Tag: LGBTQ

THE LIVING END (1992)

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 Written, Directed, Edited & Cinematography by: Greg Araki

Cast: Craig Gilmore, Mike Dytri, Darcy Marta, Johanna Went, Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel 

Luke is a gay hustler. Jon is a movie critic. Both are HIV positive. They go on a hedonistic, dangerous journey, their motto “Fuck the world”.

Even though this is writer/director Greg Araki’s first film. This is one of the latest of his films I have actually watched. I have seen all of his work from the film THE DOOM GENERATION (His first self-proclaimed openly heterosexual film. His third actual film and the second in his teenage apocalypse trilogy) on.

I didn’t like that film. The film did fascinate me with its style, anger, and punk sensibility. This is why no matter what I always give Araki’s film a try.

This is his debut film. Where he pretty much made the film on his own. but also this was the start of the New Queer Cinema movement. 

Here the film doesn’t pull any punches. It is punk all the way. Angry, in your face, violent, no rules, and funny. The film has it’s messages and stylish selections throughout.

This wasn’t a film where its main characters were gay and sexless. Nor supporting characters in some straight love story. Or comic relief. They were the protagonists and very sexual which we see and good looking. Though also both are dying.

The film offers commentary on the world through side characters and their matter-of-fact dialogue. That works on a commentary of the social scene at the time.

It also offers a violent story with two lovers on the run. That actually seems like it is headed for tragedy and violence. It shockingly becomes something that is personal, emotional, and actually about the characters makeing a connection In all the chaos that is supposedly normal life. 

The characters and film both have a nihilistic outlook but end with finding connections and hope on the edge. Leaving a message of living life to the fullest While young. As the characters are the ultimate attractive outsiders who manage to find one another amongst the chaos.

The film wears its influences in it’s background with various new wave and Avant-garde film posters pampering the walls. Not to mention a cameo from cult actress Mary Woronov.

The film has a certain energy and excitement that it never keeps up with at first and that you think will keep up, but it slowly starts to pump its breaks and go slower and takes its turns with the characters. Losing its urgency but allowing for more depth. Still driven by music or the soundtrack. That comes off as inner monologues at times. 

Though there are straight supporting characters the film stays mainly with the main couple.

The film is less violent and more talkative than one would expect. 

As the film goes along they are lovers on the run whose relationship starts off more sexy and exciting. Though as the film goes along they get to know each other and form a bond and relationship. Driven by sex and end up finding love in their own nihilistic lives.

Random strangers in the background carrying messages that end up being the film’s sly commentary. As well as comic relief.

I can’t say I love this film, but it kept my interests mostly throughout and was refreshing to see a love story that was sexual and not fluffy necessarily that just happened to be a homosexual love story. It’s down and dirty and penetrating In many ways 

An interesting take on modern love at the time. 

Grade: B

BUTCHER BAKER, NIGHTMARE MAKER (1981)

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Directed By: William Asher 
Written By: Stephen Breimer, Alan Jay Glueckman & Boon Collins 
Cinematography: Robbie Greenberg 
Editor: Ted Nicolaou 

Cast: Jimmy McNichol, Susan Tyrell, Bo Svenson, Julia Duffy, Bill Paxton, Britt Leach, Steve Eastin

Since the death of his parents fourteen years ago, Billy Lynch has been raised by his overprotective aunt Cheryl. But once he turns seventeen, he is soon set on planning his life…without her. He’s planning on going on to college and is dating local girl Julie. None of which sits well for his aunt, who’s lost everyone else in her life and now with her nephew ready to leave, ensures she starts on a campaign to keep him with her…forever. But as her plans misfire she becomes swept up in a cycle of psychosis and frenzied violence all being blamed on Billy by everyone else…including a homophobic detective, whose anti-gay prejudice is steadily reaching its zenith…leading to an unforeseeable outcome.

This film feels silly even for the time when it was released. Watching the film is a fun experience in its awfulness.

It’s entertainment is marred by its characters’ homophobia. This is disappointing as it easily could have been an unintentional camp classic. Surprised it hasn’t been embraced by a cult audience of not for anything at least the performance and gusto from Susan Tyrell.

