Category Archives: Gay theme

2012, Based on a Book, Bootlegging, Crude Talk, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Drama, FBI, Gangs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Nudity, Rape, Revenge, Sadism, Suspense, Violent, Vulgar, Wonderful acting

Lawless (2012)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

This true-to-life action saga profiles Virginia’s bootlegging Bondurant gang, whose exploits during the Prohibition era made them outlaw heroes. The three Bondurant brothers tussle with the law and each other as they try to survive changing times.

Despite the unrelenting violence from start to finish, every other aspect is so well done that this film about bootlegging is strongly compelling. Much attention was paid to reproducing rural Virginia during the Prohibition era.

As far as acting is concerned Tom Hardy (age 35), Jason Clarke (age 43), and Shia LaBeouf (age 26) create a fascinating trio of Bondurant brothers, each with his own unique personality. “Chameleon” is a word I like to apply to an actor who loses himself in a part to such an extent that you almost do not recognize him. Here we have at least two “chameleons”: Tom Hardy took an light and fun part playing against Chris Pine in the film “This Means War” whereas in “Lawless” he has transformed himself into an almost silent, soft-spoken but menacing Forest Bondurant. Make no mistake: you WILL take Forest seriously or else. Guy Pearce (age 45) is the other “chameleon”. Because of his scary portray of Charlie Rakes as a violent psychopath, I am willing to finally give Guy Pearce his due. Many of his earlier films were often mediocre fluff. However, who could forget (or stop conjecturing about the plot of) “Momento”. Both Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce are British so we have to add accent skills to their credits.

For more background on the Bondurant family see the Wikipedia article about Matt Bondurant and his book “The Wettest County in the World”. Matt was the grandson of one of the three brothers.

Despite the violence, I would have to say DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!

1997, Comic Books, Crude Talk, DO NOT MISS, Explicit sexual discussion, Gay theme, Love Story, Mostly About Sex, Vulgar

Chasing Amy (1997)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Comic book artist Holden meets the perfect woman, only to learn that she’s a lesbian. Their friendship develops into something more when Holden confesses his love for her, but secrets from her past threaten their relationship.

From the moment “Chasing Amy” started I was hooked. Oddly enough, the film, suggested to me by NetFlix streaming, is now 15 years old and I had never seen it. Probably the best summary of this film is a direct quote from the Wikipedia article:

“Chasing Amy explores gender roles, sexual mores, and the limits of friendship with a mixture of sensitivity, raw honesty, and director/screenwriter Kevin Smith’s signature raunchy humor.”

Be prepared: without a doubt “raunchy” best describes the explicit sexual discussions occurring throughout the film. But this constant series of crude verbal give and take is, believe it or not, part of the film’s charm. Everything is so out in the open that either you are turned off or you just relax and go with the flow. Keep in mind that the characters are supposed to be young people in probably their 20’s or early 30’s. Sometimes the chatter seems a bit juvenile.

Whether or not you can accept the outcome of the film is probably up for grabs. To avoid any “spoiler” I cannot discuss each character’s final decision. But at least be aware that the film has a sad ending.

Most important among the actors (whose ensemble acting in this film is wonderful) are:

  • Ben Affleck (Holden, as in “Holden Caufield”) was a mere 25 years old during the filming. For about 15 seconds there is a shot of his buddy Matt Damon.
  • Jason Lee (Banky) was 27 years old. Lee had the lead role in the TV series “My Name Is Earl”.
  • Joey Lauren Adams (Alyssa) was 29 years old. She played Addie int “The Break-Up”.

There is NO visual sex except for kissing (including between two women). If you can be comfortable with the very explicit sexual discussions then I would go out on a limb and say: DO NOT MISS!

2005, AIDS, Clever Plot, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Gay theme, Mostly About Sex, Psychological Drama, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Wonderful acting

The Dying Gaul (2005)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

When Jeffrey (Campbell Scott), a slick Hollywood studio exec, offers gay screenwriter Robert (Peter Sarsgaard) $1 million to transform a screenplay’s homosexual protagonists into heterosexuals, Robert takes the bait — and ends up sleeping in Jeffrey’s bed. But complications ensue when Jeffrey’s wife, Elaine (Patricia Clarkson), begins unraveling her husband’s secrets, with nail-biting consequences. Craig Lucas directs in his feature-film debut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of a loved one, infidelity, jealousy, betrayal, and revenge make this tragic gay-themed film an intense experience.

Of the three protagonists, only the wife Elaine, despite her faults, shows a compassionate soul searching for the right thing to do. However, this tragedy would have made Shakespeare proud as each of the three characters move slowly but surely to their deserved sad ends.

Such a well-made and involving gay-themed film deserves a DO NOT MISS!

 

 

1999, Acceptable Trash, AIDS, B-movie, Basically Sad, Crude Talk, Disturbing Image, Dysfunctional Lives, Explicit sex, Gay theme, Gloomy, Imperfect, Love Story, Mediocre, Sex Scenes, Unusual

The Velocity of Gary (1999)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Though they’re rivals for the love of a bisexual porn star named Valentino, an aimless hustler and a volcanic waitress must find a way to set aside their differences as Valentino gradually succumbs to the AIDs virus.

