The independent dramedy directed by Pierre Guillet, Bristol Fashion, follows a trans woman named Christina, played by Lea Nayali, as she seeks to escape her troubled home and past. She finds herself in a dilapidated marina where one of the workers, Esteban, offers her a place to crash while the dinky boat she purchased from him is being worked on. Christina attempts to make the most of what she has by cleaning and refurbishing the rundown room on the barge and finding employment at a local grocery store. Despite all the progress she makes, she is unable to escape the haunting memories of living with her abusive step-father. Bristol Fashion sheds light on the obstacles that trans people face, like discrimination as well as emotional and physical abuse, while capturing the reality of living in a world where you are seen as an outsider for simply being your authentic self.
Going beyond the power of the film’s message and subject material, this film is a prime example of a character-driven story that relies heavily on the transformation of the main character to move the plot along. This is opposed to a plot-driven story where the prime mechanism for moving the story along is major plot points. This film could serve as a great resource for anyone looking to get into the film industry. From aspiring writers to aspiring actors and directors, there is a lot to be learned from watching this film. Character development is the shining star of this film, as each individual character is dynamic and multi-faceted. Even the minor characters are well developed and bring something interesting to the story. Timothy John Foster and Pierre Guillet masterfully develop characters that you can’t help but root for despite their faults and shortcomings. No hero is truly immune from making mistakes or clouded judgment, and the same goes for villains who are more than just the hurt they cause. Foster and Guillet created characters that are authentically human, which is why this film is the masterpiece it is.
A wide variety of audiences can find something in the film to enjoy or learn from. Audiences can have their eyes opened to the daily life of trans people in a way that lends towards empathy and an attempt at understanding. Those who identify as trans may find a piece of themselves represented in the film, as this film does not represent the experiences of all trans people. Lastly, those who are looking to engage with powerful storytelling and learn more about the craft would find a lot in this film to pull from.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
This film could easily fit into a variety of film collections. For example, this title would be a great addition to collections focused on LGBTQ+ stories, gender identity and self-growth. This film could be a great tool for storytellers to reference and would be an excellent addition to film collections focused on character-driven stories, the art of film, and examples of low budget films.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
This film would be suitable for a wide variety of subjects including, but not limited to, women and gender studies, sociology, LGTBQ+ studies, and social work. All of these academic subjects could utilize various aspects of the film’s narrative, including Christina’s personal experiences, her social interactions, the dynamics of those around her, etc. Film students can also learn from this film and would benefit from analyzing the story structure, character growth and direction of the film.
Would this film be suitable for a public screening?
I see potential for this film to be suitable for a public screening. There is nothing included in the film that would discourage me from a public screening. However, I would suggest that young children not be included in the audience as there are scenes depicting violence and the gravity of the film’s message may be lost on young audience members. I would also not suggest this film be shown in a location where there is potential for distractions, such as an outdoor screening. This film would be best suited for a slightly more intimate setting due to its more quiet nature. Unlike a loud action movie, some parts of the film could easily be lost in a large open space where it has to compete with other naturally occurring noises and distractions.