Amazon.com

It's in the Water is a charming little indie set in the sleepy, conservative Southern town of Azalea Springs. When an AIDS hospice opens up, the local homophobes go up in arms, polarizing the community. The heart of the movie, though, is the story of Alex, our listlessly married heroine who begins to have second thoughts about her orientation. (There is also a very slight "comic" subplot involving a rumor that drinking the local water turns people gay. Ignore it.) While Alex's discovery process is a rather quick one due to the constraints of movie timing, it is well handled, including an affectionate sequence during which Alex watches the entire Lesbian Film Canon. While the straight characters tend to be rather broadly drawn, It's in the Water is a gentle film at heart and well worth an evening. The DVD edition includes commentary by the director and leading actresses that is both funny and interesting--in particular the discussion of what it was like for two straight actresses to play their first gay love scene. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (59)

A Must-Have for Every Gay & Lesbian Library!
If you're ready for a great lesbian and gay romance that's also hysterically funny ... or a brilliant film that projects positive lesbian and gay images with eye-pleasing protagonists ... or something you'd love to watch with Mom or Dad, then buy this film, as you'll want to watch it over and over again!

Rarely have I seen any production (film, television, stage) that accurately portrays the South, much less what life is like for a lesbian from a socially prominent family in a small southern town. Though some of Kelli Herd's characters may seem bigger-than-life (Hell, it is Texas, after all!), let me tell you that characters like these truly exist in my home town -- maybe even in yours.

Though set in the South, this has been an audience favorite at festivals the world over. And this one's for the boys and the girls. It is truly one of the best films I've seen in years. Let's hope that we see more from first-time filmmaker KELLI HERD!

Endearing, Lighthearted Entertainment!
I must admit after reading some of the other reviews I was nervous in purchasing this title. After watching this movie I couldn't be happier to add this to my GLBT movie library, right next to Better Than Chocolate. If you like to laugh, see this movie.

True, the characters are stereotypical but that allows its message to be more universal. The acting may not be the best but it's more believable than other movies I've watched. I would have enjoyed a longer love scene...but it's not supposed to be porn. I was very impressed with the southern accents. They didn't sound fake as in other movies that take place in the south!

The whole movie kept me laughing and reminded me how true this could be in my own town. It was worth the price just for the movie rental scene! The movie is about a lesbian and a gay man coming out to their socially prominent families in a small southern town. Prejudice is real and can be funny when seen for the absurdity that it's based on. There are some serious bits about discrimination and AIDS but it flows with the storyline and works out in the end.

If you're into serious and intense this movie is probably not for you, but if you want an hour and a half of lighthearted entertainment that's not all fluff I recommend this one!

Cheesey
While I appreciate any and all lesbian movies, simply by virtue of the fact that there are so few of them, this certainly wouldn't fit into my Top 10 list. Cute but terribly corny and predictable. The dialog and acting leave much to be desired. I'm glad to have seen this "classic" lesbian flick, but there are much better movies out there: Fire, Lost and Delirious, The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love, Go Fish, Better Than Chocolate, among others.

In the Water, Into your Hearts
Independent movies, by their nature, aren't meant to be big Hollywood blockbusters. The reason they are so popular is that they concentrate on the depth of characters rather than a bunch of mind-numbing special effects or a big movie star. Certainly nowadays, independent cinema has imporved tremendously in all arenas. It's in the Water is typical of that independent film made truly independently.

Made and directed lovingly by Kelli Herd, It's in the Water tells the story of Alex Stratton, trapped in a loveless marriage due to the expectations of her family and the town she lives in. Reacquianted with her old best friend Grace Miller, she begins to question herself and who she is. Herd throws into the mix a crazy cast of characters, from a domineering mother Lily, to glorious drag queens, all adds up to a film that's both fun and heartwarming.

Offering a more inclusive story, Herd includes men coming out on their own terms as well. Mark Anderson is a man struggling with coming to terms with his homosexuality and attends a hilarious group "Homo No Mo" group, only to meet the incredibly sexy Tomas, a painter with a heart of gold. Both Derrick Sanders and timothy Vahle should be commended on their honest and touching portrayal of two men coming out and into each others arms. I liked seeing a "lesbian film" more inclusive; a route more "gay men" films need to do as well.

Herd manages to tackle with her short hundred minutes of film the insanity of small town thinking, ex-gay ministry groups, religious hypocrisy, and AIDS. She manages to do it without the usual preachiness and brow beating that this film could have become. By keeping the film from becoming too serious, the messages hit home more strongly. By the end of the film, with it's absolutely stunning choir rendition of "I'll Fly Away" sung by the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ Choir, you are carried away with everyone as well.

Especially fun on the DVD was listening to the commentary track done by Ms. Herd, and the films two stars, Keri Jo Chapman and Teresa Garrett. Offering many insights and fun stories, listening to them was almost as enjoyable as watching the film itself. You can tell from their comments that this movie truly was a labor of love.

I highly recommend this movie. Don't take it too seriously, but allow yourself to be carried away to Azalea Springs, and while you're there, go ahead and drink the water.

