La Bare

La Bare is a 2014 documentary film, a colorful real-life journey that delves deeply into the intriguing world of male exotic dancing. Directed by the versatile Joe Manganiello, the film shines a light on the surprisingly nuanced and dynamic world of male strip clubs. The film stars Dorman Dye, Manganiello himself and Randy Ricks among others, who are not just actors but also noteworthy individuals from the world the film explores.

The setting of La Bare is one of America's foremost male strip clubs, La Bare Dallas in Texas. This venue has been famous for decades and is something of a cultural institution in the niche world it operates within. From bachelor parties to birthday celebrations, La Bare has been catering to women of all ages, providing entertainment that's both titillating and tastefully done, and for years has served as a beacon of liberation and personal expression.

The narrative revolves around the lives of the men who work as strippers at La Bare, the various motivating factors that led them to this unconventional profession and how it shapes their lives. The film astutely dissects the professional and personal lives of these entertainers, offering viewers an intimate look into a world which outsiders may simply write-off as shallow or frivolous.

The film turns the spotlight on the individuals behind the spectacle, showing their humanity, their dreams, and challenges, setting aside the preconceived notions and prejudices that typically surround this profession. Primarily, it’s a story about everyman’s need for camaraderie, love, respect, and acceptance, knitting these stories together in a captivating narrative accompanied by lively and entertaining strip performances.

Each character in the film has a story to tell. Viewers will encounter enthralling personalities such as the evergreen Randy "Master Blaster" Ricks, the oldest active male stripper in the world, who brings a sense of unstoppable vitality and decades of wisdom to the table. Then there are younger, passionate performers, each with their unique style and each tackling the job for varied reasons. Some turn to this profession out of necessity, others for the thrill, and still others as a means to procure quick money and establish their lives outside of the club. There is also a heartfelt examination of the camaraderie that forms among these men, breaking stereotypes of machismo and competition.

La Bare also explores the pulsating energy and opulence of the performances themselves, evocative sequences that are unique mixtures of athleticism, charm, and theatricality. These performances, carefully choreographed spectacles, are a testament to the performers' dedication to their craft and the film perfectly captures them in all their glory and sometimes diaphanous outfits!

Above all, La Bare serves as a study of gender dynamics. It investigates how male sexuality is displayed and commodified, and how that contrasts with conventional portrayals of feminized strip clubs. The film offers nuanced insights into a reverse world, where women are the consumers of erotic services rendered by men, thereby probing into broader discussions about masculinity, sexuality, and objectification.

The director, Joe Manganiello, known for his acting roles in films and shows like Magic Mike (a film that also dealt with male stripping) and True Blood respectively, took a turn behind the camera for La Bare. He infuses the film with a stark realism, doing away heavy-handed commentary or judgment. Instead, he allows the stories of these men to unfold naturally, resulting in a documentary that is both authentic and captivating.

Manganiello's assured direction, the charismatic cast, and the striking subject matter all combine to make La Bare a must-watch film. It’s not just a movie about men stripping for women's pleasure. It’s a human story, a peek into the life-choices that are often judged harshly by societal standards. It’s about the joys, trials, and tribulations of a group of men who are more than just their jobs; they are individuals with ambitions, dreams, and spells of self-doubt just like everyone else. It eloquently delivers the message that what people do for a living doesn’t define who they are as a person.

La Bare provides a refreshing and respectful take on a frequently misjudged profession, skillfully balancing entertainment and introspection. For those curious about a world that is often relegated to the shadows, or simply for lovers of well-crafted character-centric documentaries, La Bare is a compelling choice.