Flesh (1968 film)

Flesh is a 1968 American film directed by Paul Morrissey and starring Joe Dallesandro. A product of Andy Warhol's Factory, it is the second film in a trilogy, preceded by Trash (1970) and followed by Heat (1972).

The film follows a male hustler, played by Dallesandro, as he wanders around New York City for a day, encountering various characters and attempting to make money to pay for his girlfriend's abortion. The narrative is largely improvised and focuses on the mundane details of daily life, showcasing the characters' interactions and their struggles for survival.

Flesh is considered a significant work in the realm of underground and independent cinema. Its frank depiction of sexuality, drug use, and poverty challenged mainstream filmmaking conventions of the time. The film’s improvisational style and focus on marginalized characters helped to establish the Factory's signature aesthetic, influencing subsequent independent filmmakers. Although controversial upon its release, Flesh has since been recognized for its artistic merit and its impact on the development of American cinema.