Charles Gatewood's Whipped & Shaved / Bloodbath

About This Movie

So, Charles Gatewood's Whipped & Shaved / Bloodbath is this raw and visceral take on the San Francisco scene of the early '90s. It's sort of a documentary but leans heavily into the surreal, capturing a world where folks are whipping and shaving each other, all in the name of art, I guess? The atmosphere is both unsettling and oddly fascinating. Pacing's a bit all over the place, but it keeps you engaged. The practical effects don’t shy away from the real stuff, and the performances, while not traditional, bring an authenticity that feels both intimate and confrontational. It’s definitely distinctive—more of a glimpse into a niche subculture than a polished narrative.

This film was released on limited home video formats, making it somewhat scarce today. Collectors tend to seek it out not just for its content but as an artifact of a very specific time and place in underground culture. The blend of documentary style with avant-garde performance art gives it a unique standing in the collection landscape, appealing to those interested in the more obscure aspects of film history.