Discover the powerful story of Tura Satana in the documentary ‘Tura!’ directed by Cody Jarrett, which sheds light on her life as a cult cinema icon.
‘Tura!’ Review: A Moving Portrait of a Cult Cinema Icon
“Beautiful! Voluptuous! Deadly! Vicious!” Tura Satana, a former go-go dancer turned cult cinema icon, became a legend long before her passing in 2011 at the age of 72. Directed by Cody Jarrett and narrated by Margaret Cho, this documentary celebrates the 60th anniversary of her iconic role in Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! where she portrayed the fierce Varla. The film offers a captivating glimpse into Satana’s life, revealing hidden truths while raising new questions about race and gender in postwar America.
A Troubling Past
The documentary opens with a heavy revelation: Satana, born Tura Luna Pascual Yamaguchi, was raped by five men in Chicago just days before her 10th birthday in 1948. This traumatic event, recounted in her own words, shaped her resilience. Instead of allowing it to define her, Satana used it as motivation to fight back against societal injustices, particularly in a time when internment and racial discrimination were prevalent.
Struggles and Triumphs
Despite the severity of her assault, the perpetrators were never held accountable, and Satana faced blame even within her own family. Her mother attempted to erase her racial identity, leading to a tumultuous upbringing. However, Satana found her way into the world of burlesque at a young age, gaining financial independence but struggling with personal relationships.
Cinematic Journey
The film delves into Satana’s cinematic journey, beginning with her accidental debut in Billy Wilder’s Irma La Douce. While she was linked to several famous suitors, her personal life was marred by controlling relationships that often stifled her career.
See More ...
Legacy and Impact
Satana’s daughters, Jade and Lani, provide heartfelt insights into their mother’s complexities, acknowledging her shortcomings while celebrating her resilience. Following a series of personal tragedies, Satana found renewed fame with the rise of VHS and the resurgence of Faster Pussycat! as a cult classic. The film highlights her status as a countercultural icon embraced by new generations.
Conclusion
With impressive archival footage and interviews with notable figures, including John Waters and Dita Von Teese, Jarrett’s documentary captures the essence of Tura Satana, reminding us that even the sweetest kittens do have the sharpest claws.
Title: Tura!
Director/Screenwriter: Cody Jarrett
Distributor: Quiver Distribution
Running Time: 1 hr 46 mins