The lead performance by Susan Tyrell gives it her all and goes way over the top. So unhinged In one of her rare leading roles.

So unhinged that as the movie moves along even her look begins to deteriorate. She is obviously wearing a wig and once her character cuts it she goes further off the deep end. It ends up being her real hair.

Revealing the killer wept on makes the movie more suspenseful. Especially as the film goes along, there ends up being few choices as to who it could be and where the film can go. 

The film has Bill Paxton in an early role as a jealous bully. Not to mention Julia Duffy as the teenage nephew’s love interest.

The film ultimately revolves around a serious obsession between the aunt for her nephew. Which also makes the film feel more suited for a drive in a movie theater. 

The movie’s special effects, the few that there Are, are so bad they become laughable especially when it cowls to stabbings and dismemberment. 

Memorably bad but the film Means well and tries hard. So that it is more entertaining and fun than scary. If this is a genre you particularly like.

It can be understood that homophobia was the Mood at the time. The film tries to justify that mood as evil by having one fo the good characters be gay. But also at the end, most of the characters with that discrimination end up dead. 

This is a film you look for more for fun than necessary thrills or any kind of horror 

GRADE: C

DUCK BUTTER (2018)

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Directed By: Miguel Arteta Written By: Miguel Arteta & Alia Shawkat Cinematography: Hillary Spera Editor: Christopher Donlon

Cast: Alia Shawkat, Laia Costa, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Kumail Nanjiani, Lindsay Burdge, Mae Whitman, Hong Chau, Kate Berlant, Jenny O’Hara 

Two women, who are dissatisfied with the dishonesty they see in dating and relationships, decide to make a pact to spend 24 hours together hoping to find a new way to create intimacy.

This is a lesbian romance film that seems artsier. Where it seems like the actors get more outbid it than the audience.

While the film does offer a mismatched couple who affect each other in the end. By having one be the more negative over-thinker who is more afraid to try new things. Yet is an actress and the other a free spirit. Who seems to have no grounding. Whereby the end one is affected in a positive way the other in a more morose way. 

The aspect that the film offers is that these two characters hook up and decide on the morning to spend the next 24 hours together. After some initial conflict with the idea. The film explores the following 24 hours where they get to know one another, good and bad. 

It seems like they go through all the painful aspects and rewarding ones in the son of 24 hours. Which makes the film quirky. The characters and their problems always seem to bring it back to reality.

Even if it always has the aspect of a romantic and fantasy. The emotions at times are what ground it.

While Alia Shawkat is always interesting on screen and graduating to bigger roles. Here she is more nebbish, shy, neurotic, and a little depressed than every woman. Who hooks up with this beautiful free spirit played by the gorgeous Laia Costa who seems too good to be true and by the end. We do get to learn about each other a bit more and the dream girl still is unbelievable but at least we get to see her sweat (amongst other things)  and be human. 

Their relationship is believable and takes what most films would spread out over weeks and months and grounds it into the span of 48 hours for the characters. Where you feel that this is the first time they have ever been open not only with anyone else but maybe even themselves.

It’s an intriguing premise and I wish it had been more involving for the audience but while it offers some surprises. Again it is something that we have seen before and know where it is going. As it feels too familiar.

Not to mention interesting characters. You wish more happened or that they were a bit more interesting to keep your attention. This is why ever so often there is a sex scene between the two of them. Which are graphic yet erotic.

Which then seems to force the film into a third act. This reminds me of the movie CHASING AMY. Where a weird self-sabotage logic emerges and while it is understandable feels like a huge mistake out of nowhere. That is a challenge for the characters to one another where they both know will not have a happy ending so to speak 

Grade: C

EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (1998)

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Directed By: David Moreton Written By: Todd Stephens  Cinematography: Gina Degirolamo Editor: Tal Bel-David 

Cast: Chris Stafford, Tina Holmes, Lea DeLaria, Andersen Gabrych, Stephenie McVay

A gay teen finds out who he is and what he wants, who his friends are, and who loves him, in this autobiographical tale set in middle America in the 1980s. Growing up, learning about life, love, sex, friends, and lovers.

