I Shot Andy Warhol 1996
Directed by
Mary Harron
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Company, The
Plot Summary
The story begins right after the 1968 shooting at The Factory, illustrating the intense moment when Valerie Solanas is taken into custody for her attack on Andy Warhol. Flashbacks unveil her turbulent life: from struggling as a sex worker in New York to navigating the trials of a challenging childhood, ultimately leading her to achieve academic success in psychology. During her time at college, Valerie discovers her identity as a lesbian, uncovers her talent for writing, and develops a unique perspective on life.
This newfound clarity propels her into the lively downtown underbelly of New York City. Through her connection with her friend Stevie, Valerie encounters Candy Darling, who introduces her to the elusive Warhol. Additionally, she forms a relationship with Maurice Girodias, the head of Olympia Press. Although Valerie hopes that Warhol will produce her provocative play Up Your Ass, Girodias pressures her to craft an adult-themed novel instead.
The situation spirals as her manuscript is stolen, and she is misled into believing it was lost. As she signs a contract with Girodias, Valerie becomes increasingly suspicious that his offer may not be as benevolent as it seems. Her growing paranoia leads her to feel trapped under the influence of Warhol and Girodias, propelling her into a delusional state. The film comes full circle, ending where it all began, with Valerie’s frantic attempt on Warhol’s life. The aftermath sees Warhol living in constant dread of another attack and grappling with the psychological scars from the shooting. Through it all, The SCUM Manifesto emerges as a seminal text in feminist literature.
Timeline
The Shooting Incident
The story begins with the tumultuous aftermath of the 1968 shooting at The Factory, during which Valerie Solanas is taken into custody. This intense moment sets the stage for the exploration of her life and the motivations behind her drastic actions against Andy Warhol.
Valerie's Troubled Past
Flashbacks reveal Valerie Solanas's difficult childhood, showcasing her struggles growing up in a challenging environment. These experiences shape her into a resilient individual, eventually leading her to a degree in psychology.
Discovering Identity
While attending college, Valerie confronts her identity as a lesbian, an important revelation that profoundly impacts her understanding of herself and her place in the world. This period of self-discovery coincides with her burgeoning talent for writing.
Connection to Downtown New York
With a newfound clarity, Valerie ventures into the vibrant downtown underbelly of New York City. Here, she connects with her friend Stevie, who introduces her to influential figures in the city's art scene, including Candy Darling.
Meeting Warhol
Through her connection with Candy Darling, Valerie finally meets the elusive Andy Warhol. This encounter marks a crucial point in her life as she hopes to collaborate with him on her provocative play, _Up Your Ass_.
The Relationship with Girodias
Valerie forms a partnership with Maurice Girodias, the head of Olympia Press, who encourages her to deviate from her original writing pursuits. Under his influence, she feels pressured to create an adult-themed novel instead of pursuing her play.
The Manuscript Theft
The tension escalates when Valerie discovers that her manuscript has been stolen, further complicating her already tumultuous life. She is misled to believe it has been lost, which fuels her growing sense of anxiety.
Signing the Contract
As Valerie signs a contract with Girodias, she becomes increasingly wary of his true intentions. Her apprehension about the deal grows, leading her down a path of distrust and suspicion.
Paranoia Sets In
Valerie’s paranoia intensifies as she feels psychologically trapped by the stronghold Warhol and Girodias have over her. This feeling of entrapment distorts her reality, pushing her towards a state of delusion.
The Frantic Attempt
The film reaches its climax as Valerie makes a frantic attempt on Warhol's life, culminating the journey of her struggles and turmoil. This desperate act serves as both a physical manifestation of her inner chaos and a powerful commentary on her feelings of invisibility and betrayal.
Warhol's Aftermath
In the aftermath of the shooting, Andy Warhol is left grappling with the psychological scars and fear of another attack. His experience transforms him, highlighting the impact of Valerie's actions on both their lives and the larger art community.
The Emergence of The SCUM Manifesto
Through the unfolding events and Valerie's tumultuous journey, _The SCUM Manifesto_ emerges as a significant text in feminist literature. This work becomes a reflective and radical insight into her theories on gender and society.
Characters
Valerie Solanas (Lili Taylor)
Valerie Solanas is portrayed as a deeply complex character grappling with her identity and societal rejection. Initially a struggling sex worker, her intelligence and fierce ambition lead her to assert her voice through writing. However, her experiences of betrayal and manipulation drive her toward violence, highlighting her tragic descent into madness and desperation.
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol emerges as an enigmatic figure whose influence looms large over Valerie’s life. A prominent artist in the NYC art scene, Warhol represents the pinnacle of the creative world that Valerie aspires to enter. However, his aloof demeanor and contractual dealings lead to Valerie’s growing animosity and eventual attack.
Maurice Girodias
Maurice Girodias serves as the opportunistic publisher who pressures Valerie to conform to his commercial ideals. While he initially appears as a supporter of her writing, his true intentions are more self-serving. His manipulation contributes to Valerie's disillusionment and sense of entrapment in the literary world.
Setting
Time period
1960s
The 1960s were a transformative decade marked by cultural upheaval, feminist movements, and the rise of counterculture. This period saw a clash between traditional values and the burgeoning liberation movements which defined personal identities, particularly around gender and sexuality. The decade also experienced the emergence of new art forms and radical thinking, much of which is reflected in Valerie's life and interactions.
Location
The Factory, New York City, Olympia Press
The Factory was a famous studio in New York City, known for being a creative hub for artists and avant-garde personalities during the 1960s. New York City serves as the backdrop for Valerie's struggles, where the vibrant downtown underbelly means encounters with both artistic brilliance and harsh realities. Olympia Press, led by Maurice Girodias, is noted for publishing controversial and adult-themed literature, representing the literary revolution of the time.
Themes
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Despair
The theme of despair runs deeply throughout Valerie's journey, showcasing her struggles with societal rejection and personal turmoil. Her experiences as a sex worker and the challenges of her childhood highlight a profound feeling of hopelessness. This despair ultimately drives her to commit an act of violence, reflecting the extreme lengths to which one may go when feeling marginalized.
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Identity
Valerie's search for identity is a central theme in the narrative, exploring her evolution from a troubled past to discovering herself as a lesbian writer. Through her relationships, particularly with figures like Candy Darling and Andy Warhol, she navigates complex social dynamics that challenge her self-perception. This quest for identity culminates in her creation of feminist literature, such as **_The SCUM Manifesto_**, solidifying her voice in a male-dominated society.
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Paranoia
Paranoia is a crucial theme that escalates throughout the film, illustrating Valerie’s growing distrust towards those around her, including Warhol and Girodias. As her creativity is manipulated and her works stolen, her mental state deteriorates, leading her into delusion. This theme explores how external pressures and betrayals can warp perceptions and drive individuals toward drastic actions.
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