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. Isis pt Avatar

    awsome… can’t wait to see more!

  2. Isis pt Avatar

    awsome… can’t wait to see more!

  3. Isis pt Avatar

    awsome… can’t wait to see more!

  4. Isis pt Avatar

    awsome… can’t wait to see more!

  5. phoenixxx Avatar

    to housefrau: just makes me think of “a person is smart. people are stupid.”

  6. phoenixxx Avatar

    to housefrau: just makes me think of “a person is smart. people are stupid.”

  7. phoenixxx Avatar

    to housefrau: just makes me think of “a person is smart. people are stupid.”

  8. phoenixxx Avatar

    to housefrau: just makes me think of “a person is smart. people are stupid.”

  9. florent Avatar
    florent

    It is arousing a lot of questions…
    Especially because the trailer is using the same kind effects than the SAW movies serie…
    It’s a long time I saw that movie about bob flanagan and I wonder what kind of repercussions it had back then…

    now about this new movie
    I could imagine teenagers going there to see “weird and scary stuff”…
    and soon fake implants will be commercialized…
    Though on another hand, I’m not in this “keep it underground” spirit neither… let see what will happens…

  10. florent Avatar
    florent

    It is arousing a lot of questions…
    Especially because the trailer is using the same kind effects than the SAW movies serie…
    It’s a long time I saw that movie about bob flanagan and I wonder what kind of repercussions it had back then…

    now about this new movie
    I could imagine teenagers going there to see “weird and scary stuff”…
    and soon fake implants will be commercialized…
    Though on another hand, I’m not in this “keep it underground” spirit neither… let see what will happens…

  11. florent Avatar
    florent

    It is arousing a lot of questions…
    Especially because the trailer is using the same kind effects than the SAW movies serie…
    It’s a long time I saw that movie about bob flanagan and I wonder what kind of repercussions it had back then…

    now about this new movie
    I could imagine teenagers going there to see “weird and scary stuff”…
    and soon fake implants will be commercialized…
    Though on another hand, I’m not in this “keep it underground” spirit neither… let see what will happens…

  12. florent Avatar
    florent

    It is arousing a lot of questions…
    Especially because the trailer is using the same kind effects than the SAW movies serie…
    It’s a long time I saw that movie about bob flanagan and I wonder what kind of repercussions it had back then…

    now about this new movie
    I could imagine teenagers going there to see “weird and scary stuff”…
    and soon fake implants will be commercialized…
    Though on another hand, I’m not in this “keep it underground” spirit neither… let see what will happens…

  13. Manada Avatar

    “Once the shock value wears off, I think people (Americans anyway) don’t care about this kind of stuff unless they are right wing bible thumpers. ”

    I dissagree. I’m Canadian, so I cannot speak for Americans. But I’ve had some INCREDIBLY strong reactions from non-religious, often liberal, mainstream people. Alot of the time it isn’t even conscious by them — but I’ve called people in my classes on their reaction to my scars many times.

    The skin works as a signifier of society. What’s socially accepted and shunned in society is often acted out through people’s reactions to and difference in skin.

    This is partially why glorifying the horror aspect of body modification has such harmful potential — because it just reinforces the modified person as a social “other” separate from mainstream, human, society.

  14. Manada Avatar

    “Once the shock value wears off, I think people (Americans anyway) don’t care about this kind of stuff unless they are right wing bible thumpers. ”

    I dissagree. I’m Canadian, so I cannot speak for Americans. But I’ve had some INCREDIBLY strong reactions from non-religious, often liberal, mainstream people. Alot of the time it isn’t even conscious by them — but I’ve called people in my classes on their reaction to my scars many times.

    The skin works as a signifier of society. What’s socially accepted and shunned in society is often acted out through people’s reactions to and difference in skin.

    This is partially why glorifying the horror aspect of body modification has such harmful potential — because it just reinforces the modified person as a social “other” separate from mainstream, human, society.

