Fallen Angels (Alpha Blue Archives) Review

Reviewed by fu_q  on  7/2/2021

**Note – This review is based upon the web version of the film streaming on the AdultEmpire.com Unlimited service. As such, any bonuses haven't been given a rating, and there could be some discrepancies between this version and other releases.**

Review:
While held in disdain as a selectively-edited hatchet job against the adult film industry by some insiders, 1985's Fallen Angels nevertheless provides an interesting, contemporaneous behind-the-scenes look at the skin flick world of the mid-1980's. Re-released digitally by Alpha Blue Archives and streaming on AdultEmpire.com's Unlimited service, this film largely focuses upon a trio of porn starlets new to the industry (Kristara Barrington, Lisa Lake, and a short-termer named Kim), interviewing them (and, where applicable, their boyfriends) at various points over a several month period. Along the way, an assortment of others pop into the picture, as well, including the likes of Shanna Evans (actress), Raysheena Mercado (actress), Rosemarie (actress), Eric Edwards (actor), Ron Jeremy (actor), Hal Freeman (director), Bruce Seven (director), and so on. Jim South's legendary World Modeling Talent Agency is a consistent backdrop throughout the documentary, and Jim himself also plays a significant part in the release, coming off as somewhere between a father figure and a no-nonsense businessman.

From the onset, it's clear that this isn't going to be an adult-friendly release, despite Greg Dark having been given the directorial credit. Indeed, Dark has noted in his Rialto Report interview/podcast (LINK) that he was a member of a coequal--and often at odds--trio that put the film together, with the primary editor having been a "hardcore feminist" (Dark's words). As such, much of the material from the three main characters focuses upon the negative aspects of the industry, from griping about directors and their own lack of control over the product to impacts upon their personal lives (family, friends, and boyfriends) to their changes in attitude toward themselves. Two of the three actresses upon whom the production focuses (Lisa Lake and Kim) aren't particularly well-known, with the latter (Kim) showing up as a complete newbie desperate for money and for whom it's clear that things aren't going to work out well. She only lasts a handful of months. Kristara Barrington is certainly much better known, of course, but it's fairly clear that a wide (and fair) swath of the industry's participants really hasn't been chosen, which meshes with the editing to create what feels like a biased offering.

Regardless, there's much to be gleaned from this release, as long as its tugs at emotional heartstrings are taken with a grain of salt. For instance, there's behind-the-scenes footage of Hal Freeman's Caught from Behind 2, which ultimately led to the landmark court case that legalized the production of pornography in the state of California as protected speech. (The case itself is referenced in the documentary, as well, though at the time only the initial conviction had occurred, with the appellate process still pending.)

Additionally, footage of the New Wave Hookers red carpet premiere is provided, including Kristara's makeup and hair preparation prior to the event. (She seems much happier here.) Also of interest is the material covering some of the tangential career paths taken by the subjects. For instance, Raysheena Mercado is simultaneously a high-end escort, while Lisa Lake resorts to doing private (and sometimes uncomfortable) amateur lingerie photo-shoots with non-industry individuals. For her part, Kristara partakes in phone sex/Polaroid lines as an additional source of income. All of this is no doubt interesting.

In all, while seemingly biased, this documentary nonetheless captures on film a variety of snippets of the adult film industry from a bygone era that otherwise would be lost to time. There's literally nothing to get off to here (an obvious given), so this one is going to appeal to the historically-minded and fans of the inner workings of the porn world. Again... to be taken with a grain of salt... but certainly interesting and informative.


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