A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Fame and Fortune

I got a message today about a movie that’s doing the film festivals now, about Steve Haworth‘s work. Steve makes the point in this trailer that he’s Constitutionally protected from prosecution (which may be the case, especially in Arizona, but that still has to be tested in court before it’s a definitive statement), but I wanted to remind practitioners that I strongly urge the oldschool “word of mouth referral only” method of promotion.

It should be a fascinating movie and I’m looking forward to seeing it, but every time a media product comes out into the mainstream world, I worry about what type of attention it’s going to bring, especially when it’s tightly focussed on one person’s activities. That said, at some point I guess a line is crossed where you should be able to make the case that it’s been publicly done for long enough that it’s all de facto legal until specific laws are written codifying what’s what… (BMEshop see also: MODIFY, Like a Butterfly, Dances Sacred and Profane, and the Nomad Piercing DVD; BMEnews see also: a recent extreme body modification prosecution).

Comments

268 responses to “Fame and Fortune”

  1. Lily Avatar

    Uh oh, somehow I dont see this movie making this guy look good. I see it making more things illegal!!!! Is this an indie film or is it set for major release?

  2. Lily Avatar

    Uh oh, somehow I dont see this movie making this guy look good. I see it making more things illegal!!!! Is this an indie film or is it set for major release?

  3. Lily Avatar

    Uh oh, somehow I dont see this movie making this guy look good. I see it making more things illegal!!!! Is this an indie film or is it set for major release?

  4. Lily Avatar

    Uh oh, somehow I dont see this movie making this guy look good. I see it making more things illegal!!!! Is this an indie film or is it set for major release?

  5. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    It’s an indie film. I assume it will play the same circuit as Modify did and then be available on DVD.

    I’m looking forward to the movie a great deal. I think Steve’s got insightful things to say on this subject and obviously is one of the most important pioneers if not the most important from a public point of view, but the trailer’s “I dare you to charge me” message seems like playing with fire, and I would hate to see Steve have to back up the claim in court, because successful or not it would be a painful process, and as we’ve seen before, being right/wrong means very little in these cases. I would not want to see any of that happen and don’t think it would be in anyone’s best interest (not the public, not practitioners, not enthusiasts, not competitors, etc.).

  6. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    It’s an indie film. I assume it will play the same circuit as Modify did and then be available on DVD.

    I’m looking forward to the movie a great deal. I think Steve’s got insightful things to say on this subject and obviously is one of the most important pioneers if not the most important from a public point of view, but the trailer’s “I dare you to charge me” message seems like playing with fire, and I would hate to see Steve have to back up the claim in court, because successful or not it would be a painful process, and as we’ve seen before, being right/wrong means very little in these cases. I would not want to see any of that happen and don’t think it would be in anyone’s best interest (not the public, not practitioners, not enthusiasts, not competitors, etc.).

  7. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    It’s an indie film. I assume it will play the same circuit as Modify did and then be available on DVD.

    I’m looking forward to the movie a great deal. I think Steve’s got insightful things to say on this subject and obviously is one of the most important pioneers if not the most important from a public point of view, but the trailer’s “I dare you to charge me” message seems like playing with fire, and I would hate to see Steve have to back up the claim in court, because successful or not it would be a painful process, and as we’ve seen before, being right/wrong means very little in these cases. I would not want to see any of that happen and don’t think it would be in anyone’s best interest (not the public, not practitioners, not enthusiasts, not competitors, etc.).

  8. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    It’s an indie film. I assume it will play the same circuit as Modify did and then be available on DVD.

    I’m looking forward to the movie a great deal. I think Steve’s got insightful things to say on this subject and obviously is one of the most important pioneers if not the most important from a public point of view, but the trailer’s “I dare you to charge me” message seems like playing with fire, and I would hate to see Steve have to back up the claim in court, because successful or not it would be a painful process, and as we’ve seen before, being right/wrong means very little in these cases. I would not want to see any of that happen and don’t think it would be in anyone’s best interest (not the public, not practitioners, not enthusiasts, not competitors, etc.).

  9. johnthescon Avatar
    johnthescon

    This looks like it’s going to be a great film, but I can already see the problems arising from this.
    ‘Look what these evil people are doing to our children, Ban them , Kill them, Burn them’.
    He’s effectivly asking for an example to be made of him.
    He has my full support.

