Directed by Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard, a pioneering disco artist’s 1977 anthem becomes a cultural milestone for LGBTQ+ music. Through interviews with music legends, the story unfolds of Archbishop Carl Bean‘s ground-breaking impact on queer representation in mainstream culture. Featuring: Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, Questlove, Dionne Warwick, Maxine Waters and more.
Without missing a single beat Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard build an atmosphere that holds an outpouring of love and respect. I Was Born This Way is filled with such big, genuine, warm emotion and it only grows as time goes on. Being able to hold onto that consistently as it wades through the difficult conversations of homophobia, AIDS, death, religion and family, is actually quite impressive. The tone never shifts into a dark place, it remains true to the type of person that Carl Bean was, generous, kind and courageous.
Generosity is unquestionably a theme that runs fervently all throughout I Was Born This Way as Junge and Pollard bring together such a considerate, caring group of people to explore the impact that Bean had on the people around him and countless others. Something that feels so beautifully supported by the use of animation, which has a wholesome, emotional nature with a sweet edge, despite the harsh subject matter at points. It reflects that inherent goodness, which is a big part of Bean’s persona, weaving its way into the foundation of the documentary.
Another element which Junge and Pollard do very well is creating a balance. I Was Born This Way is of course dedicated to following the path of how this incredible singer went on to become an Archbishop, but it also takes the time to do justice to the issues he was so deeply involved with. Particularly when it comes to his work with the Minority AIDS Project, highlighting so well what he was fighting for and why he wanted his music to have a message. As well as the absolute need for people to come together and forge progress. Something that’s also nicely explored by Lady Gaga’s involvement and how Bean’s music influenced her own hit.
I Was Born This Way is an uplifting and celebratory documentary, never losing its bright, caring light even when exploring such harrowing topics. Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard really filled the documentary with love and generosity to do justice to the inspiring man that Carl Bean was. If you didn’t know who he was before you watched the film, you certainly won’t forget any time soon because he had an incredible story; family, friends and viewers alike will be thankful that it was told.
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