WARNING!
Description source: promotional material
It's not often the all-male adult entertainment industry leaders allow documentary filmmakers onto their closed sets, let alone a blonde, pig-tailed free spirited woman with the name Mr. Pam. This 1 hour and 35 minute feature takes you on a day by day journey through the lives of the biggest names in the all-male adult industry from multi-award winning directors, video stars and tireless crew members. Get to know the 39 real men (and 1 woman) who build the world's all- male fantasies... eXposed: The Making of a Legend!
A candid, behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the award-winning BUCKLEROOS.
The opening titles of this documentary state that "... 39 cowboys and 1 woman ... started their journey to create 'BuckleRoos.' This is the making of a legend." The one woman is the irascible Mr. Pam, a videographer and editor of note in many porn productions. The resulting "BuckleRoos" film was, at least to this reviewer, an instant classic garnering many awards and much acclaim, but on top of that, was a meeting of two professionals, co-directors Jerry Douglas and John Rutherford, with such brilliance between them that the project had inevitable success written all over it from the minute they decided it was a "go." If this were a mainstream Hollywood picture, its DVD release would be filled with mini-documentaries and oodles of extras, so it's wonderful that Mr. Pam had the forethought to cull together essentially a complete bonus companion disc to "BuckleRoos," the thrilling "eXposed." This is a documentary put together with loving devotion to the project. Mr. Pam is to be credited for creating a resounding documentary that charts the trek to porn perfection.
It all starts with Jerry and John, who had wanted to work together during years of friendship and once Jerry had the idea of the magical belt buckle, they knew it was all possible. It was also Jerry's idea to cast legendary Dean Phoenix and John countered with the idea for Marcus Iron, a long-lasting performer of equal stature. "And so, we had our two leads, just like that," Jerry says proudly. It's rather an understatement from one of porn's wizards. Dean and Marcus would prove to have an uncanny chemistry that is the centerpiece of "BuckleRoos."
On the first day of the project, John frankly states to everyone that they are present because "they are the best in the business." The fun begins when Mr. Pam and her outrageously uninhibited personality turns into documentary mode. First up is the wardrobe fitting, with Dean and Zak getting all used to their costumes, courtesy of Michael Hermsen, the wardrobe master. Zak, hired by Jerry for a non-sexual role, notes that, "the definition of frustration is me being on a set with 25 beautiful men, all having sex with one another and I'm dressed, as you see, with all my clothes on. Yes, I'm going nuts already and it's only Day One." Jerry and John aren't masters of their craft for no reason. Hiring the great Zak Spears for a non-sexual role (though he did get a bonus sex scene for the DVD) ups the tension of the movie considerably. Another interesting character to meet is luscious tall and graying Todd Montgomery, the director of photography for the film, an indispensable porn player who has helped guide many a flick to sheer beauty.
Jerry has an interesting take on the story, which he views as a battle between the needs for domestication and "the fast life." So much of porn has that theme, but it's often casual. Like many a romance, the world's tempting goodies are paraded to the viewer, but romance wins out in the end. At least Jerry Douglas, on camera, knows it up front. Here, the lead characters are "as married as any two people," living on a ranch together, but having sex with everyone but each other until the mysterious Man in Black arrives to help make them see their true desires (of course, the film wouldn't have its power if the central lovers knew their love, now would it?).
On the second day, the crew arrives at the ranch. In a quick montage, the viewer sees how things are set up (make-up, camera angles, etc.) and then Jerry calls for quiet so things can begin. In order to achieve a particular camera shot, Marcus, unbelievably endearing, has to hold a camera on his shoulder while he gets himself hard. Hey, who ever said porn was easy? After just shooting B-roll, it's time for lunch and a poor assistant is given the chore of finding out if pizza delivery can reach the ranch. Bruce Balderson is not only the owner of the ranch, but the set designer. He provides a tour of the ranch, including a truck that has seen much porn action (regular porn viewers will recognize this ranch as an oft-used set for many flicks over the years). After some giggly fun, it's back to work, non-sexual again, time consuming, intense, but peppered with good spirits from all. After all, it is only Day Two. The two directors are so detail-focused that when John notices Dean at one point with an unbuttoned shirt, he calls for a re-shoot. Jerry, aided by editor Andrew Rosen, likes it because he wants to see the package, but John's ideas of continuity wins the moment. Again, minute details like these may seem inane, but when people are creating porn as close to art as possible, everything matters. "A lot of talk, talk, talk," Marcus notes. "Tomorrow we get to have sex. That's the good part."
The third day finally brings sex, and it's actually the film's final scene, the one between Marcus Iron and Dean Phoenix that is as beautifully rendered a scene as has ever been captured for porn (at least I think so). They have become friendly, but Dean is clearly nervous because he has never bottomed on film. Weather conditions have forced the shoot inside the barn, which causes all sorts of prickly issues for production. John is nervous about the scene too, because of the flip-flopping and Dean's return to porn after such a long absence. There is then a montage of the scene itself, with Marcus clearly the dominant player, doing his best to keep Dean comfortable while maintaining the heated sensuality of the moment. Marcus has two of the sexiest eyes in the biz and he knows how to use them. Jerry almost explodes in happiness that the two have nearly simultaneous cum-shots, but the models are exhausted and freezing! P.A. Cole Morgan (of the pizza incident) has never been on a porn set before and sums up the day's activities perfectly in being so impressed at everyone's attention to detail. Of course, Cole is working with some of porn's absolute best, so anything less would be unexpected.
