Candy Darling

A Soulful Reflection on Warhol Muse, Candy Darling

Those of you who remember Candy Darling will want to see “Beautiful Darling” in order to get a glimpse of the individual behind the persona. Those of you who know nothing of Candy Darling are in for a treat. With “Beautiful Darling,” featured recently at the Chicago International Film Festival, director James Rasin gives us a fascinating look at Darling, who, in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, was a strong, magnetic presence among New York’s biggest artists, including Andy Warhol. She starred in two of his films, “Flesh” (1968) and “Women in Revolt” (1971). Darling was also featured in plays written by Tennessee Williams, and had songs written about her, the most famous being Lou Reed’s “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” (1972).

Such was the glamorous side of Darling’s life. The not-so-glamorous side was one of a young boy, born in 1944, growing up on Long Island with an abusive, alcoholic father. James Lawrence Slattery knew from an early age, as early as kindergarten, that there was something different about him. His alter ego, Candy Darling, would not fully emerge until years later. Luckily for us, Darling kept a journal, and the documentary features passages, voiced by Chloe Sevigny (HBO’s “Big Love”), that give insight to the struggles that Darling faced throughout her life.

This compelling story is told with the help of Darling’s close friend, Jeremiah Newton, who saved journals, letters and other memorabilia. Both current and vintage footage is included, allowing us to catch glimpses of Darling interacting with Warhol, Jane Fonda, Kim Novak, Dennis Hopper and others. Living as a transsexual was far from easy for Darling; in the sixties, New York had a law against “impersonating a woman.” A true transgender pioneer, Darling was adamant about living her life her way. As Darling put it, “You must always be yourself, no matter the price. It is the highest form of morality.” Candy Darling’s life was cut tragically short by cancer at age 29. She was not unaware of her intrigue, once stating, “There are so many types of fame, and my type is curious.” One can only imagine the trails she might have continued to blaze had she lived throughout the twentieth century.

Tyna S. Cline © October 31, 2010