  10. johnthescon Avatar
    johnthescon

    This looks like it’s going to be a great film, but I can already see the problems arising from this.
    ‘Look what these evil people are doing to our children, Ban them , Kill them, Burn them’.
    He’s effectivly asking for an example to be made of him.
    He has my full support.

  11. johnthescon Avatar
    johnthescon

    This looks like it’s going to be a great film, but I can already see the problems arising from this.
    ‘Look what these evil people are doing to our children, Ban them , Kill them, Burn them’.
    He’s effectivly asking for an example to be made of him.
    He has my full support.

  12. johnthescon Avatar
    johnthescon

    This looks like it’s going to be a great film, but I can already see the problems arising from this.
    ‘Look what these evil people are doing to our children, Ban them , Kill them, Burn them’.
    He’s effectivly asking for an example to be made of him.
    He has my full support.

  13. moddoctor Avatar

    This looks interesting but I do hope it’s not as aggressively anti-establishment as the trailer would indicate. That, of course, comes from part of the establishment.

    As a modifier, one who feels a little limited by the legal issues surrounding my profession, I hope this brings things a little more out in the open. I mean, implants should be common place. Really. At the very least there should be a clearer understanding of the implications of implants rather than the limits of Steve’s own personal knowledge base. I am all for shining the light of day on the stuff we all are interested in and seeing if we can’t get some more acceptance for it.

    Of course, is it as interesting when it becomes accepted?

  14. moddoctor Avatar

    This looks interesting but I do hope it’s not as aggressively anti-establishment as the trailer would indicate. That, of course, comes from part of the establishment.

    As a modifier, one who feels a little limited by the legal issues surrounding my profession, I hope this brings things a little more out in the open. I mean, implants should be common place. Really. At the very least there should be a clearer understanding of the implications of implants rather than the limits of Steve’s own personal knowledge base. I am all for shining the light of day on the stuff we all are interested in and seeing if we can’t get some more acceptance for it.

    Of course, is it as interesting when it becomes accepted?

  15. moddoctor Avatar

    This looks interesting but I do hope it’s not as aggressively anti-establishment as the trailer would indicate. That, of course, comes from part of the establishment.

    As a modifier, one who feels a little limited by the legal issues surrounding my profession, I hope this brings things a little more out in the open. I mean, implants should be common place. Really. At the very least there should be a clearer understanding of the implications of implants rather than the limits of Steve’s own personal knowledge base. I am all for shining the light of day on the stuff we all are interested in and seeing if we can’t get some more acceptance for it.

    Of course, is it as interesting when it becomes accepted?

  16. moddoctor Avatar

    This looks interesting but I do hope it’s not as aggressively anti-establishment as the trailer would indicate. That, of course, comes from part of the establishment.

    As a modifier, one who feels a little limited by the legal issues surrounding my profession, I hope this brings things a little more out in the open. I mean, implants should be common place. Really. At the very least there should be a clearer understanding of the implications of implants rather than the limits of Steve’s own personal knowledge base. I am all for shining the light of day on the stuff we all are interested in and seeing if we can’t get some more acceptance for it.

    Of course, is it as interesting when it becomes accepted?

  17. starless_dark Avatar

    This looks like it’ll be a very interesting film, but the trailer seems to be playing on the subject matter, suspension in particular, as being horrific and freaky. I don’t like the effect they’ve put on the happy birthday singing at the end to make it seem sinister and frightening, she was probably having a great time.

  18. starless_dark Avatar

    This looks like it’ll be a very interesting film, but the trailer seems to be playing on the subject matter, suspension in particular, as being horrific and freaky. I don’t like the effect they’ve put on the happy birthday singing at the end to make it seem sinister and frightening, she was probably having a great time.

  19. starless_dark Avatar

    This looks like it’ll be a very interesting film, but the trailer seems to be playing on the subject matter, suspension in particular, as being horrific and freaky. I don’t like the effect they’ve put on the happy birthday singing at the end to make it seem sinister and frightening, she was probably having a great time.