  15. Manada Avatar

    “Once the shock value wears off, I think people (Americans anyway) don’t care about this kind of stuff unless they are right wing bible thumpers. ”

    I dissagree. I’m Canadian, so I cannot speak for Americans. But I’ve had some INCREDIBLY strong reactions from non-religious, often liberal, mainstream people. Alot of the time it isn’t even conscious by them — but I’ve called people in my classes on their reaction to my scars many times.

    The skin works as a signifier of society. What’s socially accepted and shunned in society is often acted out through people’s reactions to and difference in skin.

    This is partially why glorifying the horror aspect of body modification has such harmful potential — because it just reinforces the modified person as a social “other” separate from mainstream, human, society.

  16. Manada Avatar

    “Once the shock value wears off, I think people (Americans anyway) don’t care about this kind of stuff unless they are right wing bible thumpers. ”

    I dissagree. I’m Canadian, so I cannot speak for Americans. But I’ve had some INCREDIBLY strong reactions from non-religious, often liberal, mainstream people. Alot of the time it isn’t even conscious by them — but I’ve called people in my classes on their reaction to my scars many times.

    The skin works as a signifier of society. What’s socially accepted and shunned in society is often acted out through people’s reactions to and difference in skin.

    This is partially why glorifying the horror aspect of body modification has such harmful potential — because it just reinforces the modified person as a social “other” separate from mainstream, human, society.

  17. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Re: Footage age
    Much of this appears to be fairly old footage.

  18. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Re: Footage age
    Much of this appears to be fairly old footage.

  19. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Re: Footage age
    Much of this appears to be fairly old footage.

  20. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    Re: Footage age
    Much of this appears to be fairly old footage.

  21. abby Avatar
    abby

    Urgh.
    I’m looking forward to this movie coming out, and I will buy it.

    But it really did put off a “scary” and “evil” feeling … I hope the movie doesn’t have that sort of vibe and perspective.

  22. abby Avatar
    abby

    Urgh.
    I’m looking forward to this movie coming out, and I will buy it.

    But it really did put off a “scary” and “evil” feeling … I hope the movie doesn’t have that sort of vibe and perspective.

  23. abby Avatar
    abby

    Urgh.
    I’m looking forward to this movie coming out, and I will buy it.

    But it really did put off a “scary” and “evil” feeling … I hope the movie doesn’t have that sort of vibe and perspective.

  24. abby Avatar
    abby

    Urgh.
    I’m looking forward to this movie coming out, and I will buy it.

    But it really did put off a “scary” and “evil” feeling … I hope the movie doesn’t have that sort of vibe and perspective.

  25. Wonderland Avatar

    I’m curious about how many of his “art projects” go bad in the end.

  26. Wonderland Avatar

    I’m curious about how many of his “art projects” go bad in the end.

  27. Wonderland Avatar

    I’m curious about how many of his “art projects” go bad in the end.

  28. Wonderland Avatar

    I’m curious about how many of his “art projects” go bad in the end.

  29. dani Avatar
    dani

    the part where he talks about how a doctor could loose their liscence is just asking for trouble.

    but i really want to see it and hope i get the chance.

  30. dani Avatar
    dani

    the part where he talks about how a doctor could loose their liscence is just asking for trouble.

    but i really want to see it and hope i get the chance.

  31. dani Avatar
    dani

    the part where he talks about how a doctor could loose their liscence is just asking for trouble.

    but i really want to see it and hope i get the chance.

  32. dani Avatar
    dani

    the part where he talks about how a doctor could loose their liscence is just asking for trouble.

    but i really want to see it and hope i get the chance.

  33. Warren Hiller Avatar

    I really want to get a copy of this film to watch it, just like MODIFY.

    However who all wants to take bets on that with more films of this type coming out, we’re going to continue to see a larger rise of unqualified individuals doing poor work and putting people at risk.

    My personal view is that either some form of alteration to the cosmetic surgical world should be done, allowing for this type of work to occur…OR it needs to continue to be as you said Shannon: “Word of mouth referral only”

    Steve’s definately a “pioneer” and has been very involved with the media in making people realize that what we do/want is ok. So if there was to be a movie made about anyone, Steve I think is a guy to have that done.

    But yeah I often wonder how we all say: “We’ll fight tooth and nail” for something, I wonder just how far “tooth and nail” is for everyone who claims that.

