Vinegar Syndrome

A Labor of Love

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Vinegar Syndrome proudly presents the home video debut of Robert Flaxman and Daniel Goldman's portrait of regional filmmaking gone awry.

In the winter of 1974, a naive independent filmmaker based in Chicago found funding to make his first feature, to be titled "The Last Affair." The one stipulation mandated by his financial bakers was that the movie needed to include hardcore sex scenes. A LABOR OF LOVE documents the ensuing heart felt and earnest attempt to create an X rated movie. Between struggles with the cast and problems with crew and locations, the production forges on in a manner NBC News described as "A true human comedy" and Hadrian Belove of Cinefamily acclaimed as "a lost vérité masterpiece ... a movie-about-movies documentary classic."

Directors: Daniel Goldman, Robert Flaxman
Actors: Alex Boas, Henri Charbakshi, Robin Rutledge, Anna Welsh, Debbie Dan, Sissel Hansen
1975 / USA / 67 min / 1.85:1 / Color

Additional info:

  • Dual Layer DVD-9 | Region Free | 16:9 Anamorphic | 1.85:1 AR | MONO
  • Restored in 2k from 16mm Ektachrome camera originals.
  • Video interview with Robert Flaxman
  • Audio interview with Flaxman & John Iltis
  • Original theatrical trailer

Overall rating: 4.3333335 / 5 from 18 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

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Review topics: ["looks","craftsmanship","watch","documentary","film"].

Review highlights

Reviews

A Fascinating Portrait of Independent Filmmaking

"A Labor of Love is an honest, funny, and surprisingly human documentary about the difficult production of an independent adult film in 1970s Chicago. What begins as a behind-the-scenes curiosity becomes a thoughtful look at ambition, compromise, and the realities of low-budget filmmaking. The cinéma vérité approach gives every setback and awkward moment a natural immediacy. Vinegar Syndrome’s restoration preserves the rough texture of the original footage, while the interviews add valuable context. A unique and rewarding release for anyone interested in underground cinema and films about filmmaking."

Ioannis T. (5/5)

Super interesting documentary

"One of those types of pseudo documentaries where you’re never sure exactly what’s real and what’s scripted, but that adds to the fun of watching it. And at 67 minutes, it’s a very easy watch."

Clint B. (4/5)

An interesting watch

"Definitely an interesting watch. I'm glad I was able to get a copy when a few were found."

Eric W. (3/5)

Good Watch

"The movie looks great and it is an interesting watch."

Stacy H. (5/5)

Originality at Its Finest

"Such a great pickup. If you can find a copy, get it!"

Brock T. (4/5)

Labor of Love to buy.

"Looks like an interesting project! Thx VS!"

Jim T. (5/5)

Love the Labor!

"Vinegar Syndrome's DVD release of "Labor of Love" presents a compelling documentary that delves into the making of an obscure thriller, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The restoration work is impeccable, ensuring the film looks pristine and enhancing its gritty, suspenseful atmosphere. The additional special features are well-curated, providing valuable insights and making this release a must-have in order to fully appreciate the film's history and impact. Overall, this release is a treasure trove for fans of cult cinema and documentary enthusiasts alike."

Ryan G. (5/5)

Strange Documentary

"This is a bit of a strange one, although no doubt an interesting watch. Unlike a lot of modern documentaries, there is no real angle to what's being presented and as far as I can remember nobody is introduced by name. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if the title of the film being made is actually mentioned, although I could be wrong. In the modern world this would be a behind the scenes featurette, presented on the disc as part of the film release. I suppose the most interesting thing about it is the process of movie making and how producers can influence what's going on. It's well worth a watch, but I wouldn't give it an overwhelming recommendation."

Sam N. (3/5)

Excellent release.

"Excellent release."

James R. (5/5)

A Labor of Love

"An essential documentary"

Spencer P. (5/5)

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