Susanne Bartsch: On Top is a documentary film from 2017, directed by Anthony&Alex. The movie follows the life and career of Susanne Bartsch, a nightlife icon and promoter who has been influencing the fashion and party scenes in New York City for over three decades. The film shines a spotlight on Bartsch's iconic events, her extensive work in the LGBTQ+ community, and her contributions to the fashion industry.
The film features interviews with Bartsch herself, her friends, collaborators, and admirers, including designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano, performer Amanda Lepore, and makeup artist Pat McGrath. Other famous faces such as RuPaul, Björk, and Lady Gaga also make appearances in archival footage.
The movie begins with Bartsch's early life, growing up in Switzerland and her interest in fashion and nightlife. She moved to London in the 1980s and started promoting parties, which soon became famous for their over-the-top themes and creative costumes. In 1986, she moved to New York City, where she continued to create unique and extravagant parties, ultimately becoming one of the most prominent figures in the city's nightlife scene.
Throughout the documentary, Bartsch talks about her motivation for creating such events, explaining that she wants to create a safe space for people to be themselves and express their creativity. Her events have been a launchpad for many performers, such as drag queens RuPaul, Lady Bunny, and Joey Arias.
The film also shows how Bartsch has used her platform to support and raise money for LGBTQ+ organizations, such as the AIDS charities GMHC and God's Love We Deliver. Bartsch is also seen mentoring young designers, providing them with a platform to showcase their work at her events. In the film, designers such as The Blondes and Zaldy share how Bartsch has helped them launch their careers.
Throughout the movie, we get a glimpse into Bartsch's personal life and the struggles she has faced, including the death of several close friends due to AIDS. Nevertheless, Bartsch remains upbeat and determined, using her experiences to inspire and uplift others.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its visual style. The film uses colorful and creative animations, which complement Bartsch's artistic and imaginative vision. There are also plenty of musical performances, including a memorable scene of Amanda Lepore lip-syncing to "My Cherie Amour."
Overall, Susanne Bartsch: On Top is a captivating documentary that celebrates the life and career of one of New York's most influential nightlife icons. The film does an excellent job of capturing Bartsch's unique personality and her dedication to creating a safe and inclusive space for all. Whether you are a fan of Bartsch's events or just interested in learning more about the New York City nightlife scene, this film is a must-see.
Susanne Bartsch: On Top is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 71.
