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Billy's Girls. USA 2005. Directed by Chris Deleo

Chris Deleo's debut direction Why Neal was an unusual entry in the documentary genre, as it showed the secrets of it's main characters so close that you rarely have a chance to see film like it was. Now Deleo is back with another story, which could happen everywhere and anywhere, but it is at the same time fascinating to watch camera telling discomfortable secrets and heart-breaking to witness all the bad luck that one family has to face. But then again, behind the sad scenes there's always a hope.

The title of the documentary suggests to Billy Naughton, a 46-year old magician who died in a heart attack in 2003. His wife Cathi and daughter Kimberly have a really hard time living together, as Kimberly (or Kimmie) was a daddy's girl and followed to footsteps of Billy as magician - of course it's mainly the mother that her frustration and anger is aimed to. But since you know the background, there is really no-one to blame.

Between the director and the Naughton family we can witness a trust that every documentary maker could only dream of. But then again, when you listen to Deleo's comments behind the camera, you also hear the caring for the family. The chaotic situations and relationships may shock some, especially those who haven't seen the real life. The "so what?" -attitude that Kimmie, her temporary roommate Shannon and "the other daughter" Meghan have, is universal and therefore it's easy to understand their behaviour. Chris Deleo does know this, and never tries to moralize. Of course, the viewer doesn't see every aspect of these girls' lives and their backgrounds. When things get very deep in latter part of the film, it comes as a shock.

Deleo's camera follows the girls everywhere and even if you disagree with some of their views, you can admire their zest for life. That can be said also about Cathi, a very likable and strong person that has lost the man she loved. The most heartbreaking scenes along with are when Cathi is telling about the Billy while crying openly. But she and Kimberly never give up but want to live on.

Somewhat chaotic beginning makes you wonder "what the hell is happening here", but soon you start getting to know who and which kind of people Cathi, Kimmie and Meghan are. And even which kind of man Billy was. Deleo has edited the scenes carefully and I bet it hasn't been easy job to maintain the red line of the story. This film will open eyes, and I truly hope that it will open eyes of main characters of Billy's Girls. And every person related to them.

(I must mention that the songs "I love livin' in the city" by Fear and Deep Purple's "Child in time" were exactly in the right places!)