Whatever is in the Water...it aint good!
I'm harsh with lesbian movies...and this dvd is a good example as to why.
Plot:
Really pretty strait chick leaves husband for unattractive lesbian: Horrible make-out scene's follow.
I considered tearing my eyes from my skull as I watched the lame acting of the brunette in this flick. I don't know who she is, or who told her she could act, but someone screwed up big-time!
The 'love scene' was a complete rip off. Ugly, stumpy legged brunnete lesbian crawls into bed with sweet looking blonde woman...and the screen fades to black.
Wow.
(...)
Skip this (...) movie...for your own sake. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Torrid sex and tortured emotions fill the screen in LeavingMetropolis. David (Troy Ruptash), a successful painter,has lost hisinspiration. To find stimulation, he gets a job at a small, out-of-the-waydiner, run by married couple Violet (Cherilee Taylor) and Matt (VincentCorazza, Owning Mahoney). When sparks fly with Matt, David getsstimulation and inspiration--but the portraits he paints of Matt may breakthe couple apart. The machinations of a bitter friend bring the situationto a boil. Though filled with lots and lots of sex (both gay andstraight), Leaving Metropolis pays as much attention to thecharacter's minds as to their flesh (well, almost as much--the sex scenesare quite extensive and the bodies are all beautiful). Some of thescript's metaphors are a little clumsy, but the psychology is convincing.Adapted by award-winning writer Brad Fraser from his play Poor SuperMan. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Another film I'm glad I rented
This film tells its story reasonably well; the acting is pretty good; production is good, etc.; however, somehow I never found myself fully engaged. The premise seems reasonable enough: David, the Successful Gay Artist-working-as-a-waiter to put him in touch with regular people again and so recharge his creativity as an artist. Also an infatuation between a gay man and a straight man, whether reciprocated or not, is also believable. But somehow, with this cast or with this script, the film doesn't resonate. Granted, it *could* happen, but David seems far too together to fall for Matt.

a first rate gay film
This is a lovely film with a complex plot and interesting finely drawn characters,believable dialogue and some sex scenes with beautiful bodies far more erotic than any hard core gay film. It is similar to another excellent gay themed film "Bedrooms and Hallways" Also well worth seeing.
Read the review in this section by reviewer, Grady Harp, who has witten an excellent analysis of this film. The best line...." How could I have drowned in anyone as shallow as you"

More reality than we would like to admit.
I enjoyed the film " Leaving Metropolis" for many reasons. The acting was good and it had a good script. It was a bit raw and had an edge however it was believable and struck me as situations that some of my friends from the past would get themselves into. The production quality was good and so was the audio quality. The Artist "David" has painters block and takes a job as a waiter to try to get unblocked. He gets a romantic notion towards his married employer "Matt", Who appears to like the idea of getting together with David. David is unethical in his behavior, but that makes the story facinating to watch. The film is funny at times and also has it's fair share of drama. It had some very suggestive scenes however they fit the situation. It was a good addition to my collection and a good investment. The situations shown in the film are good for heated debate if you like that sort of thing.

A terrible film
If bad writing, implausible situations, and poor directing appeal to you, then you will love this film. I see at least 150 films a year..... BAD ones are easy to spot; the lapses in continuity alone were enough to make me want to leave the theatre. If you're curious about this film, rent it, don't buy.

As Fine A Film As You'd Expect From Brad Fraser!
Brad Fraser is an excellent writer and has elected to move his successful play "Poor Super Man" (1994) onto the screen with great success. Fraser is also a writer and co-producer for the enormously popular "Queer as Folk" television series and he knows his subjects well. He has the ability to write about the gay world without making a 'gay movie' primarily because he shows such comfort with the variations in gender identities that he can explore all facets. The result is a film that is more about people than about stereotypes, and a fine job he does in writing scenes for characters who, in other director's hands, might seem contrived at best and silly at worst.

The story revolves around a gifted young painter David (Troy Ruptash) who lives with a transsexual friend who is awaiting gender-altering surgery while coping with the cold fact of being HIV positive (Shannon - played by a very fine actor whose name passed by too fast on the screen to acknowledge). David also has an alcoholic over-the-hill blonde reporter Kryka (again, played to perfection by an actress whose name flew by in the credits). David has painter's block and to escape that state he seeks anonymous employment as a waiter to observe life, seeking visual input for his canvases. The Main Street Diner is run by a newly married couple - Matt (Vincent Corazza) and Violet (Cherilee Taylor). David eyes the apparent 'straight guy' Matt and is surprised to find his gaze returned. The closeted Matt has a fling with David which produces a successful break for David's painter's block (he paints beautiful nude images of Matt without Matt's knowing it) and an unsuccessful dissolution of Matt's marriage. The active foil in all of this is Kryka and she is the undoing of the affairs. Meanwhile Shannon faces her imminent demise from AIDS and it is this peak of verismo that shakes all the superficiality down and results in some important changes in the characters.

On the surface the story may sound a bit on the soap opera side, but in Fraser's hands and with the accomplished acting of this physically beautiful cast, it all works. The cinematography is beautiful, the art designing is excellent (the paintings David paints are the creations of a fine artist), and the musical score is sensitive, witty, and well edited. Brad Fraser is a force to contend with and if there is anyone able to incorporate the 'gay world' into mainstream moviemaking, he surely is on top of the list. Despite some fine steamy scenes (Matt in bed with both Violet and then with David), this film is for general audiences who are open to understanding the meaning of extended family. A first-class film. ... Read more

Description

Set in 1970s Germany, Leopold, a 50-year-old businessman, seduces 19-year-old Franz. They fall deeply in love and move in together. The rest of the movie focuses on the emotional turmoil that both endure as they grow apart, bickering over things of little importance. A twist halfway through the story adds a chaotic comic element, as Franz and Leopold are joined by their ex-girlfriends. "Water Drops on Burning Rocks" was adapted by writer/director Francois Ozon from a play called "Tropfen Auf Heisse Steine" that was written by German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder when he was 19 years old, but was never before produced. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

good
very unique film. Boy has older male lover and his ex girlfriend tries to rekindle an old relationship with boy. Odd, but worth a watch. Great cast, unique story.