It's the fourth day and models Dave Angelo and Hank Locklear arrive. Strapping Dave is awfully excited to play the "bad bad" biker. Also beefy, with gorgeous eyes, is Hank, who will share the scene with Dave and Dean. He's a porn newcomer, and is understandably feeling lucky that he is in such good company. Dave is a hoot pandering to the camera during a photoshoot and then it's off to Sacramento where the scene will be shot. Another quick montage of the scorching three-way doesn't give away too much (the documentary should make one want to watch "BuckleRoos," of course). "That scene was glorious," Jerry says after he calls it a wrap. Hank is upset with himself over how the scene went, but John proves himself a wonderful therapist in giving Hank a great pep talk and assuring him he did a fantastic job. Unflappable Zak allows the models to ride him (no, not like that) in the parking lot before dinner and Jerry snaps, "if you get a hernia, I'll kill you." It's been four days, and Zak has been company cheerleader through them all, the ultimate pro.
I guess nothing exciting happened on the fifth day (maybe the gods rested ... or maybe Mr. Pam's batteries ran out), so it's flash-forward to Day Six and the arrival of Todd Maxwell. Todd plays a policeman who has sex with Marcus, which involves (ssssssshhhhhhhhhh), some pot smoking. Mr. Pam herself has to roll the joints. "I guess that looks like a joint," she notes as she says she's never done this before in her life (take that as you will). As if the models aren't enough, I should point out that the guys behind the scenes are every bit as drool-worthy. I've already mentioned Todd Montgomery and Andrew Rosen, but sexy bearded Kristofer Weston makes an appearance to tell a humorous story about why shooting was interrupted. The sex scene is shot awfully close to a highway, but hairy stud Todd Maxwell and Marcus do a fantastic job of it. The only complaint comes from Todd, who understandably is a tad uncomfortable being fucked at a certain angle by a nightstick! Back at the ranch, Dean is having fun shooting still, and looking amazing doing so.
Ricky Martinez is new to the action for Day Seven. "When it's fully hard, it's 12" long and 9" wide" is the very first thing he says, even before being fully seen. The sultry Latino ain't lying, either. He is quite proud of it and even does some tricks with it too. Ricky is there to shoot a particularly interesting solo scene. He is working with Arpad Miklos, the only porn star alive who might be as massive as Zak Spears. The two don't touch in the scene, but with Jerry directing, it's as sexy as any other of the movie's scenes.
It's been a week now, but still the cast is arriving. Sammy Case and Timmy Thomas, two adorable twinks, arrive to play Bible-thumpers who end up getting thumped by Marcus. The young boys seem excited to be filming, and once again, Marcus is the catalyst for making all comfortable, both in character as a performer. I have to confess, I wasn't at all excited by the scene when it started as I initially watched "BuckleRoos," but it soon won me over as a scorching three-way where Marcus really did initiate two newish kids into the glory of the film.
One of my personal favorite performers (this set is actually filled with many, I have to admit) is Owen Hawk, and he shows up on the ninth day. Dean and Marcus delivered their performances with splendid full characterizations and Zak Spears was brilliant, but for my money, Owen's performance in "BuckleRoos" was a clear highlight. John admits to not even knowing who he was before he was cast, but through Jerry's ministrations, Owen is there. Owen is an exceptional porn actor and watching him film his dialogue scene is a treat. And then all hell breaks loose. Brad Benton arrives. In all the many DVD extras I've seen over the years, no one knows how to clown around and make the most of enjoying himself between takes like Brad Benton. He's hysterically animated from the onset.
The sex scene for Owen and Brad isn't shot until the next day. It's a three-way for the boys and scorching Diego de la Hoya, and as the three make their entrance to the set, Brad introduces them as Diana Ross and the Supremes. That's the kind of giddy nonsense to which Brad is prone and I can't imagine it doesn't break the ice of nervousness and tension on the set. Diego seems the most out of sorts, but he turns in a thrilling performance, no doubt helped by ultimate experts Brad and Owen. An interview with Diego actually sparks questions about what it's like to have sex on camera, and various answers from Brad (cutting up as usual), Zak, Ricky, Sammy and others all show an agreement that these guys are exhibitionists who love what they do.
A natural question arises about what others think of what these guys do. Kristofer's family seems ideally thrilled with it and Diego was once a Pentecostal minister (I can't imagine having listened to one of his sermons and hearing the words, too busy imaging him naked), but his road to familial acceptance hasn't been so easy. Photographer Jeff Burton's family is fine with it, though Ricky Martinez's family doesn't know. He figures if they see the flicks, they will find out that way. The next question is how they all got started working in porn. Kristofer had done bondage videos, Dean was a bar back going through a particularly bad break-up by attempting a new career, Ricky was a stripper in NYC, Jeff answered an ad in a gay magazine, Timmy was a stripper and Arpad came all the way from Hungary. Since this shoot isn't about just the models, a lot of the off-camera people get to explain their roles. Ongoing questions include sexual orientation and the past wearing of lingerie.
