I SHOT ANDY WARHOL

New York, 1968: Valerie Solanas, an ex-prostitute turned feminist radical, wants Andy Warhol to produce her play. But the more he ignores her with his trademark indifference, the more enraged and homicidal she grows. She's determined to get famous - or get even.

NOTABLE ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION

IN THE FILM "I SHOT ANDY WARHOL"

Playing with gender roles is a deliberate choice in the film, accentuating the radical feminist rants of Valerie Solanas. Femininity in men, masculinity in women, cross-dressing, homosexuality, crass conversations and uninhibited sexual freedom are rampant.

The cinematographic style is equally reputable, in that it's reminiscent of art house presentations. There are stark Factory scenes with long shots, no music, a rather raw cinema verité approach. Then there are party scenes with disorienting hand-held camera, dizzying colors, delirious music - followed by inserts of Solanas' monologues under a single spotlight, conjuring images of beatnik coffee house readings. All of these creative choices accentuate each scene.

The film maintains a degree of objectivity, which can be a challenging feat. While the audience can understand and empathize with Solanas, her madness is also wildly obvious. What's more, her complex seems to be a hybrid between the 1960's feminist uprising and the "15-minutes-of-fame" art house subculture. The film, in that sense, comments on far more than the mere event of the shooting. This docudrama is unadorned and straightforward, yet mesmerizing.

CRIMINAL AFTERMATH

Warhol barely survived the attack- in fact, doctors had to open up his chest and physically pump his heart to get it beating again. He suffered health problems - both physically and mentally - for the rest of his life.

Solanas openly confessed, claiming "he just had too much control over my life." She was convicted of attempted murder and spent 3 years in prison, released in 1971. The shooting, many say, marked the end of the "Factory '60s". 

Warhol's Wounded Body After the Attack

Warhol's Piece Entitled  Solanas

SOLANAS STILL SCREAMING

Valerie Solanas is now a cult icon for radicals who identify with her S.C.U.M. Manifesto, and other writings. Feminists like Ti-Grace Atkinson, NOW New York Chapter president, described Solanas as "the first outstanding champion of women's rights." At her trial, another NOW member, Florynce Kennedy, declared Solanas "one of the most important spokeswomen of the feminist movement." Musicians have even written songs inspired by Solanas, such as Psycho Daisies' "SCUM Manifesto" and The Manic Street Preachers' "Of Walking Abortion".


"SCUM" CONCERT & PERFORMANCE ART IN SWEDEN
Based on Excerpts from Solanas' S.C.U.M. Manifesto

ANDY & ARTISTIC WARFARE

The art, the films, the 1960's counterculture. Andy Warhol was an uninhibited artist waging war on societal functions and the standard formulaic approach to art.

THE POP ARTIST

THE BLOW JOB

Note: NYU Film & Media Studies professor Sam Ishii-Gonzales offers a substantial review of Blow Job and other Warhol films.

THE INTROVERT, THE INDIVIDUALIST

WARHOL LIVES ON

Andy Warhol is ceaselessly celebrated by independent thinkers, rebel artists, and people simply interested in the history and culture of the 60's artistic revolution. The influence of this off-beat drummer marches forward in contemporary films, art, even consumer merchandise.

WARHOL MERCHANDISE

Bond No.9 Andy Warhol Fragrance

Pop Box of Notecards

Banana Split Bowl

Snow Jacket Collection

Warhol Shoe Collection

Bags & Canvas Totes

Cosmetic Case

15 Minutes of Fame Watches

Ice Cream Set