Jule Campbell, the Mastermind behind the Sports Illustrated Suimsuit Issue gets her recognition in ‘Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue‘ during its West Coast Premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival.
Last night, the 25th annual Newport Beach Film Festival unveiled a love letter to an unsung icon that left audiences in awe: ‘Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue‘. This captivating biopic masterfully navigates the complexities of Jule Campbell’s extraordinary life as the founding editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, all while addressing the issue of facing sexism, being painfully underpaid because she was a woman and the challenges of being accused objectification of her subjects.
With pure tenacity and unyielding determination, Campbell emerged as the Godmother, not just in the world of photo-journalism but as a beacon of strength and intelligence. At 95, she reflects on her legacy with an introspection that resonates deeply, revealing a woman who championed beauty and sensuality while steadfastly protecting her models from objectification. The film, crafted by her former daughter-in-law Jill Campbell, is a heartfelt homage that masterfully intertwines family ties with a profound respect for Jule’s groundbreaking contributions.
Campbell, whether directly or instinctively followed the ancient Greek ideology in her imagery, showing that everything had intrinsic meaning—nothing was pointless. Beauty served a purpose; it was an active, independent reality rather than a nebulous quality that existed only when perceived and a key indicator of a good mind, holding significant importance in their culture.
‘Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue‘ echos the stunning imagery that defined Campbell’s work, while somehow still enjoying a quiet, private life on the farm. It elegantly balances the celebration of beauty with the celebration of the women who embody it, such as the legends she created in Cheryl Tiegs, Roshumba Williams, Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, Paulina Porizkova and Elle Macpherson—recognizing them as individuals with intelligence and personality, rather than mere mannequins promoting a bikini line. Jule’s insistence on naming her models was revolutionary, and this documentary captures the essence of her fight against the odds, presenting her as a complex, multi-dimensional figure.
What truly elevates this film is its exploration of the evolving landscape of feminism and femininity. It prompts vital conversations about empowerment and inclusion in a world that continues to grapple with perceptions of women’s bodies. Through Campbell’s lens, we see the changing tides of societal views, making the documentary not just a portrayal of one woman’s journey, but a poignant reflection of broader cultural shifts.
‘Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue‘ is ultimately a celebration of a woman standing firm in her moral and ethnical ideologies, showcasing Campbell’s unwavering mentorship and dedication (often to a fault) to her collaborators. The structure of the film mirrors her life—reflecting with grace, wisdom, and a touch of humor. It’s a cinematic tribute that inspires and empowers, encouraging viewers to celebrate beauty in all its forms, without compromising your values.
For more information about ‘Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue‘ visit: https://julecampbell.com/.
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Summary
‘Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue‘ is a glorious celebration of the legacy of Jule Campbell, a woman who reshaped sensuality, femininity and the modern beauty standard in America.
