“Barbara Forever is more than a tribute— it is an inspiration and a milestone.”
After the passing of Barbara Hammer in 2019, a void was created in the world of cinema. Barbara Forever, which premiered at Sundance and was later showcased in the Forum section of the Berlinale, not only filled that void, but elevated her work to new theoretical heights. Brydie O’Connor’s documentary on Hammer transcends the conventional biography, transforming into an ‘archival performance’. As an audience, we get to rediscover Barbara Hammer, experiencing her life as a living portrait.
Barbara Hammer stands as one of the most revolutionary figures in queer cinema, not only for her visionary work but for being unapologetically herself. As a lesbian, she made her mark by being the first to create a lesbian film from a lesbian perspective. Her groundbreaking work Dyketactics (1974) was not just a film – it was a statement. She disrupted traditional narratives about sexuality and the female body, boldly portraying intimacy and desire that was rarely seen in mainstream cinema. Hammer’s films, such as Nitrate Kisses (1992), brought to the forefront not only sexual liberation but also the queer struggle for representation. She portrayed lesbian love, gender fluidity, and the beauty of bodies often ignored or misrepresented. Her work rejected conventional boundaries, both in form and in content, advocating for an openly queer cinematic language.
Hammer’s boldness didn’t stop there – her exploration of aging, death, and gender was equally fearless, addressing themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. Her contributions paved the way for countless filmmakers, creating a space where queer voices could be seen, heard, and celebrated. Barbara Hammer didn’t just make films; she created a legacy that continues to inspire. From Dyketactics to Nitrate Kisses, O’Connor’s documentary encapsulates everything Hammer sought to achieve. It shows how she dismantled the mainstream ‘Male Gaze’ and created a groundbreaking ‘Lesbian Gaze.’ Barbara Hammer wanted to be visible. In an era where queer cinema is more discussed than ever, this documentary reminds us that Barbara was the one who laid the foundation. Her courageous stance on ‘Right to Die’ before her death from cancer is depicted with great bravery.
The backbone of the film is its editing. Matt Hixon skillfully blends Hammer’s personal 1-inch video tapes, Super 8, and 16mm films with modern digital footage. Just as Hammer herself used multi-layering in her films, O’Connor adopts that style here. The work was recognized with an editing award at Sundance, and it is well-deserved. It’s not just a documentary; it’s a modern extension of Hammer’s ‘Tactile Cinema’ – cinema that you can feel.
What makes the documentary unique is its narration. There’s no external voice-over. The voice of Hammer herself, through old interviews and diary readings, takes us directly into her mind. It immerses the audience in her ‘subjectivity’ – her inner world. Her confidence and candidness about body and desire remain just as relevant today. We see how, for over fifty years, she translated gender identity and the aesthetics of the female body into cinematic language. Hammer’s long-time life partner, Florrie Burke, is the emotional heart of the film. As not just a witness but as a curator of Hammer’s legacy, Florrie’s presence gives the film a profound human dimension. When moments of Hammer’s farewell appear on screen, Florrie’s presence moves the audience to tears.
When Hammer says, “The art of living. The art of making. The art of dying. Guess what, the art of dying is the same as the art of living,” it resonates deeply. Barbara’s poetic essence has always endured, and today she remains as important as ever. O’Connor’s film reminds us of that truth. Barbara Forever is more than a tribute – it is an inspiration and a milestone. Brydie O’Connor proves that Barbara Hammer’s camera never stopped; it simply passed into other hands.
(c) Image copyright – The Estate of Barbara Hammer