With a Wink and a Smile (2008) (SIFF) - A

"With a Wink and a Smile" is a documentary about the Seattle burlesque scene. The main story arc of the movie follows ten students taking Burlesque 101, taught by Miss Indigo Blue, one of the foremost Seattle burlesque performers. You get to know the students quite well, understanding their fears and hopes about taking the class, and watching quite a few crises in confidence. It's great fun to see the students slowly develop their performances (the class builds up to a graduation recital where all the students perform a show that is open to the public, not just friends and family.) Interspersed through the various interviews and scenes from the class are clips of burlesque performances by notable Seattle burlesque artists, with Miss Indigo Blue giving commentary about what makes each performance notable artistically and from a historical stand point.

Before I continue with the review, I should disclose two factors that probably bias me in favor of the film. First, as part of Jenny Tynes's bachelorette party, I took a short burlesque class with Miss Indigo Blue, so I have a personal connection with the subject. In addition, the screening I attended was the world premiere of the film, and a lot of people in the audience were involved in Seattle's burlesque scene, which meant that the crowd was raucously enthusiastic about the movie.

That being said, I think almost everyone would enjoy this film. Miss Indigo Blue really makes the film. She's a fount of knowledge about the history of burlesque, especially in Seattle, and her commentary on the experiences of her students and the performances of other artists are filled with insight. Also, I'm frankly amazed how well you get to know the students in this film. The class is really diverse in composition, featuring all types of body types, as well as a wide range of ages (early 20's to early 50's). Each one has come to the class for different reasons, but they all share a common desire for empowerment and expression. I felt awed by how open these women were willing to be about issues as personal as sexuality, body image, and family.

Final Grade: A