Beauty Queen is all about our own perceptions. Self image, self confidence and, to a degree, self denigration. Today’s retro review looks at this 2018 offering from Nicholas Goodwin. He penned and directed this short film about the true nature of beauty.
Timothy J Cox is the proud father of Christina (Christina Goursky) a natural beauty. She lacks confidence in herself and struggles with her own self image. Christina does not see herself as the belle of the ball or the queen of the catwalk. Although she does aspire to be both these things and more.
In class and at home, with her dad, she is comfortable being the smart one. However, alone in her room, she primps and poses. She wants to be pretty. Like many teen girls, she does not realize that her beauty shines through society’s paradigms.
Not wanted
Despite being selected for the private liberal arts college Sarah Lawrence, she bravely dares to become a model. Christina is not chosen by the agency. The snooty lady in charge (Thea McCartan) sends the young girl to a photographer.
Sebastian, played by James Jelkin, is the sort of photographer you warn your kids about. His idea of beauty has no innocence. His idea of a queen is not fitting for a teenager. Christina’s visit to the seedy side of modelling happens as her dad finds those practice pictures. He understands her dreams all too well.
Goodwin has given us a film that not only tugs at the heartstrings, it brings out the over protective side in fathers everywhere. His direction is deft and cinematographer Marcus Johnson gives us a range of depth. His edits are crisp and sharp. *The incredible lack of light in the photographic studio is beyond creepy. This sets us up for the punchline and the twist in the tale.
HOme truths
The interaction between Cox and Goursky feels real and unforced. Their easy give and take and, later, the heartfelt talk between father and daughter adds volumes toa Beauty Queen’s story.
This is 5 star effort. It is difficult to pack this much into a film running just over 17 minutes but Goodwin and Co do it. Everyone sells the story almost effortlessly. Beauty Queen is worth watching.
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