If you are a Vincent D’Onofrio fan, then you are already used to abnormal behavior. In this poorly written film you get to see known stars at an early stage in their careers: VinceD’Onofrio (“Law and Order: Criminal Intent”), Thomas Jane (“Hung”), Salma Hayek (“Desperado”), and Ethan Hawke (“Gattaca”).

This review of a poor film is NOT a recommendation. But if you really want to see D’Onofrio and Jane engaging in French kissing, be my guest. Who would have thought?

2011, Based on true facts, Comedy, Gay theme, Murder Investigation, Satire, Small Town

Bernie (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In this black comedy inspired by real-life events, affable Texas mortician Bernie befriends the small town’s wealthiest widow and then kills her. But despite the suspicious nature of her death, no one wants to think anything but the best of Bernie.

After seeing A Separation (2011), I was grateful I don’t live in Iran. After seeing “Bernie” I am grateful I don’t live in a small town.

At the conclusion of this film you can see the real Bernie and his unfortunately murdered wife.

For the first half of the film I was amused by the small town culture, the east Texas accents, and Jack Black’s excellent portrayal of smarmy Bernie. Moreover, any film that satirizes the predatory practices of funeral directors is a film near and dear to my heart. Also I was surprised by the many politically incorrect turns of speech, tsk, tsk!

About the middle of the film I got tired of watching. What struck me was how anti-climactic the ending was. True to life, Bernie tearfully confesses and is convicted. This is no spoiler because the outcome is what did in fact happen to the real Bernie. Rather the point of the film is how the townsfolk like Bernie and don’t really care that he shot “that bitch”. And indeed Shirley MacLaine is her usual bitchy self.

Somewhat amusing but you can do better.

1994, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Flirting, Gay theme, Love Story, Optimistic, Unusual, Vulgar, Wonderful acting

The Sum Of Us (1994)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In this Australian comedy based on David Stevens’s stage play, Jeff (Russell Crowe) is a young gay man living with his widowed father, Harry (Jack Thompson). Although Harry has always accepted the fact that his son is openly gay, his acceptance is challenged. Jeff brings home a potential lover one night, and in turn, when Harry gets involved with Joyce, a divorcée, she and Jeff can’t see eye-to-eye.

“Comedy” is not an apt description of this unusual, well-made, gay-themed film. If anything, it is a touching, warm-hearted drama. Filmed in the Sydney (Australia) from a time that reminds me of our own country before the United States became ancient Rome, the anti-gay sentiments portrayed therein are probably similar to our attitudes here in the USA 18 years ago.

Russell Crowe was born in New Zealand in 1964. So he was a young pup of 30 years when he starred in this film. Jack Thompson, who played Jeff’s father, has been in many films. For example, he was Maj. J.F. Thomas in “Breaker Morant” (which you should see!). John Polson (the potential lover) also has a respectable film resume. In this production the acting is excellent.

One device used in the film is that throughout both Jeff’s father and Jeff speak to us directly as a running commentary.

Lest you be hesitant to watch a gay-themed film, I assure you that the most explicit sexual activity portrayed is a kiss. However, the conversation is something else: off-color comments and very explicit discussions abound!

Every now and then I felt I was watching pro-gay propaganda because of the father’s attitude. How rare was it in those days to have such an understanding and accepting father? If there is a theme to this film it is: You have not lived if you have not loved.

Going out on a limb, I will say DO NOT MISS!

Could Be Hard To Watch, Could Be Sad, Crime, Crude Talk, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Drugs, Explicit sexual discussion, French, Gangs, Gay theme, Grim, Limburgish, Nudity, Police Story, Psychological Drama, Race Relations, Revenge, Unusual, Violent

Bullhead (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Tortured by his past and despairing of his stultifying present life, Belgian cattle farmer Jacky becomes entangled in a violent web of deceit involving local mobsters and determined policemen after he uses illegal growth hormones on his herd.

Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts is the perfect choice to play the sadly damaged character Jacky Vanmarsenille in this film spoken in Limburgish and French. His facial expressions capture Jacky’s shame, longing, loneliness, shyness, and rage. To say why he feels these emotions would be a major spoiler. Through a series of flashbacks you learn his past history. Expect some very violent scenes.

Although you may find all the crime details confusing, they really are not very original or important. Jacky is important along with those characters associated with his tragic life.

Much of the violence stems from traditional racial hatreds between the many distinct communities, each with its own language.

Bullhead was on the 2012 list of Best Foreign Language Film of the Year.

In retrospect, the ending chosen for the story is quite probably the only possible conclusion.

If you can accept the sadness, violence, and somewhat brutish characters,

DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!

2011, British, DO NOT MISS, Feel Good Not For Children, Flirting, Gay theme, Love Story, Optimistic

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

1 Comment

From NetFlix:

To make the most of their meager retirement savings, a group of British seniors relocates to India to live out their golden years at the Marigold Hotel. But upon arrival, they discover that the once-lavish resort has wilted considerably.

