The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield

The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield is a 1968 pseudo-documentary and exploitation film starring the 1950s sex symbol, and one of the early Playboy Playmates, Jayne Mansfield. It features Mickey Hargitay, Rocky Roberts, and The Airdales, bringing forth a dramatic narrative that views like a dichotomy of glamour and controversy, leading as a tribute to the life and career of Mansfield's enigmatic personality.

The movie is essentially a pastiche filled with titillating adventures, laid out in a clever mashup of documentary-style filmmaking and voyeuristic escapades. It pilot strands of Mansfield's life through her tour of the world's pleasure spots and capitals of sin, capturing an exciting mix of exotic places and scandalous situations.

The film takes its audience on a virtual tour with Mansfield as she frolicks her way through some of the most popular and glamorous cities, to exotic locales. The sledgehammer blunt irony of the film lies in how it seamlessly juxtaposes Mansfield’s sweet, innocent personality with the wild, steaming cauldron of adult decadence, she finds herself in.

From the romantic canals of Spain's Barcelona to the jazz clubs in Paris and the lively beaches of Cannes, it's all there. The viewer gets an eye into Las Vegas's casinos, the watering holes in New York, and even transgressive encounters like topless dancing in crazy Parisian clubs and urban black masses.

In this movie, Jayne comes alive again with all her vibrancy, guiding viewers through her world tour while providing candid commentary on the places and people she encounters. Mansfield's spontaneity and unapologetic frankness create a pulsating surreal journey capturing the free-spirited audacity of the era.

It's her mesmerizing charm and unstoppable bravado that keeps the audience engaged. Mansfield, as always, adds final flourish to her characters, embodying the rebellious freedom of the 60s, an era remarkable for the breaking of many cultural norms and boundaries.

Joining Mansfield in this surreal voyage are Mickey Hargitay, her bodybuilder ex-husband, Rocky Roberts, and music group The Airdales. The presence of Mickey Hargitay adds an interesting dynamic and poignant subtext to the journey, while Rocky Roberts and The Airdales infuse a musical energy in the narrative.

The film has its own style, blending together the colourful, swinging sixties vibe with the dark undertone of the narrative. The camera work is intuitive, perfectly capturing Mansfield's pioneering spirit and sense of adventure. The narrative style is unique, befitting the unique personality of Mansfield. It includes reenactments, stock footage, paparazzi photos, and interviews, often drifting between provocative and amusingly crass.

Director Charles W. Broun, Jr. presents motifs of the age – swinging hotspots, wild parties, earthy sensualism, fetish clubs, and more - with a brilliantly dry, tongue-in-cheek caricature of the '60s pop culture. The film doesn't, however, lose its satirical edge and becomes a testament of the era’s flamboyant beauty.

Though it was made posthumously - following the unexpected death of Jayne Mansfield in a tragic car accident the previous year - it isn't just a movie but a tribute to a larger-than-life personality. As one delves into the wild world of Mansfield, it's easy to see why she remains one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood's history.

In essence, The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield isn’t only daring but deeply intimate, providing a colourful yet controversial look into the life of the eponymous star. It may not be the most accurate biographical mirror, but it certainly reflects the spirit and daring of its enigmatic leading lady. Despite its provocative and explicit content, the film endorses the unrestricted liberation and spirited adventure of Mansfield's personality, creating a beautiful homage to her life.

So, if you're a fan of vintage films or intrigued by the allure of the swinging '60s and its iconic personalities, The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield may be the ticket. It's a wild ride, much like the woman at its heart.