Plaster Caster

For those who weren't there--or were but don't remember for the usual ‘60s reasons--super-groupie/artist Cynthia Plaster Caster and her assistants showed their appreciation for rock musicians by making plaster casts of their (usually) erect penises. Jessica Villines' documentary examines Cynthia's interesting career on the occasion of her first gallery exhibition, exposing a few rock music myths along the way. Some will be surprised to learn that the artist's work didn't stop with the Nixon era, as her castings of the Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra and others confirm; moreover, she has also immortalized women, casting replicas of their breasts (her first female casting--of L7's Suzi Gardner--is included as an extra on the DVD version). Her rendering of Jimi Hendrix evokes awe and respect from men and women alike, while--at the other end of the ruler--MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer's contribution is comically diminutive (and his explanatory discussion with Cynthia is a hoot). KISS's Gene Simmons is credited as one of the rockers who declined to participate in this phallic extravaganza, along with John Kay of Steppenwolf, and Frank Zappa's notorious onetime manager, Herb Cohen. The film culminates with Cynthia's gallery opening, which is enthusiastically received--except for one guy who notes “disembodied penises” are “not very interesting." Combining archival footage and interviews together with contemporary material, Plaster Caster contains--despite the subject matter--no explicit frontal nudity (during two castings presented in detail, blurry spots and tasteful editing protect sensitive eyes). Still, there are dozens of penis replicas (fewer breast replicas) shown, so the faint of heart should take warning (the bronze Hendrix is especially imposing). DVD extras include deleted scenes, artist commentary, and bonus footage. A valuable cultural artifact, as well as the story of a true rock 'n' roll survivor, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Tribby)