    I’m sure Steve will fight as much as he can, for as long as he can. But as you said courts are lengthy/costly battles and they take a SERIOUS toll

    Now I don’t think the government will go after Steve for this movie…But later down the road…They might go after ALL OF US…From Body Modification Practioners(The surgical type) right down to the average Body Piercer.

  34. Warren Hiller Avatar

    I really want to get a copy of this film to watch it, just like MODIFY.

    However who all wants to take bets on that with more films of this type coming out, we’re going to continue to see a larger rise of unqualified individuals doing poor work and putting people at risk.

    My personal view is that either some form of alteration to the cosmetic surgical world should be done, allowing for this type of work to occur…OR it needs to continue to be as you said Shannon: “Word of mouth referral only”

    Steve’s definately a “pioneer” and has been very involved with the media in making people realize that what we do/want is ok. So if there was to be a movie made about anyone, Steve I think is a guy to have that done.

    But yeah I often wonder how we all say: “We’ll fight tooth and nail” for something, I wonder just how far “tooth and nail” is for everyone who claims that.

    I’m sure Steve will fight as much as he can, for as long as he can. But as you said courts are lengthy/costly battles and they take a SERIOUS toll

    Now I don’t think the government will go after Steve for this movie…But later down the road…They might go after ALL OF US…From Body Modification Practioners(The surgical type) right down to the average Body Piercer.

  35. Warren Hiller Avatar

    I really want to get a copy of this film to watch it, just like MODIFY.

    However who all wants to take bets on that with more films of this type coming out, we’re going to continue to see a larger rise of unqualified individuals doing poor work and putting people at risk.

    My personal view is that either some form of alteration to the cosmetic surgical world should be done, allowing for this type of work to occur…OR it needs to continue to be as you said Shannon: “Word of mouth referral only”

    Steve’s definately a “pioneer” and has been very involved with the media in making people realize that what we do/want is ok. So if there was to be a movie made about anyone, Steve I think is a guy to have that done.

    But yeah I often wonder how we all say: “We’ll fight tooth and nail” for something, I wonder just how far “tooth and nail” is for everyone who claims that.

    I’m sure Steve will fight as much as he can, for as long as he can. But as you said courts are lengthy/costly battles and they take a SERIOUS toll

    Now I don’t think the government will go after Steve for this movie…But later down the road…They might go after ALL OF US…From Body Modification Practioners(The surgical type) right down to the average Body Piercer.

  36. Warren Hiller Avatar

    I really want to get a copy of this film to watch it, just like MODIFY.

    However who all wants to take bets on that with more films of this type coming out, we’re going to continue to see a larger rise of unqualified individuals doing poor work and putting people at risk.

    My personal view is that either some form of alteration to the cosmetic surgical world should be done, allowing for this type of work to occur…OR it needs to continue to be as you said Shannon: “Word of mouth referral only”

    Steve’s definately a “pioneer” and has been very involved with the media in making people realize that what we do/want is ok. So if there was to be a movie made about anyone, Steve I think is a guy to have that done.

    But yeah I often wonder how we all say: “We’ll fight tooth and nail” for something, I wonder just how far “tooth and nail” is for everyone who claims that.

    I’m sure Steve will fight as much as he can, for as long as he can. But as you said courts are lengthy/costly battles and they take a SERIOUS toll

    Now I don’t think the government will go after Steve for this movie…But later down the road…They might go after ALL OF US…From Body Modification Practioners(The surgical type) right down to the average Body Piercer.

  37. Warren Hiller Avatar

    #33 Dani: Why do you say that? It’s true nobody is denying it…A Doctor WOULD lose their License for performing many of the procedures Steve and others perform…Due to legal liability.

    But that in turn puts Steve and others in a hot spot, as what they are doing is practicing medicine without a license.

    So there’s problems no matter which way you slice it.

  38. Warren Hiller Avatar

    #33 Dani: Why do you say that? It’s true nobody is denying it…A Doctor WOULD lose their License for performing many of the procedures Steve and others perform…Due to legal liability.

