Pornstar: The Legend of Ron Jeremy
Docurama Video
Directed by Scott J. Gill
Produced by Kirt Eftekar and Scott J. Gill
Featuring Ron Jeremy
Not Rated (Also available in R rated version)
Currently available on VHS and DVD
(out of four)

Somebody told me once that an important journalistic value is to try to remain unbiased and objective when reporting on any subject. It helps, however, if the journalist has some background knowledge and reference regarding a certain field, giving the writer more educated judgements when reporting. “Pornstar: The Legend of Ron Jeremy” is a documentary on Ron Jeremy, America’s unlikely Crown Prince of Porn and the only male porn star to successfully get his foot in the door of the American mainstream film scene. “Pornstar” chronicles Jeremy’s, aka Ronnie Hyatt’s, life, from his New York Jewish upbringing to his journey into the adult film scene and to his present exalted status among this booming medium.

All in all, this documentary is well-constructed, comprehensive and very entertaining, putting less emphasis on the porn industry and more emphasis on the person and the life that he leads.

There are many funny parts, such as when Jeremy describes one of his first auditions. The porn producers ask him what is so special about himself, to which he replies that he can kiss his own penis—and then shows them proof of his talents. It mentions that he doesn't sleep much because he is constantly on the move, so he finds sleeping time while he's driving down the Los Angeles freeway, constantly nodding off.

The documentary also talks about maintaining adult cinema's fine line between prostitution and performance art, which is secured by First Amendment laws.

“Pornstar” displays Jeremy’s endless vanity and self proclamation, selling his merchandise out of the back of his car and autographing as many things and taking as many pictures as possible, living a Spartan life while his untouched bank account grows hourly.

The documentary shows candid interviews with many of his friends, like Hustler Magazine founder Larry Flynt, Screw Magazine CEO Al Goldstein, Al Lewis and TV’s Grandpa Munster.

The life of Ron Jeremy is not as idyllic as one would think, however. There are very sad elements to Jeremy’s life portrayed in “Pornstar,” such as his inability to become close with many people, which seems to be the main reason for his constant travel.

The film crew also goes with Jeremy to one of his monthly AIDS testing appointments and shows the monthly stress that all active pornstars must undoubtedly endure.

The documentary shows a wide view of Jeremy's lifestyle and most importantly grasps the main reason of his fame in the eyes of both porn buffs and Americans alike. He is just another fat, ugly guy with a mustache, living the dream life that many of us cannot even begin to comprehend.

The DVD has many extras, including added interviews with his friends and “co-workers,” as well as commentary from the director and producers. It also features his complete and entire sorted list of appearances in both American and adult cinema.
pete@red-mag.com