This is a coming-of-age story only about a gay teen. What is remarkable is not only when it was made making it an early LGBTQ film but the fact that it is a throwback where the movie takes place in 1984. As it marks the film both nostalgic and kind of fun.

It also feels may be more personal or a testament to that time period. Culture, style, and fashion.

The film feels with some material that might be different for coming of age tales like being introduced to certain sexual acts. Though it does allow for a fresh spin for lifestyles that Have been missing g from these sorts of films or been more relegated to side characters where we never get to see their exploration.

This is definitely an independent movie as the production does offer a smaller story and a tight budget. That leaves some details to be vague.

Unfortunately, the film also leaves some characters or relationships between the characters to be that way also at certain points, but it also helps drive home a certain reality for the film and its characters.

In truth, this is a film all about the lead. So while there is the heartbreaking relationship/friendship between the lead and his girl/friend where the film gives her point of view not too much but enough to understand her confusion and pain. Where the relationship at a certain point remains ambiguous. Though it shows deep emotions. The same can be said of his relationship with his mother who reacts honestly and not necessarily cookie-cutter good or evil. In many ways, her character is the heart of the film. 

It’s also nice to see Lea Delaria in an early role. Where it seems like she is just being herself, but also a guide for the main character.

It also presents what seems like it will be first love but more one-sided. As one seems like it’s love and the other looking for a seduction and hook up but not necessarily wanting all the responsibilities of a relationship. This is a story that mostly involves youth.

One of the film’s major strengths is that It’s not a movie where once he comes out he is persecuted nor is he celebrated. It deals with the complications of coming out with some good things and some bad, but a general sense that it will be ok for the character.

Grade: B-

THREESOME (1994)

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Written & Directed By: Andrew Fleming  Cinematography: Alexander Gruszynski  Editor: William C. Carruth 

Cast: Lara Flynn Boyle, Stephen Baldwin, Josh Charles, Alexis Arquette, Martha Gehman 

Eddy and Stuart share two-thirds of a dormitory suite. Due to bureaucratic error, a woman named Alex is added to their room. At first, relations among the three are tense. Soon, however, Alex falls for Eddy, and Stuart lusts after Alex. Eddy comes to realize not only that he’s gay, but that he’s attracted to Stuart. The three pledge not to act on any romantic (or lustful) feelings with each other, and become close friends . . . while bottling up a lot of sexual tension.

The film is a bit pretentious and naive but at the time one of the more relatable, humanistic, and provocative looks at a burgeoning gay man and his second life. As he slowly comes out. 

So you must give it credit for that and also after all these years. It’s a movie I might not think about often, but never completely forgot. Though at the time by the title you expect a sexual thriller or exploitation 

The gay sex scenes or more the title sex scenes are soft core and involve touching mroe than actual action. That comes off tame by today’s standards. Then again you have to look at the time period when it came out and what seemed like the powers that be thinking and level of acceptance.

The film plays like a coming of age relationship drama with some comedy but exploring sexuality at the same time. Though not as graphic as expected the heterosexual sex scenes are more graphic.

This love triangle tale has the feel of an indie film filled with artistic flourishes, That was advertised more as a studio film. Though a college story that feels like a perfect plot but sex seems to be the main interest. 

As for once from the perspective of a guy man and not necessarily a sexual one. As the film takes certain types and makes them human.

Surprisingly sensitive sexual type of softcore sex film  that you would commonly see on cable channels like Cinemax for over the next decade. That helped keep them in business but also feels Ike an artistic version of it.

Grade: B-

THE HALF OF IT (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Alice Wu  Cinematography: Greta Zozula 

Editor: Ian Blume & Lee Percy 

Cast: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemar, Alexxis Lemire, Wolfgang Novogratz, Collin Chou, Becky Ann Baker, Catherine Curtin 

A shy, introverted, Chinese-American, straight-A student finds herself helping the school jock woo the girl they both secretly love. In the process, each teaches the other about the nature of love as they find a connection in the most unlikely of places.

I can sometimes be a sucker for a coming of age story. even if it has a romance at the heart of it and they usually do.

