The Cat Dancers documentary that opened its run on HBO tonight is a fascinating film for anybody interested in relationship dynamics: Filmmaker Harris Fishman uses Ron Holiday's account of his long-running love triangle with his wife Joy Holiday and their fellow "Cat Dancer" Chuck Lizza as a lens into the nature of human sexuality and the complexity of relationships.
I found myself fascinated, first by Ron's stories about the animals they worked with and their training methods, and later by his account of the tragic deaths of Joy and Chuck and Jupiter,the beloved tiger that had to be put down in the aftermath... but most of all by the candid and respectful portrayal of a threesome that actually worked out and lasted, and of the film's open and honest handling of Ron's bisexuality.
The story and its characters are strange, but also strangely appealing, and I can't think of a more measured or sympathetic account of a bisexual relationship. For that matter, I can't recall ever hearing of any three-way love affair that lasted anywhere near as long as the Cat Dancers'.
It's a testament to both Ron as narrator and to filmmaker Harris Fishman that most viewers will come away from the film wanting to celebrate this relationship, mourn the death of the tiger that ended it, and cheer Ron on (he hopes to retire to a Thai monastery where the monks live among wild animals), all at the same time.
Cat Dancers will be on HBO On Demand starting tomorrow and will run through next month. Full schedule here.
Also... HBO has a nice interview with filmmaker Harris Fishman
Comments
17 December 2008@6:35 am. PAC
For seemingly lack of another place to post my questions and comments re. "Cat Dancers"--Ron Holiday, well...here goes!
I understand persoanl love and bonding with domestic cats and dogs. That said, I parially understand "why" Ron and Joy may not have had Jupiter put-down after he killed Chuck. Even so, I think I would have had Jupiter put-down for my own and my wife's protection.
[I would like to point out: my son-in-law is a professional rock climber, "thrill-seeker." He fell the other week in Canada and broke his heel. However, this did not disuade him from his next, dangerous expedition.]
I do not understand Ron's comments about Jupiter as an in-bred White Bengal--what is/how exactly inbreeding of Jupiter was not detected early-on, effected Jupiter's behavior (Liger?) re. training, etc.
I can partially relate to (Ron's description of0 Joy's depression symptoms. I beleive the vast majority of persons (women) with this behavior do snap out of it. However, if Joy didn't want-to, did Jupiter somehow know this and unconsciously do her bidding as a favor?
The documentary leaves me with the feeling that if law enforcement hadn't mandated euthanasia of Jupiter, Ron may have eventually done same. Because, in the end I believe Ron probably did right by [his cats--his family] euthanising all the rest of his cats.
I'd like to think this message somehow makes it to Ron Holiday, himself and if so, I would welcome a response from him.
I have no way to evaluate his story as others have freely done; but, apparently Ron and Joy lived alternative lifestyles long before they met Chuck--none of which detracts from the message of Ron's documentary, his right and need to heal.
I believe enough of Ron's account is credible to say neither Joy nor Chuck would be displeased with his documentary, that Ron's testimony--whether he did/not receive money for it--is an essential part of his healing process.
I believe performers give of themselves to their audiences in ways fans cannot see or understand. Regardless of how much anyone else more familiar with Cat Dancers dis/believes Ron Holiday's story, the fact remains that two most important people in his life met a gruesome end.
In my opinion, he deserves every opportunity available for him to heal himself. He is the only one left behind to grieve for loss of his entire family--including their beloved cats.
Jupiter wasnt a liger, he was a white tiger as a result from inbreeding. Its common practice and unfortunate in many cases for the tiger and/or owner. Its the easiest way to make a white tiger and its common knowledge of people in the circle of dealing with large cats.
I think the way Ron explain the first incident with Jupiter they all believed it to be an accident from circumstance. Such as the workers being on the property and Chuck stumbling on some building supplies while wearing slippers. So I can see why Joy and Ron didnt feel the need to put their cat to sleep after the first tragedy.
Cat Dancers was an amazing act...good people and Ron's words inspired me to be the performer I am today...love em and miss em.
Ron Holiday killed both Chuck and Joy--watch the documentary carefully,y'all.
I agree with Eva. Ron came off as creepy in the documentary and who know what really happened. Did law inforcement look at him closely?
My boyfriend and I loved Ron's story. It was tragic and eye-opening. I feel terrible for his loss. He was fascinating and I would love to know what he is up to now.
Chuck's Mom made an interesting comment about the cats being moved from the cages and hindsight. I also wondered why the cats were being moved from their cages. Especially with the workers being there. Joy's comment during the show was that the cats learned the cages were their safe place. Wouldn't it make sense to keep the cats were they felt safest while the workers were there?
The documentary left me thinking Joy committed a tiger assisted suicide.
I also think Joy betrayed Ron by following her young lover instead of staying behind and healing from the trauma of Chuck's death with the help of her husband.
I would have to say that Ron was jealous of Chuck. He was jealous of Chuck and Joy's one on one encounters. It was also obvious that Ron was jealous of Chuck because the white tiger chose Chuck and not Ron.
However, I do not think this jealousy lessened the love Ron had for Chuck.
One final thought is that Ron is showing great love and respect for Joy by not revealing Joy's suicide secret.
First Im sorry for my english...Im from Panama and I saw the documentary being in Cuba at the hotel. From the first begining I realize that this documentary will have a sad end. It was a documentary that I really like because everything that has to be with been gay and the deep love that two men or two woman can share other than just sex. Chuck was so cute and nice, Joy was so lovely and dedicated to her job and that was posible because of what Ron talk about them, I believe there was a moment that both of them Ron and Joy really love Chuck instead of each one as a couple and I dont believe that Ron has nothing to do with their death. Wild animals always will be wild animals and in this world the most wild and dangerous animal is the human being. But many humans like me everyday fight for our dreams and our goals knowing that life is very short and that we have to live ours days as the last one...Bye and I hope someone can comment or answer me...Chao
Ron is guilty just like OJ. This twisted love triangle ran it's course. Now HBO is enabling Ron to profit from killing Chuck Lizza and his wife. This should have never been on HBO.
guiltyron is are a sicko!
Big up Ron Holiday, his wife Joy,
and their trainer/friend/confidante/and lover, Chuck Lizza....bless up Jupiter
Ron, we love you and are always praying for justice & love...
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