Richard Kern's The Sewing Circle is a brash and deviant little devil of a film, concerning a young woman (played by Kimbra Pfahler, boasting a "Young Republicans" shirt for added humor and irony) who decides to have the lips of her labia sewn together by a punk-rock woman (Lisa Resurrection), whilst her other girlfriend holds her hand for support. It's an immensely cringe-worthy film, as can be expected, due to its content, but the whole time, I must admit, I was unable to turn away.
Kern's films are so experimental and so different from what is socially acceptable that you must look at them through a lens of subversion and cinematic anarchy. One must respect all of what Kern goes for in his shorts: a punk-rock soundtrack, a gritty look to each short's videography, ribald acting, ridiculous costumes and characters, and added grossout elements are just some of what he manages to pack into each one of his shorts and, for the most part, achieves greatness time and time again.
The Sewing Circle is a frightening little film; Kern states it was made during a time when he was struggling with self-identification and body harm and mutilation was something that was going on around him quite pervasively. He, in turn, created a short film that takes the act to incredible extremes and shows what we do in the name of acceptance and beauty. He shows the sewing process in extreme detail, which made me realize that when other directors would decide to look away, Kern, an uncommonly brave soul, decides to zoom in and show process.
Starring: Kimbra Pfahler, Lisa Resurrection, and Carrie. Directed by: Richard Kern.