This one isn’t as conventional but it is as sweet as any teen love story. Only here dealing more with confusion and revelation. An almost teen Cyrano story only with lgbtq romance and character. 

You’ll enjoy that the fil mHas the emotions but doesn’t overload the audience or story with it. It’s what brings the characters together but it’s not what the film Is all about. As the storylines never become so dire that it feels like life or death, not in the consequences.

This is an original unsuspecting love triangle tale with no true villains. It actually has more depth, drama, and humor than expected, but stays perfect for it’s intended audience. As the film is more character-driven by a few of them rather than Story or plot. As it actually feels layered.

While it has it’s Goofy moments it feels surprising down to earth and earnest. Even if it has the hallmarks of a more cute, quirky indie film. That with youth brings an amount of energy but also a still calmness. 

Which I applaud Netflix for presenting such a film Showing a balance as it has it’s More conventional teen films and then a film like this that actually approaches it’s Material respectfully and treats the audience the same way

This is an LGBT crush’s story that creeps up on you more like a romance and then a romantic comedy before becoming a love story and a surprisingly minor character study.

What can be really appreciative other than that the film and characters are more open-minded then you would expect is that the more all the characters get to know each other they like them for the qualities they notice and learn about them and appreciate that other then just looks. Just as the characters are more than their looks and have talents and know-how.

This film shows the beauty in the plain and makes small-town loving look luxurious itself in its own little hidden nooks, crannies, stories, and mysteries.

Grade: B

ALL OVER ME (1997)

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alloverme

Directed By: Alex Sitchel
Written By: Sylvia Sitchel
Cinematography: Joe DeSalvo
Editor: Sabine Hoffman

Cast: Allison Folland, Tara Subkoff, Cole Hauser, Shawn Hasoty, Vincent Pastore, Wilson Cruz, Leisha Hailey

Claude and Ellen are best friends who live in a not-so-nice area of New York. They’re involved in the subculture of 90s youth, complete with drugs, live music, and homophobia. All is changed one night when a violent and meaningless death rocks their lives.

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SLASH (2016)

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slash-feature

Written & Directed By: Clay Liford
Cinematography By: Ellie Ann Fenton
Editor: David Fabelo & Bryan Poyser 


Cast: Michael Johnston, Hannah Marks, Michael Ian Black, Missi Pyle, Sarah Ramos, Angela Kinsey, Sam Eidson 


Freshman Neil’s Vanguard stories are all he cares about…until he meets the older Julia, who pushes him to put his own fan fic online. When the website’s moderator takes a special interest in Neil’s work, it opens up a whole new universe.

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DADDY ISSUES (2019)

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daddyissues_2-h_2018

Edited & Directed By: Amara Cash
Written By: Alex Bloom & Amara Cash
Story By: Alex Bloom
Cinematography: Nico Aguilar 


Cast: Madison Lawlor, Montana Manning, Andrew Pifco, Kamala Jones, Jodi Carol Harrison, Monte Markham, Seth Cassell 

Maya, a 19-year-old queer pixie, spends her days working on her art and cyberstalkng her insta-crush, the sexually fluid fashion designer, Jasmine. One night Maya boldly meets Jasmine IRL, there’s an insta-spark and the two begin an inspiring romantic relationship that gives Maya her first taste of true love and Jasmine the inspiration she needs to jump start her career. It’s all gumdrops and fairytales until Maya discovers Jasmine’s in a co-dependent relationship with a neurotic sugar daddy. What started as a dream come true turns into a beautiful nightmare.

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I AM MICHAEL (2015)

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I-am-Michael-848x478

Written & Directed By: Justin Kelly
Based on an article By: Stacey Miller
Based on the Magazine Article “My Ex-Gay Friend” By: Benoit Denizet Lewis
Cinematography By: Christopher Blauvet
Editor: Aaron I. Butler

Cast: James Franco, Zachary Quinto, Emma Watson, Charlie Carver, Avan Jogia, Daryl Hannah, Lesley Ann Warren, Jefferson Mays, Ahna O’Reilly 

Based on the fascinating true-life story of Michael Glatze, a gay activist who becomes a Christian pastor after identifying as a heterosexual.

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