Funny, stylish, powerful - even if haven't seen Fassbinder
With his deliriously rich fourth feature, Water Drops On Burning Rocks, François Ozon (See The Sea, Under The Sand, 8 Women) tackles the legacy of the great Rainer Werner Fassbinder in fascinating ways, even as he refines his own distinctive voice. This brilliantly acted film is alternately tender and sardonic, visually opulent yet claustrophobic, and wise beyond its years.

Although you do not need to have seen a single Fassbinder to enjoy Ozon's film, those people familiar with the German enfant terrible will recognize his perennial theme of the vicious circles of exploitation - with all of the attendant love, loathing and unsettling but sometimes hilarious humor. Yet his worldview is refracted through a new, and razor-sharp, perspective. Middle-aged Leopold and 20-year-old Franz obviously love each other, but their familiar, and all-too-human, inability to communicate divides them. Into that breach Leopold is only too eager to bring exploitation, as he turns Franz into a hausfrau, albeit one in lederhosen instead of pantyhose. Typical of Fassbinder, we see the exploitation spiral into a second generation, as Franz uses Leopold's strategies on his former girlfriend, Anna, when she makes a surprise visit in the hope of snagging back her beau. Perhaps the most poignant, and surprising, example of these circles - within circles - of need and frustration comes when we learn the story of the mysterious Vera, Leopold's former lover.

Ozon also uses, and creatively plays with, Fassbinder's visual style, especially as seen in the ravishing Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant. Like Fassbinder he narrows the visual field with edges of walls, doors, and windows to re-frame and imprison the characters, and employs frontal shots, extreme angles, and merciless close-ups; although Ozon favore more diffused lighting. Like his predecessor, Ozon wrests genuine visual beauty from the claustrophobia of the single hermetic setting. He also paid meticulous attention to a dead-on recreation of a 70s bachelor pad, from clunky rotary-dial phones to swamp-like shag rugs.

There is also much of originality here; and Ozon had not set out to make a neo-Fassbinder picture. As he remarked, he had "wanted to make a film about a couple for a long time.... about the difficulty of living together and putting up with the daily routine. In discovering Fassbinder's play, I realized that I didn't need to write an original screenplay.... Funny and moving at the same time, the breakdown of the couple touched me."

Ozon brings the play to life, inspiring in his four cast members performances of outstanding range and depth. Fassbinder is justly praised for his use of actors, but as a disciple of Brecht and Godard he often emphasized the political ideas which his characters embody, creating an intentional distance between audience and the allegorized figures onscreen. With Ozon, the ideas are there for anyone interested in extracting them, but there is more spontaneity. And Ozon is already a master at revealing increasingly subtle psychological layers in his extended scenes with characters - most notably Franz - alone. To take one example, Franz in the bathtub reading Heinrich Heine's poem "Lorelei" is not just some highbrow beefcake shot. Ozon and actor Malik Zidi show us the minute workings of Franz's mind and emotions, in this intensely private moment. Even in the astonishing final scenes, when the film reaches its ironic (and typically Fassbinder) climax, Ozon has his actors emphasize the flesh-and-blood humanity of the people whose lives they are not only inhabiting but revealing. I am in no way denigrating Fassbinder; but this is a major, albeit subtle, difference between the two filmmakers.

The picture's most delightful moment - which Fassbinder would never have filmed - is the wild dance number in the fourth (of four) acts, using an infectious 70s Euro-pop anthem, "Dance the Samba With Me." Ozon keeps Fassbinder's head-on visual style - the quartet arranged in a (ahem!) straight row - but the energy is purely his own. Not only does the dance give a burst of adrenaline, as it hurls the film towards its climax, it also reveals character. We vividly see one reason for Leopold's phenomenal sex appeal: His swiveling hips might have turned even Elvis's head. This scene also shows that Ozon is part of the modern French cinematic tradition, recalling the whackily unforgettable madison danced by Godard's titular Band of Outsiders (1964).

Comparisons aside, Ozon has created an exceptional film in his own right: Funny, caustic, stylish, disturbing, and memorable. He has brought a strikingly fresh vision to this wittily pessimistic play of ideas (about love, power, and gender roles) and tangled emotions. And although Fassbinder might have been surprised by the changes (like grafting one of his most personal later films, In a Year of 13 Moons, onto the final act of one of his earliest plays), you can imagine him reveling in Ozon's accomplished visual style (both allusive and original), his command of narrative rhythm, the richness of the performances, and even those wonderfully unique moments - like the samba - which just might have set Rainer Werner's own toes a-tapping.

For those with eclectic tastes... a great art house film
Capsule review:

An entertainingly dark sexual farce about the antics of a cranky businessman and his 19 year-old male lover when the boy's ex-girlfriend tries to rekindle the flame. Peculiar, charming Fassbinder work. If you like art house films, try this one.

AKA 'Gouttes d'eau sur pierres brûlantes'

Actors: Bernard Giraudeau, Malik Zidi, Ludivine Sagnier. Directed by François Ozon. 1999 France Kodak Color 90 min. WS Dolby Digital 2.0 In Français+Deutsch. Subtitles: English. Drama/Period 1970s.

odd but good
To concentrate on the unbelievable elements of the plot is to miss the point I think. I'm not sure what the point is, but it's a funny film, and the characters are certainly interesting. Ludivine Sagnier is superb as Anna, Franz's ex-girlfriend.

You could do a lot worse, and you could do a lot better.

