The enigmatic life of Andy Warhol is deconstructed in Mary Harron’s 1996 film, 'I Shot Andy Warhol', which now returns in stunning 4K. This radical exploration presents Warhol alongside his muse and would-be assassin Valerie Solanas as two equally misunderstood souls in the heart of New York's counterculture.

The film captures a time where social norms were fluid, with aristocrats mingling with drug dealers and drag queens sharing ashtrays with debutantes. The pivotal scene at the Factory party mirrors this chaotic blend, featuring the Velvet Underground playing for heiresses while attendees mix substances on the floor. Despite their fame, both Warhol and Solanas are depicted as isolated figures, grappling with their place in a rapidly changing society.

Lili Taylor’s portrayal of Solanas brings a raw intensity, reflecting her complex desires to gain notoriety and revolutionise society. Her character's manifesto calls for the 'Society for Cutting Up Men', yet she is also driven by a yearning for recognition, a paradox that resonates through the film. Jared Harris captures Warhol’s skittish nature with an air of aloofness, making his magnetic appeal even more striking.

Harron's film stands as a powerful critique of the era's sexism and misogyny, showcasing Solanas not as a victim but as an active participant in her own narrative. This is particularly remarkable given that it was directed by a woman and features a leading lady, a rarity even today. The film provides a glimpse into what femme-forward cinema could look like.