusual practice, which she describes as a way of creating a permanent connection with the musicians whose music touched her soul.

The documentary also delves into the personal life of Cynthia, revealing the struggles she's faced in her personal and professional life. Her art form is not only controversial but also faced numerous legal battles, and she has occasionally faced opposition from feminist groups who view her as sexist. The film features footage from Cynthia's early career, showing how she would approach rock stars backstage and convince them to participate in her art project.

In addition to exploring Cynthia's unique art practice, the documentary also tackles the complex issues of consent and exploitation that arise with the subject matter. Cynthia is shown to be an empowered woman who views her art as a celebration of male sexuality rather than objectification. However, the film also acknowledges the criticism that the practice of plaster casting is invasive and objectifying.

As the film moves forward, we are introduced to Cynthia's most significant work, a full-body cast of Jimi Hendrix's genitalia. This turned out to be the most complicated project she ever undertook, which took her 12 years to complete. The film presents an intimate view of Cynthia's artistic process and the dedication that went into creating this unique work of art.

Plaster Caster is a remarkable documentary that provides an intimate look at an often misunderstood figure in pop culture. It's a film that will appeal to anyone interested in the music industry of the 60s and 70s, and the eccentric personalities who helped define the era. The documentary is a balanced portrayal of Cynthia's life and art, tackling the difficult issues surrounding artistic expression, sexuality, and the exploitation of women. Cynthia is portrayed as a complex human being, who has lived her life on her terms, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way.

Overall, Plaster Caster is a must-watch documentary that perfectly captures the vibrant and colorful spirit of the 1960s and 70s. It's a fascinating journey into the life and art of one of the most iconic figures in music history, leaving viewers with a sense of awe and wonder at Cynthia Plaster Caster’s unique artistry.

Plaster Caster is a 2001 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.