Charismatic gay club performer Jason Holliday talks about his life to camera in Shirley Clarke’s documentary, described by Ingmar Bergman as 'the most extraordinary film I’ve seen in my life.'

Edited down from a 12-hour shoot, Portrait of Jason comprises an interview with Black, gay nightclub performer Jason Holliday, talking directly to camera about his fabulous life, with occasional off-screen interjections and provocations by director Shirley Clarke and her partner, Carl Lee.

A gifted raconteur, Jason’s tales of strife throughout his messy career – all laced with wit and expert comic timing – make for a constantly entertaining dialogue.

The film remains controversial for the techniques used by Clarke and Lee in interviewing Holliday. By the end, a very drunk Holliday becomes increasingly distressed by the questioning of Clarke and especially Lee, who berate him for his performative style and accuse him of lying.

Portrait of Jason remains a powerful, provocative and challenging work.