NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! From documentarian Jill Campbell, Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue takes viewers into the extraordinary career of Sports Illustrated editor Jule Campbell. The documentary also examines the controversy and critique of Sports Illustrated from feminist academics and the supermodels themselves.
Jill Campbell (Jule’s daughter-in-law) interviews Jule about her life and career before she passed away in 2022. Simultaneously, the documentary features various models discussing their careers at Sports Illustrated. New Jersey native Jule Campbell had a fascinating life. She aspired to be an artist, but her parents insisted she become an art teacher. In college, Campbell majored in advertising, and her career took an interesting direction. Prior to her long tenure at Sports Illustrated, Campbell worked at Glamour magazine. During this period, she became interested in fashion editing as she noticed women had control in this department. Campbell took her creativity and modeling insight to Sports Illustrated in the 1960s.
Sports Illustrated had a different brand approach prior to her arrival. This now popular magazine was known as an outdoorsman publication, but that all changed once Campbell brought her creative stamp. She elevated a winter fashion shoot by collaborating with photographer Walter Iooss Jr. During this shoot, Campbell and Iooss Jr. brought out Kathy Ireland’s innocent nature. Campbell’s first supermodel icon was Cheryl Tiegs. Tiegs stood out because of her “girl next door” persona and sun-kissed California vibes. At the same time, one issue featured Tiegs in a see-through one-piece swimsuit, sparking controversy. Throughout the documentary, Campbell described her method when working with models. Her goal was to make them relatable, coordinate the swimsuits with their personalities, and place them in natural environments. She also wanted the women to feel beautiful and cultivate tasteful imagery versus creating lewd content in the “Good Girl” magazines of the time.
“…her method when working with models… wanted the women to feel beautiful…cultivate tasteful imagery.”
The documentary is also packed with anecdotal memories from the models. Christie Brinkley recalled her encounter with elephants during a safari shoot. Tyra Banks acknowledged the importance of shooting on a South African beach with a Caucasian model after the end of Apartheid. We also see Sports Illustrated in the 21st century with its current editor, MJ Day, emphasizing the importance of diversity in women’s body types.
The film celebrates Jule Campbell’s powerful legacy and encourages debate about how models should be depicted within American culture. It is masterfully edited by Jill and Jill Woodward. Included are wonderful montages featuring Jule Campbell’s Super 8 home movies and beautifully restored photos from the various shoots. The photography conveys a classical aesthetic with lush lighting and visually engaging poses. Even the swimsuits and sportswear boldly pop against the exotic locale. Campbell’s vision and photographers’ masterwork still make an impression since our current era lacks detail due to an overuse of airbrushing and flat lighting. These well-crafted images should be displayed in a museum. Interview sequences highlight the models’ personalities. Paulina Porizkova stands out with her foul mouth and talent as a pianist.
This documentary provides a solid overview of the modeling industry and places Jule Campbell as an important artist within American culture. Audiences will be entertained by Campbell’s sharp wit and touched by her moments recalling family sacrifices. Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue is one of the year’s most compelling and thought-provoking documentaries.
Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue screened at the 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival.
"…one issue featured Tiegs in a see through one-piece swimsuit, sparking controversy."
