An intriguing tale on loneliness and obsession, "Variety" takes on human frailties and vulnerabilities and how circumstances can drive these beyond one's control. A young woman in New York City lands a job in a booth as a ticket seller in a pornographic theater. The sights and sounds of the environment pique her interest until a chance meeting with a regular draws her into a spiral of stalking voyeurism.

The backdrop of Reagan-era Manhattan adds an urban aesthetic to this dark tale. Lead actress Sandy McLeod's willowy features add an air of vintage innocence that fit perfectly to the character's role. And boy, did porn actresses look good back then. The natural beauties of yore far outdistance the current crop of tattoo-ridden plastic-injected hermaphrodites from hell that constitute the smut industry nowadays.

This is your classic slow burn flick and it's one that seems to go on forever. While it would have been better if half an hour was taken off to give it more punch the bare, quiet realism conveyed keeps it watchable as if one is the voyeur staring into this young woman's life.

One of those films that isn't anything outstanding but somehow leaves a subtle and undeniable mark, "Variety"'s exploration into the neon alleyways of the big city's throbbing pulse and memorable female protagonist stirs and moves a haunting aftermath that lingers long after the final credits roll in. Quite the see.

If you only like marvel movies dont bother watching this classic.. you wont get it.

The director does a fantastic job showcasing the filth and grime of N. Y. C. In the 1980's.

Also if you need your hand held and must have everything explained to you dont watch this film.

Do watch this film if you enjoy stories about the dark underbelly of society and descents into madness.

I really like it . The film held my interest right to the end and keep me thinking about the film for some time after viewing it.

Christine (Sandy McCloud) is desperate for employment to the point where she accepts work selling tickets at a porno theatre off of Times Square. As expected some customers give off a creepy aura, though she accepts the invitation of one well heeled, mysterious gent's invite to a game at Yankee Stadium. The porno theatre environment meanwhile begins to have an effect on her, disturbing her boyfriend and spurring her to stalk the mystery man.

Variety is a lurid crock in search of an edge, but it's all location, location, location under neon on 48th street with a cast, crew and script ill prepared to mount a production. Most of the performers sleepwalk through their roles with McCloud's dense and dull lead insipidly gullible, her tailing skills amateurly obvious.

Bette Gordon's direction falters in nearly every department with anemic performances, disjointed storyline, overlong scenes and sloppy camerawork while talking dirty to you. Pounding her misandrist theme home she does offer up some provocative anecdotes from some minor players who look and sound like they've been around the block but with the leaden and lifeless McCloud in the lead Variety becomes an ordeal made to endure. A complete waste of time.