  20. starless_dark Avatar

    This looks like it’ll be a very interesting film, but the trailer seems to be playing on the subject matter, suspension in particular, as being horrific and freaky. I don’t like the effect they’ve put on the happy birthday singing at the end to make it seem sinister and frightening, she was probably having a great time.

  21. Susie Avatar
    Susie

    Wow that trailer was seriously reminicent of a horror film trailer to me, I cant see this film reaching out to many normal people and showing them its not feaky or scary :\

  22. Susie Avatar
    Susie

    Wow that trailer was seriously reminicent of a horror film trailer to me, I cant see this film reaching out to many normal people and showing them its not feaky or scary :\

  23. Susie Avatar
    Susie

    Wow that trailer was seriously reminicent of a horror film trailer to me, I cant see this film reaching out to many normal people and showing them its not feaky or scary :\

  24. Susie Avatar
    Susie

    Wow that trailer was seriously reminicent of a horror film trailer to me, I cant see this film reaching out to many normal people and showing them its not feaky or scary :\

  25. [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam] Avatar
    [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam]

    i agree with the above comments. The trailer has been produced in a way that screams something scary. To be honest, i think that if this sort of thing is ever to be accepted on a large scale by society, then it needs to be presenting the people involved as normal as anyone else.

    I will be buying this when it is released.

  26. [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam] Avatar
    [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam]

    i agree with the above comments. The trailer has been produced in a way that screams something scary. To be honest, i think that if this sort of thing is ever to be accepted on a large scale by society, then it needs to be presenting the people involved as normal as anyone else.

    I will be buying this when it is released.

  27. [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam] Avatar
    [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam]

    i agree with the above comments. The trailer has been produced in a way that screams something scary. To be honest, i think that if this sort of thing is ever to be accepted on a large scale by society, then it needs to be presenting the people involved as normal as anyone else.

    I will be buying this when it is released.

  28. [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam] Avatar
    [iam]HELLS_MoNkEy[/iam]

    i agree with the above comments. The trailer has been produced in a way that screams something scary. To be honest, i think that if this sort of thing is ever to be accepted on a large scale by society, then it needs to be presenting the people involved as normal as anyone else.

    I will be buying this when it is released.

  29. Manada Avatar

    I agree — the trailer definately puts an emphasis on the “horror” or “freak” factor —— which doesn’t really do much to help the perception of body modification in the general public at all.

    I’m interested in seeing the film if it should make it my way – but I worry that the discourse with which they discuss the subject is overly confrontational and sensationalized (as indicated by the trailer). And in that – could do more harm than good (not just for Steve, but for everyone with any sort of “extreme” mod)

  30. Manada Avatar

    I agree — the trailer definately puts an emphasis on the “horror” or “freak” factor —— which doesn’t really do much to help the perception of body modification in the general public at all.

    I’m interested in seeing the film if it should make it my way – but I worry that the discourse with which they discuss the subject is overly confrontational and sensationalized (as indicated by the trailer). And in that – could do more harm than good (not just for Steve, but for everyone with any sort of “extreme” mod)

  31. Manada Avatar

    I agree — the trailer definately puts an emphasis on the “horror” or “freak” factor —— which doesn’t really do much to help the perception of body modification in the general public at all.

    I’m interested in seeing the film if it should make it my way – but I worry that the discourse with which they discuss the subject is overly confrontational and sensationalized (as indicated by the trailer). And in that – could do more harm than good (not just for Steve, but for everyone with any sort of “extreme” mod)

  32. Manada Avatar

    I agree — the trailer definately puts an emphasis on the “horror” or “freak” factor —— which doesn’t really do much to help the perception of body modification in the general public at all.

    I’m interested in seeing the film if it should make it my way – but I worry that the discourse with which they discuss the subject is overly confrontational and sensationalized (as indicated by the trailer). And in that – could do more harm than good (not just for Steve, but for everyone with any sort of “extreme” mod)

  33. viscioN Avatar
    viscioN

    Looks to me like it may be interesting in terms of seeing more procedural footage, but it does seem to make Steve look and sound like he’s very much up his own arse (maybe you have to be in that line of work…?).

    Hopefully there’s a bit more intelligence/normality from him in the rest of the film. Less of the shock theme too please, as other people have said.