    But that in turn puts Steve and others in a hot spot, as what they are doing is practicing medicine without a license.

    So there’s problems no matter which way you slice it.

  39. Warren Hiller Avatar

    #33 Dani: Why do you say that? It’s true nobody is denying it…A Doctor WOULD lose their License for performing many of the procedures Steve and others perform…Due to legal liability.

    But that in turn puts Steve and others in a hot spot, as what they are doing is practicing medicine without a license.

    So there’s problems no matter which way you slice it.

  40. Warren Hiller Avatar

    #33 Dani: Why do you say that? It’s true nobody is denying it…A Doctor WOULD lose their License for performing many of the procedures Steve and others perform…Due to legal liability.

    But that in turn puts Steve and others in a hot spot, as what they are doing is practicing medicine without a license.

    So there’s problems no matter which way you slice it.

  41. AlHooter Avatar

    I think the film looks interesting and plan on seeing it, but I do agree with everyone who says the trailer is putting all this in a negative light.
    The shots, style of editing, music, sound, ect. all give it this connotation of a horror film feel. If they wanted to make these forms of body modification a freakshow or a dangerous cult then they’re doing something right.

    I’d also like to point out that you don’t a single smiling person in the entire trailer. Isn’t it the happiness that these mods and rituals bring these people is what should be focused on?

  42. AlHooter Avatar

    I think the film looks interesting and plan on seeing it, but I do agree with everyone who says the trailer is putting all this in a negative light.
    The shots, style of editing, music, sound, ect. all give it this connotation of a horror film feel. If they wanted to make these forms of body modification a freakshow or a dangerous cult then they’re doing something right.

    I’d also like to point out that you don’t a single smiling person in the entire trailer. Isn’t it the happiness that these mods and rituals bring these people is what should be focused on?

  43. AlHooter Avatar

    I think the film looks interesting and plan on seeing it, but I do agree with everyone who says the trailer is putting all this in a negative light.
    The shots, style of editing, music, sound, ect. all give it this connotation of a horror film feel. If they wanted to make these forms of body modification a freakshow or a dangerous cult then they’re doing something right.

    I’d also like to point out that you don’t a single smiling person in the entire trailer. Isn’t it the happiness that these mods and rituals bring these people is what should be focused on?

  44. AlHooter Avatar

    I think the film looks interesting and plan on seeing it, but I do agree with everyone who says the trailer is putting all this in a negative light.
    The shots, style of editing, music, sound, ect. all give it this connotation of a horror film feel. If they wanted to make these forms of body modification a freakshow or a dangerous cult then they’re doing something right.

    I’d also like to point out that you don’t a single smiling person in the entire trailer. Isn’t it the happiness that these mods and rituals bring these people is what should be focused on?

  45. Warren Hiller Avatar

    agreed that the overall musical tone gives off the vibe of “horror” but I think what puts it over is the very stoic presentation that’s being made.

    Although the whole: “Put another human on the bbq” comment was kinda funny, others won’t see it as such lol

  46. Warren Hiller Avatar

    agreed that the overall musical tone gives off the vibe of “horror” but I think what puts it over is the very stoic presentation that’s being made.

    Although the whole: “Put another human on the bbq” comment was kinda funny, others won’t see it as such lol

  47. Warren Hiller Avatar

    agreed that the overall musical tone gives off the vibe of “horror” but I think what puts it over is the very stoic presentation that’s being made.

    Although the whole: “Put another human on the bbq” comment was kinda funny, others won’t see it as such lol

  48. Warren Hiller Avatar

    agreed that the overall musical tone gives off the vibe of “horror” but I think what puts it over is the very stoic presentation that’s being made.

    Although the whole: “Put another human on the bbq” comment was kinda funny, others won’t see it as such lol

  49. Warren Hiller Avatar

    and the whole ending with the girl suspending and the fade out of the people singing happy birthday…That just OOOOOZES LionsGate Entertainment or Maple production hahaha

  50. Warren Hiller Avatar

    and the whole ending with the girl suspending and the fade out of the people singing happy birthday…That just OOOOOZES LionsGate Entertainment or Maple production hahaha

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