For those of us in the senior set used to British film and TV, this feel-good fantasy is a welcome relief from today’s film violence, gloom, and never ending series of super heroes. You may have to suspend a bit of disbelief and just accept the several happy results. But isn’t that what a feel-good movie is all about?

In addition you get to enjoy a colorful travelog through the best parts of the city of Jaipur in India. All those magical sights alone are worth the time spent watching the film.

Because I was disappointed in myself for not being able to name all these British actors whose faces are so familiar, I review them:

  • Judy Dench we all know from “As Time Goes By”.
  • Tom Wilkinson was Archie in “The 44-Inch Chest”.
  • Bill Nighy, the tall thin man who played the long-suffering husband Douglas Ainslie, was Dr. Black in “Doctor Who”.
  • Penelope Wilton, who played Nighy’s unhappy wife, was Isobel Crawley in “Downton Abbey”.
  • Maggie Smith is, well, Maggie Smith.
  • Ronald Pickup, the wannabe gigolo Norman Cousins, has been a support actor in many performances such as Jeffrey Livingstone in “The Jury II”.
  • Celia Imrie, the sad Madge Hardcastle who tries to pass herself off as Princess Margaret, is also a familiar supporting actress in such roles as Lady Glenmire of”Cranmore”.

Possibly I am prejudiced by my age group, but I say DON’T MISS IT!

2011, Based on true facts, Biographical, Bullying, Clint Eastwood, Crime, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, FBI, Gangs, Gay theme, Kidnapping, Lawyers, Love Story, Psychological Drama, Violent, Wonderful acting

J. Edgar (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.

Looking for an “Actor’s actor” ? Go no farther. Current movie reviews lament the fact that we are seeing a series of young male wannabes with tight abs who don’t last because they lack the acting skills. But Leonardo DiCaprio is the quintessential chameleon. His portrayal of J. Edgar is nothing less than astonishing. Even if it were complete fiction, the film would be riveting (as the NetFlix caption says).

For a discussion of historical accuracy you can read the Wikipedia article. This article also discusses Hoover’s sexuality. Clint Eastwood, the director, wisely stayed away from any depiction of cross-dressing (except for one brief suggestion) or explicit sexual behavior (except for some kisses). Just enjoy the marvelous production and stop wondering how much is true. If even a little bit were true, Hoover was a dangerous paranoid.

This is NOT a film for titillation. Instead it focuses on Hoover’s bulldog no-holds-barred approach to getting his way, even if it meant blackmailing every politician in Washington. It focuses also on: Hoover’s insecurity, his emotional dependence on his mother (with whom he lived all his life) and Clyde Tolson (who had his own house), his lying, and his barely legal methods.

In all fairness you should read the Wikepedia biography of Clyde Tolson. He was NOT the seemingly weak character portrayed in the film.

Nixon is portrayed as a profane thug.

Additionally I marvel at the long list of known supporting actors, among whom we find:

  • Armie Hammer (who?) played Clyde Tolson very well. Believe it or not, Armie Hammer’s father is the CEO of the Armand Hammer Foundation. Armie was 25 years old during the filming.
  • Josh Lucas played Charles Lindberg, who was very important to the story.
  • Damon Herriman (who?) played Bruno Hauptman, the supposed kidnapper of the Lindberg child. Today the debate still rages over the guilt of Haputman. Once again see the Wikipedia article.
  • Naomi Watts played Helen Gandy, the famous personal secretary for Hoover for 54 years. She is most remembered for spending weeks after Hoover’s death destroying Hoover’s blackmail materials, his “Personal File” (much to Nixon’s chagrin). Once again see Wikepedia.
  • Big surprise: I kept staring at Hoover’s mother and couldn’t believe my eyes. Indeed it was Judi Dench. She spoke a perfect American accent. More to the point she was a professional support actor who received no special credit.
  • Remember Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding)? He played Colonel Schwarkopf.
  • My own award for “Appearing everywhere but not famous” goes to Zach Grenier (who?) whom I once met in person in the San Franciscon Museum of Modern Art. His is the only name I can drop because I never meet anyone famous. Look him up in IMDB and I am willing to bet you have seen him somewhere. He is currently playing a pain in the neck in “The Good Wife” on TV.

Officially I go out on a limb: DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!

2003, Based on true facts, British Mystery Series, Conspiracy, Drama, Gay theme, Made For TV, Nudity, Political statement, Sex Scenes, Spy Theme, Wonderful acting

Cambridge Spies (2003)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In 1934, four brilliant Cambridge men are recruited to spy for Russia. Fueled by youthful idealism, a passion for social justice and a talent for lying, they take huge personal risks to pass Britain’s biggest secrets to Moscow.

At the start of the film there is a disclaimer that some of the details are fictional. Let us hope that at least we get some insight into why these four men decided to spy for Russia. If nothing else, the acting is superb and the scenes both in England and in Germany ring true. Sex, both straight and gay, seems to pervade the atmosphere.

Cambridge’s four young spies are as follows:

Give this British production a strong recommendation.