  34. viscioN Avatar
    viscioN

    Looks to me like it may be interesting in terms of seeing more procedural footage, but it does seem to make Steve look and sound like he’s very much up his own arse (maybe you have to be in that line of work…?).

    Hopefully there’s a bit more intelligence/normality from him in the rest of the film. Less of the shock theme too please, as other people have said.

  35. viscioN Avatar
    viscioN

    Looks to me like it may be interesting in terms of seeing more procedural footage, but it does seem to make Steve look and sound like he’s very much up his own arse (maybe you have to be in that line of work…?).

    Hopefully there’s a bit more intelligence/normality from him in the rest of the film. Less of the shock theme too please, as other people have said.

  36. viscioN Avatar
    viscioN

    Looks to me like it may be interesting in terms of seeing more procedural footage, but it does seem to make Steve look and sound like he’s very much up his own arse (maybe you have to be in that line of work…?).

    Hopefully there’s a bit more intelligence/normality from him in the rest of the film. Less of the shock theme too please, as other people have said.

  37. Neurot1k Avatar

    I agree with the whole shock-factor perspective on the trailer. Personally, having first-hand experience with the modded world, and knowing Steve’s story, I loved it, but I know he general public will view it how others described above.

    I already can’t wait to see the release, though.

    PS; Lovin’ the new player =]

  38. Neurot1k Avatar

    I agree with the whole shock-factor perspective on the trailer. Personally, having first-hand experience with the modded world, and knowing Steve’s story, I loved it, but I know he general public will view it how others described above.

    I already can’t wait to see the release, though.

    PS; Lovin’ the new player =]

  39. Neurot1k Avatar

    I agree with the whole shock-factor perspective on the trailer. Personally, having first-hand experience with the modded world, and knowing Steve’s story, I loved it, but I know he general public will view it how others described above.

    I already can’t wait to see the release, though.

    PS; Lovin’ the new player =]

  40. Neurot1k Avatar

    I agree with the whole shock-factor perspective on the trailer. Personally, having first-hand experience with the modded world, and knowing Steve’s story, I loved it, but I know he general public will view it how others described above.

    I already can’t wait to see the release, though.

    PS; Lovin’ the new player =]

  41. melsgam Avatar

    i cant wait i hope i can see this on dvd or downloaded or SOMETHING it looks amazing. im just worried this is going to open up a can of worms and start causing a lot of issues within the bodymodification world because people are seeing whats being done and may not agree with it. i mean everyone has them but to be broadcasted so people see the cuttings and implants and all the things as he says that ‘cosmetic surgeons can but will not do’ coudl start controvercy over if these people should have medical lisences or something.

    it would be a shame 🙁

    but on a lighter note- like i didnt want to do a suspension badly enough, this just elevated it times 100 🙂

    keep us updated on this and where we can see it!!!
    *mel*

  42. melsgam Avatar

    i cant wait i hope i can see this on dvd or downloaded or SOMETHING it looks amazing. im just worried this is going to open up a can of worms and start causing a lot of issues within the bodymodification world because people are seeing whats being done and may not agree with it. i mean everyone has them but to be broadcasted so people see the cuttings and implants and all the things as he says that ‘cosmetic surgeons can but will not do’ coudl start controvercy over if these people should have medical lisences or something.

    it would be a shame 🙁

    but on a lighter note- like i didnt want to do a suspension badly enough, this just elevated it times 100 🙂

    keep us updated on this and where we can see it!!!
    *mel*

  43. melsgam Avatar

    i cant wait i hope i can see this on dvd or downloaded or SOMETHING it looks amazing. im just worried this is going to open up a can of worms and start causing a lot of issues within the bodymodification world because people are seeing whats being done and may not agree with it. i mean everyone has them but to be broadcasted so people see the cuttings and implants and all the things as he says that ‘cosmetic surgeons can but will not do’ coudl start controvercy over if these people should have medical lisences or something.

    it would be a shame 🙁

    but on a lighter note- like i didnt want to do a suspension badly enough, this just elevated it times 100 🙂

    keep us updated on this and where we can see it!!!
    *mel*

  44. melsgam Avatar

    i cant wait i hope i can see this on dvd or downloaded or SOMETHING it looks amazing. im just worried this is going to open up a can of worms and start causing a lot of issues within the bodymodification world because people are seeing whats being done and may not agree with it. i mean everyone has them but to be broadcasted so people see the cuttings and implants and all the things as he says that ‘cosmetic surgeons can but will not do’ coudl start controvercy over if these people should have medical lisences or something.

    it would be a shame 🙁

    but on a lighter note- like i didnt want to do a suspension badly enough, this just elevated it times 100 🙂

    keep us updated on this and where we can see it!!!
    *mel*

  45. Snow White Avatar

    I think that, thats the angle they were going for.
    I personally hope to see this film. I love watching and learning about other peoples experiences and how to’s.

