Variety Poster

Variety 1985

★ 5.343 votes101 min📅 1985-02-27

"Christine watches men watch women"

In *Variety* (1985), New York City's neon-lit underbelly becomes the stage for a psychological unraveling when Christine, a guarded ticket seller at a Times Square adult theater, becomes entangled in a world of voyeurism and obsession.

Director: Bette Gordon

Cast

Sandy McLeod
Sandy McLeod
Christine
Richard M. Davidson
Louie
Luis Guzmán
Luis Guzmán
Jose
Will Patton
Will Patton
Mark
Nan Goldin
Nan Goldin
Nan
Mark Boone Junior
Mark Boone Junior
Business Manager / Porn Customer
Cookie Mueller
Cookie Mueller
Woman in Bar
Suzanne Fletcher
Suzanne Fletcher
Woman in Bar
Spalding Gray
Spalding Gray
Voice on answering machine (voice)
Peter Rizzo
Driver

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Variety (1985) about?

Christine, a reserved ticket seller at a Times Square porn theater, finds herself drawn into the world of adult cinema and its patrons, leading to a psychological spiral. The film delves into themes of voyeurism, female agency, and the allure of forbidden desires.

Who directed Variety?

Bette Gordon directed *Variety*. Known for her provocative style, Gordon crafts a visually striking and thematically rich drama that challenges societal norms.

Who stars in Variety?

The film stars Sandy McLeod as Christine, alongside Richard M. Davidson, Luis Guzmán, Will Patton, and Mark Boone Junior in key roles.

Is Variety (1985) worth watching?

As a gritty, atmospheric drama, *Variety* offers a unique cinematic experience for fans of indie films and character-driven storytelling. Its themes of obsession and identity remain compelling, even decades after its release.

How long is Variety?

*Variety* runs for 101 minutes (1 hour and 41 minutes).

🎥 Trailer

About Variety (1985) — Christine's descent into obsession in Bette Gordon's indie drama

In *Variety* (1985), New York City's neon-lit underbelly becomes the stage for a psychological unraveling when Christine, a guarded ticket seller at a Times Square adult theater, becomes entangled in a world of voyeurism and obsession. Bette Gordon's moody drama explores the blurred lines between power and desire, as Christine's curiosity shifts from detached observation to intense fascination with the mysterious patrons who frequent the screenings. The film's gritty aesthetic and introspective tone capture the tension between repression and liberation, making it a cult classic of 1980s indie cinema.

Sandy McLeod delivers a standout performance as Christine, whose journey through the film's shadowy corridors of desire reflects broader themes of identity and autonomy. With a runtime of 101 minutes, *Variety* is a slow-burn character study that lingers in the mind, blending drama with a noir-like atmosphere that's as haunting as it is hypnotic.