Watch Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon is a documentary film released in 2008 that explores the life and career of Jack Wrangler, a cultural icon who was both a gay pornography star and a Broadway performer. The film delves deep into Wrangler's life, providing a comprehensive overview of his rise to fame and the challenges he faced along the way.

The film presents a unique look into Wrangler's life, providing archival footage, interviews with friends and family, and clips from his work. Wrangler was not only a performer, but also a director, editor, and producer of adult films. He was known for his charismatic personality, rugged good looks, and edgy performances that pushed the boundaries of erotic entertainment. Despite his success and popularity, he struggled with personal demons, including his identity as a gay man and his desire for mainstream success.

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon begins with his early life, growing up in Beverly Hills with a father who was a silent film producer, and a mother who was a socialite. It covers his first forays into show business including his time at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met his future wife, Margaret Whiting, a famous singer. Wrangler's conservative upbringing and his attempts to reconcile his homosexuality with the social norms of the time are discussed in detail, as is his decision to take on the persona of a straight man in his adult films.

The documentary follows Wrangler's rise to fame and popularity in the adult entertainment industry, taking the viewer behind the scenes of his most famous films and exploring their impact on the industry at large. It also looks at the ways in which his work allowed him to subvert traditional notions of masculinity and sexuality, and how he connected with audiences in both the gay and straight communities.

The film spends considerable time examining Wrangler's personal life both on and off screen. It explores the relationships he had with his family, his wife, and his lovers, and how his fame affected those closest to him. The documentary includes interviews with many of the people who knew Wrangler best, including his brother, Jonathan, and his longtime collaborator, director Robert Alvarez.

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon also delves into the challenges and controversies that Wrangler faced during his career. The film explores his belief that he could have a successful mainstream career as an actor, and how that dream ultimately failed to materialize. It also covers the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, when many of Wrangler's colleagues and friends in the adult entertainment industry fell victim to the disease. Wrangler's own personal struggles with addiction and depression are also discussed, providing a nuanced and complex portrait of the man behind the icon.

Overall, Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon is a compelling and insightful documentary that sheds light on the life of an important cultural figure. It offers a unique look into the complexities of Wrangler's life, and the ways in which he navigated the challenges of his era to become an iconic figure in both mainstream and underground culture. For anyone interested in the history of entertainment or issues related to sexuality and identity, this film is a must-watch.

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.