In the Bag

There is a fashion sub-culture of women out there carrying everything from handbags, bowling ball purses, clutch purses and decoy purses to fanny packs, auxiliary purses and plastic grocery bags. For nearly every woman that uses one, she will tell you that the contents are essential to her well being, keeping her safe and grounded in the world. Though once filmmaker Lauren Malkasian (The Last Run) investigates what's actually inside these security bags, the "safe and grounded" aspect seems to take on a whole new meaning. You'll find what I call purse-staples like lipstick, credit cards, a brush, and gum, but after those, it's every woman for herself. I'm talking tango shoes and crochet needles, a kazoo, a padlock, flashlights, a gun, Tarot cards (just in case), a Bible (just in case) and a nipple clamp (just...don't ask.) Stars such as Phyllis Diller, Sandra Bernhard, Carol Kane, and Ann Ramsay, as well as women from every walk of life, reveal what's in their purses. Their stories are intimate, funny and at times quite touching. Malkasian is an extremely capable and wise filmmaker and the variety of cinematic styles she employs makes for a continually engaging film. The most interesting notion presented here is an equation not found in any math book I've ever seen, and darned if it doesn't kind of add up: Vagina + Womb = Purse (e.g. a dark and dangerous opening that protects and holds the valuables). I know I'll blush the next time I go through airport security and a strange man paws through my bag with a sly knowing smile--the swine! Now that I understand why women carry womb-like purses, I'd like to find out why men carry small wallets and a comb. Never mind. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (N. Plympton)