Do NOT bother!
Okay, I'm not usually this harsh with my movie reviews. I usually like to give some leeway to movies, especially if they're *really* trying to express some sort of artistic quality or something. But this one so truly falls short, it's remarkable how bad it is. Seriously, if "no stars" were an option, I'd be clicking on that one.

The movie starts with Franz, 19, sitting around in Leopold's apartment, chatting, drinking, playing some games. Leopold is clearly a gentleman with some age on him. How Franz got to be it his situation is unclear. Franz also talks openly about his girlfriend, Ana, whom he intends to marry soon.

Inexplicably, however, Franz spends the night and in the very next scene, we realize that Franz has moved in, and the two are now lovers. Franz then promptly assumes a submissive, meek housewife role, and in fact, for whatever reason, feels like he had to endure a slew of verbal abuse from Leopold. Can we say co-dependency?

Ana shows up in the middle of this debacle, and the viewer is (or, at least, I am) led to believe that Franz will come to his senses. No such luck. Heck, they even have sex -- perhaps Franz can now realize what a screwed-up life he's living with Leopold now? Nope.

Indeed, even the arrival of a former boyfriend of Leopold (who is now a woman) is not enough to snap Franz out of it.

And this is also where all of a sudden, any tenuous connection that this movie might have had to reality is completely lost. One would suppose that, as Ana has somewhat rekindled whatever spark Franz once might have had for her, SHE would at least dislike Leopold enough to slap some sense into either of them. We should only be so lucky.

All logic and reason (except MAYBE for Franz) suddenly flee with alarming alacrity at this point. People do things that make NO sense to me whatsoever, and I'm left scratching my head. Well, more than just scratching my head, but upset and confused at the very least. I mean, Ana LIKES the man who stole her boyfriend away from her and treats him like dirt? Ana is EXCITED by the prospect of dancing with Leopold and, indeed, wants to have sex with him? Come on!

Don't bother to see this movie. It's truly not worth it. It's two hours you won't ever get back. ... Read more

Description

Meet James.He's 32, single, drop-dead gorgeous, and looking for Mr. Right. James has his pick of 15 potential soul mates, and they'll do anything to get his attention. Watch each episode as James eliminates suitors until only his number one man remains. But what James doesn't know is, there's a catch...some of the 'mates' are actually straight men, pretending to be gay! Should James select a gay suitor as his final choice, the two will ride off into the sunset on an all-expense-paid dream vacation. But if it's a straight man who catches James' eye, he wins $25,000, and James goes home alone.

Relive television's groundbreaking gay reality dating show, complete with a bonus DVD completely filled with exclusive extras! Watch the deleted scenes and never-before-seen footage that the network couldn't air, and follow the cast from their earliest audition tapes to their exit interviews and "where are they now" updates.Take James home - and experience television history.

Over 3 hours of DVD Extras Including: Unseen Interviews; Andra Reacts to the Twist; Casting Reels; James and Andra's Elimination Deliberations; The Mates Enter the House; More of the Infamous Shower Scene; Hula Performance; Performances with Miss CoCo Peru; Original--and Never Aired--Boy Meets Boy Opening Sequence; Cast Biographies; Where Are They Now? Updates Written The Cast; Interactive menus; Scene Selection ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Wow, this is a hard one to write.
I never actually watched this show when it aired because in the initial round of advertising, we, the viewers, were actually told what James was not: that of the 15 guys fighting for James' attention, 8 were straight. However, I admit that in a moment of weakness, the absolutely adorable star of the show was enough to get me to fork over the cash to see what the heck it was actually about.

When watching 'reality' TV one has to realize that 'reality' TV has nothing to do with reality at all; rather, it's an opportunity to take the non-famous and put them in dangerous/ridiculous/humiliating circumstances and see how they deal with it. This show was no exception - and while I'm glad that Bravo has been delving into gay-themed television, shame on them.

There's a catch, here, though. If you actually get the DVD's, a few key points shine through. Number one, James and Andra truly ARE quality people. On the third disc, there is a 30+ minute segment just showing their discussion about their manipulation by the producers of the show and how disappointed they were that they had become pawns in a stupid gay-for-pay game. For those fans of 'reality' TV - take a good hard look at this segment and maybe you'll learn a bit more about what the networks DON'T show - people getting hurt and not wanting to be used for entertainment purposes.

The rest of the set with the shows themselves are fairly forgettable simply because the premise itself was deceptive not only to the participants but to the audience. It's almost excruciating to watch James develop feelings for people who are simply there for the cash 'n grab. While James is beautiful and sweet and charming (there's hope after all, kids) it's a shame that he and his friend (and most of the 'contestants') were used for the sake of a television show. I hope they found happiness elsewhere.

Forget Political Correctness..this is fun fun fun
If you paid attention to the critical media you would think this show was an affront to gay people everywhere, but that is "B.S." (to paraphrase James' pal Andra). I watched this show on Bravo, taped it and watched it a number of times. I find it to be fun and original. And the Twist (that some of the guys were straight) that was so reviled by the gay thought police was the very hook that reeled in the masses and made it a ratings success (at least by Bravo's expectations). I would have been happy with my grainy video but when I read that there were over 3 hours of extra interviews and deleted footage I couldn't resist, and boy am I glad I bought the DVD. The 3rd disc with extras is worth the price of the set...in fact it may actually be better than the show. There is an hour of cast auditions and an hour of parting thoughts from the ejected suitors as well as James, Andra, and the winner; and a near 40 minute meltdown by the sincere, loving Andra when the "Twist" is revealed. With this disc you will get insight into the character of each participant, including James, that may surprise even those that have seen the show. And you will delve much deeper into the thought process behind each elimination. Yes, there were those that complained that the gay/straight twist was mean. As a gay man I understand. But this set reveals that even the straight guys on the show were chosen with care. They all had gay relatives or friends that they loved and/or admired. I'm glad I own it.

