Bettie Page: (and the movie "The Notorious Bettie Page")
Obviously, I have much respect and admiration for the pin up queen herself, Bettie Page. She never considered herself an icon or a queen or any of the labels bestowed upon her, which might be one of the main reasons she is so appealing. She came alive in front of the camera, captivating her audience with her radiant smile. Looking at her pictures automatically puts a smile on my face, because she seems so genuinely happy in that moment. She led a very interesting life, sometimes difficult, but there was a sweetness and innocence and complete lack of self consciousness about her that has never quite been recaptured by anybody.as for the movie, many people didn't seem to really like it, but I thought it was beautifully done. Many people say it didn't delve into who Bettie "really" was, but I think that is the whole point of Bettie Page. She was always a bit of a mystery, somebody who seemed to be happy and herself and really come to life in the presence of cameras. She had no agenda, she wasn't out to break down feminist barriers or change the world, that wasn't Bettie at all. I think the film captured that about her quite well. I also think Gretchen Mol did a fantastic job portraying Bettie. She captured her sweet, free spirited innocence really well, even though they don't really physically look alike. It was a pleasure to watch and different than your typical Hollywood biopic.
Bernie Dexter:Next is Bernie Dexter, who is my number one muse! I know she got initially got attention because she looks like Bettie Page, but Bernie Dexter is in a category all her own. She has many of those sweet and innocent qualities that Bettie Page had, she comes alive and radiates in front of a camera just like Bettie. I love Bernies happy photos and use many of her pictures as reference and inspiration for my art. She has a beautiful face and figure but an even more beautiful spirit. Thank you Bernie Dexter for being a constant inspiration for me!
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