I Shot Andy Warhol

Released 1996
Stars Lili Taylor, Jared Harris, Stephen Dorff, Martha Plimpton, Lothaire Bluteau, Donovan Leitch, Tahnee Welch
Directed by Mary Harron

In 1968, Valerie Solanas shot pop art icon Warhol, seriously wounding him. This film traces her bizarre life leading to that moment, including the writing of her "SCUM Manifesto" decreeing males biologically obsolete. Taylor is brilliant as the delusional Solanas, and the film depicts Warhol (Harris, son of actor Richard), his "Factory,"  and the period in convincing detail. Not for all tastes and slightly pretentious, but well made and fascinating.

Summary by Leonard Maltin

How frightening is it that such a psychotic person can be running around free on the fringe of society? In the beginning Valerie seems sane. She's been emotionally damaged by her childhood, but she seems functional. Her ideas are radical, but they seem natural for her abused psyche. Unfortunately, her illness grows to the point that her paranoia forces her to shoot Andy Warhol. It's a shame, because Andy was so pleasant to a person that no one else wanted around. I don't know much about Andy, but this portrayal is quite flattering. He comes across as aloof but encouraging. He never criticizes anyone (his hangers-on do that) and always has a kind word, but he doesn't want to get too close to anyone or anything. What's even more frightening than Valerie Solanas (literally) roaming the streets before shooting someone, is having Valerie Solanas roaming the streets after shooting someone. She spent three years in a mental institution and was released. Go figure. As was hinted at the end, I'm sure Andy Warhol spent many nights nervously looking over his shoulder. --Bill Alward, August 5, 2001