Pink Narcissus review – garish colour and dreamlike images in a homoerotic vision of 60s New York

James Bidgood's experimental film "Pink Narcissus" was reissued in a restored form on June 9, 2026, showcasing its distinctive garish colors and dreamlike imagery. Originally shot in Bidgood's New York apartment throughout the 1960s, the film was first released in 1971 without Bidgood's name credited due to a dispute with its backers. His authorship was only publicly acknowledged 20 years later. The movie, which stars Bobby Kendall, mimics early cinema techniques, potentially due to limitations in recording synchronized dialogue. Bidgood cited "The Red Shoes" as an inspiration, though the title itself references Powell and Pressburger's "Black Narcissus." "Pink Narcissus" blends pastoral fantasies with urban settings, depicting city movie theaters and the surrounding poverty and alienation. Notable elements include its radio soundscapes and meticulously crafted neon skyline models.