Circus of Books

Circus of books is a documentary film directed by Rachel Mason. Mason looks at “Circus of Books” a bookstore and a gay pornography shop in West Hollywood, California. The store was owned by her family when she was younger. The film while being about porn and LGBTQ culture also looks at relationships, family and healing. The Mason family dynamic is clearly displayed through the course of the documentary and Rachel does an elegant job while interviewing her family members. She never hides her relationship with the interviewees but instead leans into it, using emotions as a tool. The film shows us the blurred lined between family and business in the Mason family and sheds light on LGBTQ culture (and the taboos surrounding it).