Watch The Films of Su Friedrich: Vol. 2 - Damned If You Don't

The Films of Su Friedrich: Vol. 2 - Damned If You Don't is an experimental film that delves into themes of gender and sexuality. Directed by Su Friedrich and released in 1987, the film features Peggy Healey, Makea MacDonald, and Ela Troyano in leading roles. The film is divided into three parts, each exploring different aspects of femininity and the female experience. In the first segment, titled "Lipstick," a young woman (Healey) is shown applying lipstick to her lips in various settings. The scene is intercut with images of a woman's legs being waxed, highlighting the ways in which women are expected to conform to certain beauty standards. The woman in the scene is also shown engaging in sexual acts with other women, challenging the traditional notion of femininity and highlighting the fluidity of sexuality.

The second segment, titled "A Very Personal Story," follows a woman (MacDonald) as she reflects on her life and relationships. The woman discusses her various sexual experiences and talks about the expectations put on women to be sexual objects. The segment is shot in black and white and uses close-ups of the woman's face to convey her emotions and thoughts. The woman is shown crying at one point, highlighting the emotional toll of societal expectations.

The final segment, titled "Scar Tissue," is the longest and most complex of the three. The segment follows a group of women as they explore their sexuality and relationships. The women are shown engaging in BDSM practices and exploring their individual desires. The segment also features interviews with the women, in which they discuss the ways in which they have experienced discrimination and judgment due to their sexuality. The segment concludes with the women engaging in a group ceremony, in which they celebrate their sexuality and their identities.

Throughout the film, Friedrich explores the ways in which women are expected to conform to societal norms and the ways in which they resist that conformity. The film is shot in a raw, DIY style, with many scenes featuring handheld cameras and natural light. The soundtrack features a mix of upbeat pop music and more introspective instrumental pieces.

The Films of Su Friedrich: Vol. 2 - Damned If You Don't is a powerful exploration of gender and sexuality. The film challenges traditional notions of femininity and highlights the importance of individual agency in defining one's own identity. The performances by Healey, MacDonald, and Troyano are raw and emotional, giving voice to the experiences of women who are often marginalized by society. The DIY aesthetic and experimental style of the film add to its impact, creating a powerful and thought-provoking viewing experience.