The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo would be a great title for a hard boiled noir mystery. Instead, this pseudo documentary strives to be something more. The comedy documentary is about a man named Rigo Pex who cannot seem to escape the elegant bird. When he sets out on a journey to discover the reason for these encounters, he learns more than expected.
The movie is an interesting mix of documentary and fiction. It can be a little confusing at times since it is hard to tell what is real and what is staged. That does not prevent each encounter from being an absorbing one, however. During The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo, Pex talks to many experts to try to find answers. This includes visits to pop band Kero Kero Bonito and cult film director John Waters. These talks provide him information about the bird and the color pink.
Pex also changes over the course of the movie. As The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo begins, he only dresses in black. During his trip, he learns about brighter colors and what they mean to a person. He slowly begins adding more color to his wardrobe. As he closet becomes more varied, his personality becomes more energetic. The journey becomes one of self discovery.
As it’s name may suggest to some, The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo is filled with vivid colors. Along with an abundance of pink, there are light blues and bright yellows that pop off the screen. There are scenes that will overwhelm the audience. There is also a bouncy soundtrack that brings even more life to the film. The movie is pushing the idea of living life the the fullest the entire time.
Director Javier Polo makes an interesting choice when shooting interviews. There are many split screen and solo shots of the person talking. In a movie filled with energy and life, these parts are cold and sterile. Nevertheless, The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo is a fun film. Part documentary part comedy, the movie is an irreverent look at passion and personality. It never takes itself too seriously while never feeling like a waste of time.
A different kind of mystery
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