Cheezy, but wickedly fun!
OK, so Boy Meets Boy is just another cheezy reality show with a clever new twist. James believes he's competing for the affections of 15 gay men. However, some of them are straight!!! It's truly an evil twist, but loads of fun. I remember the days when you didn't even say the word gay much less see a gay oriented show on TV. All the men are gorgeous and fun to watch. Even my "gaydar" was faulty when the men revealed their true sexuality. Buy it and enjoy it for what it is, FUN!!! The special features were a treat too.

The cast is fantastic, but not the show......
I bought this DVD set because this reality show does not broadcast in my country. I really like the concept of this show however it's quite a disappointment that the show turn out to be so boring.

I like James, the leading man due to his present personality
and his friendship with Andra. To my surprise, the most interesting part of the show is to watch the strong bond between
them. Excuse me, I though this is suppose to be a gay dating
show, so what happen?

I will give 1 star for the show, and I would like to give
5 star for James and Andra. Thus, average up it will be
3 out of 5.

Finally, I wish James will find his loved one.

Scum TV
I was able to stomach a single episode of this before I furiously decided that, like all Reality TV shows, it was basically another Sadistic exercise in manipulation. But the "twist" in this one had me appalled beyond belief. Planting straights in the dates with the gays? Pardon me, but would anyone even, for a moment, DREAM of making a dating show where the straight guy was confronted with the probability that he may have to choose from the straight woman or lose the prize because the contestants were loaded with lesbian plants trying to pass as date bait?

It's beneath contempt that Bravo even bothered to air this garbage. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Australian Beauty
When Australia tackle a movie subject such as homesexuality they either totally miss the plot, as in "The Sum of Us" or make a film that sets the benchmark for all others to follow.
Head On falls into the later.Alex Dimitraides performance is brilliant as the Young Gay son of Greek imigrants that cannot accept his place in modern Australian society as a gay man.
His rejection of his own sexuality leads to his sexual gratification without emotion,the end result being that he misses a chance of a meaningful or at least caring relationship.
A comment made by the director in thanking Alex for his performance was "he gave every inch of himself to the role"
A challenging, disturbing but brilliant film from Australia

The Angry Young Man Down Under
It's wonderful to be able to recommend a gay-themed movie that doesn't pour on a lot of pc platitudes about the nobility and martyrdom of misunderstood gays. Or that doesn't try to envelop us in propagandistic sickly sweet sentimentality that attempts to show how the gay world is one big happy, touchy-feely family of "normal" types. Reality, as this film shows, proves the opposite to be true.

The star of this independent film, and really the only reason for seeing it, is Alex Dimitriades. He plays a darkly handsome, heavily sensual male gigolo waiting for his sugar daddy. He's so believably screwed up, however, that he never gives anyone a chance to get near him. You can see the angry edginess in his eyes--he's too smart to accept the bourgeois dream of marriage, a serious work ethic, and life in the suburbs that his traditional Greek parents wish for him--he won't even bother to get a job. He'd rather spend his days stoned and sated by the furtive, sleazy sexual encounters, usually in alleys, he indulges in. The rest of the time he rails at everyone within reach for their shoddy dreams and for selling out to conventional morality. And yet he's traditionally macho in spite of himself--when his sister's virtue is compromised by a rival Lebanese youth, he tries to beat him up--while at the same time being ashamed of his Greek background and particularly his traditional strict father, who won't even bother to speak English. And when Alex finally does get a chance to be with a guy who wants more from him than anonymous sex, he screws that up too. He turns his back on family, friends, and love. He's committed to the shadowy, superficial life of gay sex in the fast lane, even though deep down he wants something more but he can't bring himself to be open to it. He's a romantic in spite of himself.

Unfortunately, the movie surrounding Alex Dimitriades' performance falls short. None of the other characters seem to be as believably fleshed out as he is, and some scenes just seem unnecessary. The director may have been trying to do too much. She does pull off a few bravura effects, including a striking finale with Alex miserably consigning himself to a life of promiscuity on the margins of society followed by his performance of a traditional Greek dance. It's lyrical, romantic and despairing all at once. This character is fully tragic--he realizes his limitations all too well and yet can't stop wishing for more. He's too smart to hope. Alex Dimitriades' performance rings so many bells about what it's like to be young, gay, smart and going nowhere and hating yourself for it that it puts all other so-called serious gay cinema to shame.

This is NOT for everyone
I must admit to being sadly dissapointed in this movie! I had been told a lot of good things about it by people, and read a number of reviews for it before finally purchasing it. Having watched it I must say it was not good, but not terrible. I gave it three stars just for the good acting, and because I love a good Autralian accent. lol The plot is, to say the least, lack luster, and is just as muddled and pointless as the main characters life. It was downright boring at times, and that is never good, when the viewer feels compelled to pick up the remote and fast forward. Yikes. While the main Character is attractive, he's on the cover of the box, that is not enough to carry the film, and his taste in men is apparently for the unattractive. The ending is just insane, I mean maybe I've been acclimated to happy endings by U.S. films, but this ending was neither happy, sad, nor even poignant it was just ended. I would suggest not buying this movie. Rent it then buy it, that is the safe bet.
Denzil

An Excellent Must See Movie
Rent it, buy it - borrow it. This is an excellent movie.