At long last, Mr. Pam allows herself a moment to be explained. John says that he doesn't normally allows women on the set because he knows some of the guys have enough problems getting naked in front of other men, let alone women, but he knows how comfortable she makes everyone. Dick C. Normous (probably NOT his real name) is a P.A. on the set, and straight. He is totally fine with it all, and not above flirting or showing his ass to help a guy get hard. Ricky Martinez is straight, but he's happy doing this, willing to share his cock (of which he's shamelessly proud) pretty much with anyone who wants it.
When asked if they get turned on at work, pretty much everyone agrees. Zak has to jack off three times a night just from watching everything and Todd Montgomery loves to watch them kiss. Sammy has my favorite answer, because he says that it was Marcus' eyes (and he talks about all the colors in them) that got him all hot. "What turns you on?" That's the next question. Brad and Zak answer in tandem with fun answers, Sammy is very serious in saying that arguments turn him on and since Timmy is bisexual, he likes European sex because it involves both men and women. One thing that always mystifies me in DVD extras is when it's shown how hard it is for the models to cum. As if being adored and worshipped isn't pressure enough, showing how hard it is to cum after all those grueling hours doesn't seem fair, but it's an unavoidable topic here.
There are a ton of other questions posed and answered and most of the guys are intelligent and honest in their answers, though of course Brad Benton has the most fun with every inquiry. Diego believe that porn is quite educational for many reasons. His answers are particularly smart, avoiding sanctimonious drivel by being so forthright and well-thought.
After all of the Q&A, it's suddenly Day 14, the last day at the ranch. There's a real problem because Dean has food poisoning and he has a sex scene to shoot. John is quite frank in addressing viewer concerns about why something doesn't always look right, and it's reason like unsuspected shooting conditions such as this. Blond and beefy, Josh Hardman is Dean's scene partner, and he's fine (mighty fine), ready to go, but Dean is ill and John very concerned. A real trouper, Dean shows up at 10:30 p.m. to shoot the scene, with the crew having waited for hours for this moment. "I thought that scene was NOT going to work," John says emphatically, but he was proven so wrong as it turned out to be a gripping scene.
Day 15 means leaving the ranch. Jerry makes a lovely point in putting the movie in context. "It's not the Old West, it's not the New West, it's the Fabled West." He has created a fantasy with a particularly American spirit in mind, with no pretension to anything further, other than its central theme of burgeoning love, which isn't lofty, but rather sweet.
I can't believe that everyone is still alive for Day 17, back in San Francisco, to shoot an orgy scene. Actually, the evening before, Chi Chi LaRue makes a cameo appearance ("I will not be on John Rutherford's behind-the-scenes" he says with typical wit and then goes on to ham it up for the camera). But, at 7:00 a.m., Mr. Pam is yawning, but ready to be there for the sex scene. John explains that for an orgy scene, all he can do is keep the camera going, because the guys have to just start and keep going. The room is chock-full of incredible hotties and if they can't each find at least one someone to play with, they are in the wrong business! Jerry and John hold hands at the end and roar, "it's a wrap" finally. Champagne is opened and John gives a heartfelt speech, thrilled to have the experience and very proud of the movie already. A sad Jerry is just as thrilled. Zak calls his life more enriched because, "I fell in love with friends." "This cast turned into a family," Jerry says as everyone hugs with genuine affection. The sentiment shown by a cameo camera can't be faked, particularly Marcus' wet eye in a fade-out as it ends.
Flip ahead to nine months later in West Hollywood. It's the 2005 GayVN Awards ( http://GayVNawards.com ), hosted by a rambunctious Chi Chi. "BuckleRoos" was the big winner that night (earning 11 awards, the most in GayVN history) and the awards won by the flick are shown. If I might interject some personal remarks here, I was present that evening and I can honestly say that the energy for the film was palpable. Even its competitors were supportive of it and each win was greeted with thunderous applause. It seemed the entire industry was squarely behind "BuckleRoos," perhaps because everyone knew it was at the forefront of upping the standards of gay porn.
With that sentiment in mind, Mr. Pam's documentary is a fairly honest assessment of what happened during the shooting of "BuckleRoos," it seems. Sure, it's hard to imagine that not once did a temper flare that someone didn't throw a bitch fit, but the point of this film is not to be a gossip-fest, but rather an actual documentary on what it is like to create porn. Luckily for everyone involved the film being shot was superb, but the documentary couldn't have worked even if that were not the fact. Shot and edited with sublime care, it's a riveting documentary with an interesting assortment of characters and a wonderful sense of humor about it all. As documentaries go, this is wonderfully watchable, even for those who may not have been fans of the film. On its own, it has legs and much to recommend.
DVD features: Chapters; gallery; trailers ("The Hole," "Sin Destino," "Three Dancing Slaves" and "eXposed"); and no regional coding (playable worldwide).
A DVD Review by Brent Blue