    Basically I have come to believe that if you think the ‘others’ outside of our family community are going to take it bad then YER I think they will. This is something different to them. Without them being encouraged and nurtured towards out culture, GOSSIP has helped them draw their own conclusions.
    I think it needs to be shown in a neutral light to help people that arent part of the idea understand.

    Just my thoughts though.
    I was lucky enough to have been able and strong enough to draw my own conclusions and find myself grow towards these activities in my own time.

  46. Snow White Avatar

    I think that, thats the angle they were going for.
    I personally hope to see this film. I love watching and learning about other peoples experiences and how to’s.

    Basically I have come to believe that if you think the ‘others’ outside of our family community are going to take it bad then YER I think they will. This is something different to them. Without them being encouraged and nurtured towards out culture, GOSSIP has helped them draw their own conclusions.
    I think it needs to be shown in a neutral light to help people that arent part of the idea understand.

    Just my thoughts though.
    I was lucky enough to have been able and strong enough to draw my own conclusions and find myself grow towards these activities in my own time.

  47. Snow White Avatar

    I think that, thats the angle they were going for.
    I personally hope to see this film. I love watching and learning about other peoples experiences and how to’s.

    Basically I have come to believe that if you think the ‘others’ outside of our family community are going to take it bad then YER I think they will. This is something different to them. Without them being encouraged and nurtured towards out culture, GOSSIP has helped them draw their own conclusions.
    I think it needs to be shown in a neutral light to help people that arent part of the idea understand.

    Just my thoughts though.
    I was lucky enough to have been able and strong enough to draw my own conclusions and find myself grow towards these activities in my own time.

  48. Snow White Avatar

    I think that, thats the angle they were going for.
    I personally hope to see this film. I love watching and learning about other peoples experiences and how to’s.

    Basically I have come to believe that if you think the ‘others’ outside of our family community are going to take it bad then YER I think they will. This is something different to them. Without them being encouraged and nurtured towards out culture, GOSSIP has helped them draw their own conclusions.
    I think it needs to be shown in a neutral light to help people that arent part of the idea understand.

    Just my thoughts though.
    I was lucky enough to have been able and strong enough to draw my own conclusions and find myself grow towards these activities in my own time.

  49. Stimpson Avatar
    Stimpson

    The strobe effect and the danger music suggest that the images should be shocking, even people seeing this who woldent normally have a negative reaction are going to pick up on that vibe. This strikes me as a choice that projects a strong negative connotation on the images presented. Odd choices for documentery. I wonder if the mood carries over nto the piece or if this is just a shock-centeric teaser.

  50. Stimpson Avatar
    Stimpson

    The strobe effect and the danger music suggest that the images should be shocking, even people seeing this who woldent normally have a negative reaction are going to pick up on that vibe. This strikes me as a choice that projects a strong negative connotation on the images presented. Odd choices for documentery. I wonder if the mood carries over nto the piece or if this is just a shock-centeric teaser.

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • What Lifts the Body, Shifts the Soul
    First suspensions are rarely just about the body— they’re a meeting point between the physical and the deeply personal. Stepping into this experience isn’t simply about trying something new, but about stepping outside yourself to a version you had always sensed was waiting. I’ve had… Read more: What Lifts the Body, Shifts the Soul
  • Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
    One of the most powerful things about being at a convention like OSC is the sheer concentration of experience, creativity, and capability in one place. When you’re surrounded by people who not only understand the technical complexities of suspension but are excited by the challenge… Read more: Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
  • Ontario SusCon 2025
    In March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
  • Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
    Dear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
  • BME Social Media
    Word of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media