WELL CONCEIVED FILM
i ordered this movie on a total hunch having no idea what it was really about or without having heard anything about it. i would like to say that my gamble paid off. this movie is very interesting because it reaches out in so many levels. first you have the main character, ari ( i hope i spelled that right), who is a young man in a strange place. he is a greek living in australia b/c of immigration. he has grown up there but the culture does not accept the greeks. he is gay and a drug user and likes to have anonymous sex. he, in his view, is living his life the way he wants. he has no apparent direction to his life, but he has high plans for the future. he has a friend who is a drag queen and they go out and have an interesting night. ari does not get along with his father, loves his mother and his family. all of these aspects come into play throughout the movie. it is a brief glimpse into his life, but the glimpse is very vivid and telling. he is closeted to all but his family, but acts like he could care less for them to find out. he never thinks clearly mostly b/c he is usually high on some sort of drug. the movie moves very fast b/c it is supposed to be an effect, like seeing the movie thorugh his eyes as if you were watching the film on drugs. in the end you ultimately feel sorry for ari because he does not know what to do with his life. he is a lost soul with no one to help lead him. he desires love and affection and above all acceptance, but the contradiction is that he will not let anyone near enought to offer him the support he desires. this is a very good coming of age film and is useful in showing how a life can spin out of control. great film, i highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Very Dramatic
This movie is indeed very touching. It really brings the AIDS crisis to life and raises many questions. Hopefully one day we will have some more answers. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are superb in their roles. It is very interesting to watch as Washington becomes more accepting of the lifestyle of homosexuals and the advent of the crisis of AIDS. What is also a nice in this film is the support Andrew Beckett(Tom Hanks) feels from his family regarding his discrimination battle. There needs to be more positive movies showing family support today.

The music of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young fit in perfectly with the scenes of the film. People often overlook Neil Young's song and normally I do not like Mr. Young's music. However, this song is truly on a par with Springsteen Award Winning song as it amplifies the mood of Andrew Becket's fuenral perfectly.

Overall, this is one memorable movie from the 1990's and it can be appreciated by almost anyone.

Human Beings
The movie Philadelphia, by Johnathan Demme, displays the struggle a homosexual man infected with AIDS encounters in obtaining justice because he was unfairly fired from his job. Andy Beckett, played by Tom Hanks, seeks a lawyer to defend his case. Joe Miller, played by Denzel Washington, is the lawyer who defends Andy Beckett. Miller is a character who the viewers can relate to because he is homophobic and has a great fear about AIDS. The disease was not well known in the early nineties when the film was made, and Miller expressed the same fears of the public. Joe Miller learned how to put his personal feelings aside and defend the law. Although he does not agree with homosexuality and has a fear of the AIDS virus, Miller learned to look past those emotions and defend a homosexual man with AIDS to ensure that the law was upheld through justice. Philadelphia is an excellent movie because the viewers can relate to the characters and learn from their experiences with homosexuality and AIDS.

Joe Miller is a public defense lawyer who takes pride in his work. He is up for any challenge and rarely refuses to defend a client. Andy Beckett walks into Miller's office one day, seeking a lawyer. Miller is startled by Beckett's appearance because he looks ill and has a few lesions on his face. They shake hands, but Miller is extremely cautious about everything Andy touches. Andy Beckett introduces himself and explains to Miller that his employer fired him because he lost a serious document. Beckett wants to sue the corporation because he believes that he was fired out of prejudice. Miller asks what the prejudice is, and Andy says that the prejudice was against AIDS. Miller is afraid of the AIDS virus and does not wish to defend Andy. Andy is disturbed by Miller's refusal, but kindly departs the office.

The doctor Miller saw directly after the meeting with Andy Beckett attempted to assure Miller that AIDS cannot be contracted through a hand shake or touch, it is only contracted through sexual encounters. Miller is still disturbed by the thought of AIDS, though, because he has a family to worry about. The fear of this disease, however, did not stop Miller from thinking about Andy. Miller is dedicated to the law and does not like to see unjust acts, but he did not know how to overcome his fear of Andy's virus. He tried to convince himself that he denied Andy because he did not agree with homosexuality, but the truth is that he could not face his fear. Many citizens of the United States had the same fear of AIDS in the late eighties and early nineties due to the rising number of outbreaks. Scientists and doctors could not figure out a cure for this and people panicked. The majority of outbreaks occurred in homosexual couples and people referred to the disease as the "gay plague" or "gay cancer". Thus, hatred formed against homosexual people. Miller displays this hatred in the movie.

One day Miller is in the library reviewing material. He sees Andy a few tables over. A clerk is asking Andy if he would like to go to a private room after he brings him novels about AIDS. Andy does not want to go to a private room and a small argument arises. Miller walks over to Andy and starts talking to him. The clerk leaves and a few people around him move to other tables. Miller could not let his fear hold him back any longer. He helps Andy research and decides to defend him in court. A man's legal rights are more important than his personal situation. Miller puts aside the fact that Andy is homosexual, and learns to focus on his rights rather than his AIDS.

As Miller grows close to Andy, he learns more about himself. Throughout the case Andy becomes more and more ill. Instead of being afraid of Andy as he was in the beginning, Miller is compassionate for him and the illness with which he struggles. Miller is not cautious about touching Andy or being around his homosexual friends. He learns to accept Andy for who he is and respect him as a human being. Miller sets an example for society to follow. The public needs to stop blaming homosexuals for the AIDS virus and learn about the disease. Homosexual people also need to be treated as every other human being and society needs to learn how to accept them. Miller proves that these acts can be accomplished in this movie.

