Robert Having His Nipple Pierced

About This Movie

This 1971 documentary takes you on a peculiar journey, capturing a raw moment in Robert Mapplethorpe's life as he gets his nipple pierced. The atmosphere is strikingly intimate, a blend of tension and curiosity. His boyfriend’s presence adds a layer of personal support, while Patti Smith’s rambling voiceover shifts the focus into an almost dreamlike state, weaving together memories of her childhood, her brother, and glimpses of her own identity. It’s like a snapshot of a time when personal expression was really pushing boundaries. The pacing is slow, almost uncomfortable at times, but it really allows you to feel the weight of the moment, making this film stand out in the documentary landscape of the 70s.

This film is a unique piece of 70s counterculture that remains elusive in collector circles. It's not widely available in mainstream formats, adding to its allure for those intrigued by Mapplethorpe's provocative work and the era’s artistic exploration. Its scarcity makes it a point of interest, especially among collectors who appreciate the intersection of performance art and documentary filmmaking.