Philadelphia is a strong movie because it demonstrates two serious issues that citizens of the United States face. Homosexuality and AIDS arose abruptly and many people panicked out of fear of the unknown. The easy way out was to hate homosexuals because they were believed to be the cause of this disease as Miller did in the movie. People merely needed to educate themselves on AIDS and get to know homosexuals. They would discover that homosexuals are human beings just like everyone else and that the AIDS virus cannot be contracted through touch. Joe Miller set an example for Americans to follow in the movie Philadelphia.

The Oscar Winning Philadelphia with Hanks
March was Oscar month, and TCM (Turner Classic Movies) who showcase great Oscar movied showed ''Philadelphia'' with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington .

''Philadelphia'' is the powerful movie about a well educated and hardworking lawyer named Andy Beckette who contracts AIDS and is then illegally and prejudicely fired from his law firm when they find out he has AIDS.

The movie is nothing short of Excellent demonstrating not only the cold-blooded and hypocritical members of corporte society, but the indignities and prejudices that people living with AIDS have to go through.

The movie also brilliantly shows the courtroom tactics and lies that defendants and lawyers will use in order to win their case. The Defense (who represents the Law Firm who fired Andy Beckette) tries to make Andy Beckett's lifestyle
and often times varying performances at work
against him to try to bring down his reputation and his case.

From a law point of view, the movie is Excellent.
From a Film making point of view, the movie is Excellent.
From a societal message , point of view, ''Philadelphia'' is Excellent.

Jason Robards, plays Charles Wheeler, a sickening, prejudice man who resembles the most disgusting corporate boss there is: The corporate boss, who pretends to be friends with his coworkers or clients, only to stabbed them in the back later. He will do only anything to benefit himself.

At the beginning, Wheeler pretends to be Andy's friend, heck he even ask him for legal advice on a special antitrust case called ''Highlite vs. Sander Systems''. Andy Beckett's becomes fired, from the job, once they find out he has aids, but try to make it look he was fired for other reasons. The movie also greatly shows the prejudices, and misconception people have about aids.

However, Director Jonathan Demme does bring up some controversial areas for example Andy was a guy with many sexual partners, and so his diagnosis of the Aids Virus while dating Miguel Alvarez (Antonio Banderas) is not surprising
at all. In fact the defense uses Andy's personal history against him very well.

Denzel Washington plays Jospeh Miller, the lawyer Beckette eventually to try to bring his AIDS case to court.
Miller himself, at first, displays his own prejudices against people with AIDS. When Beckette, touches items in his office, his face becomes terrified, showing his fear and ignorance that perhaps he will catch AIDS from Beckette.

Another gritty scene that shows people ignorance and prejudice is the library scene in which Andy Beckette, is conducting researching for his AIDS case against the lawfirm that illegally fired him. The librarian in the library, first asks Andy Beckette, if he would be more comfortable in a study room, but then it becomes evident that the the ignorant librarian is telling not asking Andy Beckette to go to another room.
Andy being, a very proud man, refuses showing his true dignity even while having AIDS.

Joseph Miller (Washington) eventually agrees to become Andy's lawyer and this is where more powerful scenes are shown along with brilliant and well scripted performances.
''Justice is blind regardless of color, sex and religion.'' is the line that the Judge in the case uses to ensure the parties involved that this will be a fair case. ''Philadelphia'' gathered many Oscar Nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor leading to Denzel Washington winning for Best Actor.

''Philadelphia'' is not the only movie that deals with the issue of AIDS, but it is by far one of the best made.

I Highly Recommended this movie for both educational reasons (educate people about AIDS along with the ignorant misconception people have about it), and for Journalistic and Filmmaking reasons.

An Oscar worthy film that has to be seen.

There is a dvd available for ''Philadelphia'' but unfortunately no, special features are given but still a great film.

Hear Springsteen's and Neil Young's songs, then press STOP
"Philadelphia" is Hollywood's pathetic, hygienic attempt to deal with the maelstrom of controversy surrounding AIDS. It just doesn't want to offend anyone. (Even the Talking Heads's song "Heaven," heard in one scene, has its "heaven is a place where nothing ever happens" lyric rendered not so offensive.) The performances of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are noteworthy, but the film refuses to fully explore how AIDS can lay waste to a person's body, mind, and relationships. Does our main character's family and friends struggle with an admixture of hatred, disgust, pity, and sorrow for their infected son? Of course not! That would be too real for the suburban megaplex crowd and for the gay community. No, in "Philadelphia," the AIDS victim's family and friends are supportive until the end. Who's the bad guy? Well, it's our hero's employer, whose somewhat understandable fears of a ravaging syndrome (which was not fully understood in 1993) being introuduced in the workplace are portrayed as malicious. The subject of AIDS is a powderkeg, but in "Philadelphia," it seems about as controversial as cancer.

Good movie, too preachy in areas
I finally got around to renting a copy of "Philadelphia". Honestly, I was bored and nothing seemed interesting in the video store at the time. I paid my money, took it home, popped it in, and watched for two hours. The plot is inherently well-known so I won't rehash it here. However, I do find the film to take their viewpoint in treating homosexuals as regular people to almost bashing you over the head extreme. I'm no longer a subscriber to any faith. I'm skeptical of all religions, but I still maintain a study to better understand people and show respect where I can. I respect the fact that one's personal preference in bedroom activites should not be included in workplace policy, or any other public discourse, unless mutually agreed upon. I tend to keep it behind the bedroom door. Whatever two consenting adults do is none of my business. However, if a religion states in it's holy book that the deity who inspired said holy book isn't pleased with same-sex relations, that is their belief and I respect it. Does that mean that religious people should be blindly labeled as "Homophobes"? No, only if they engage in the typical intolerance and prejudice shown to various ethnic groups the world over and apply that to actions consenting adults engage in, in the privacy of their bedroom. I've known and have worked with homosexuals in various jobs and also studied with in course during my college days, and I actually found a few to be more enjoyable and a breath of fresh air compared to some heterosexual people. I don't consider myself to be "Enlightened" (I have no time for people who claim to be anyways), but I eventually came to my current outlook in life long before I saw Philadelphia. I enjoyed the film for it's themes in removing intolerance, but the film just was a tad too preachy at times. Do I recommend it, yes, but I do know some won't change in their views no matter how foolish. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Flea recites Shakespeare. What more do you need to know?
Well-dressed "indie" hack Gus Van Sant (who's about as indie as Evan Dando) received lots of kudos for this pretty-boys-in-ripped-jeans, "loose adaptation" of "Henry IV, part 1". If this is a loose adaptation of Henry, then "The Rainmaker" is a loose adaptation of "Bleak House". This sometimes decent-looking piece of fluff is so desperate to live up to its "loose adaptation" hype, it actually (painfully) inserts some actual dialogue from the play into the middle of the movie. OK, yeah...get it. Thanks.

River Phoenix is actually quite good & handles the vague, sappy story of boy-hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold with class & subtlety. His task is a thankless one: he plays a character who honks on bobo, hangs out with danceclass reject thugs, and has the occassional grand mal seizure on the highway. That and he's looking for Mama. Sure, but that's always the issue, isn't it?

What's his name? Keanu Reeves gives his usual Frank Gifford-on-thorazine performance. He plays a rich kid who hustles to get back at his family. Reeves is uniformly awful throughout. The interaction between Reeves and Pheonix is like watching two popular college guys go to their favorite hole-in-the-wall bar in the seedy section of town and attempt to "fit in". Meanwhile, they try to pay the tab with a VISA Platinum.

The shame of the movie is that what looks like might turn out to be a dark, intriguing portrait of a troubled twentysomething (nothing earthshattering, there, I grant you) winds up being a J. Crew travelogue that desperately wants to be (1) literary and (2) a cult film. Unless your name is Ed Wood, you can't just effortlessly toss off cult films. Even Wood had to wear fake breasts and fondle a cashmere sweater.

In truth, this would be a really good film student project if it were fifteen minutes long and in a language I couldn't understand. As it is, Van Sant doesn't have near the talent or original vision (see Psycho, the rape of) to pull off a formless character study or a literary cult film. Two stars because of Reeves, the first ten minutes and it's not based on a Tom Robbins novel.

Reality check...
This movie shocked me at first, but I soon realized that Gus Van Sant and the actors, especially Phoenix strove to present us with a picture and a reality we often don't see or don't choose to see. Welcome to the world of male hustlers. I didn't expect to be taken on a date in the first few minutes, and I was sad to learn how a person can give over their body for a 20$ bill. I was impressed and touched by River Phoenix's preparation for this character. His effort paid off beautifully! I understand through reading some of the biographical books about him; he always threw himself into every character. It is said that in preparation of the film, he spent a great deal of time with one particular hustler, a young man, whom he portrays. In addition, he lost an incredible amount of weight to look the part. Mike Waters is a young man looking for something. From highways to gay bars and back again, he searches for his mother, an ethereal character from his dreams, nightmares, and semi-wakefulness from his bouts of narcolepsy. The fits of instant sleep provided some comical moments, yet I enjoyed it because I was finding out what gave Mike stress. He was also looking for love from a man, and not from turning tricks. The actors often reffered to having sex with another person, for free, which gave you wings. The extent to which Mike and other actors will go to search and strive after a goal is unbelievable: From the high plains to the sea-board cities to France, they wandered from place to place looking for Mike's Mom. There is a conflict between Mike and his older brother, who is more a part of Mike life than he realizes. I was inspired by the courage of the characters to show the depth of comittment that a young man will go through to discover truth, no matter how difficult.

I highly recommend this movie to become aware of what happens all around us. We can love others better when remove the labels and love them regardless of where they came from. As a pastor and reviewer, I benefited greatly to seeing a brand new perspective of life and it helped in my work to aid people I know in these situations. It made me wonder - in this season of Christmas why our homes are not open to rejected teens. Loving and intimate relationships are free to give. Mike and his companion had a intense relationship of companionship which didn't revolve around sex That should inspire us to think how we treat the people around us.

"My Own Private Idaho" (just one more)
I forgot one more story, related to what I wrote, already. As if you'll print this, but maybe.
When "Sweet November" came out, I realized it was a remake of the 60s film, only it starred Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron, this time. I'd seen the original, with Sandy Dennis and Anthony Newley, back in the 70s, when it was on TV late one night, with Susie, my ex-girlfriend I wrote about earlier--the one who gasped, when I called her from the hospital and told her I think I'm an alcoholic. We'd loved that movie--and the "irony" there is that her birthday is November 17th, and that date features prominently in the new movie. It's also set in San Francisco, and I live just north of there, at Muir Beach. What an "irony." Sometimes, when I see "coincidences" in movies his friends and family make and my own life, I now think this was maybe River trying to tell me something from the Great Beyond.
When I wrote Susie of this "irony," after yet another hiatus in our relationship--she is fundamentalist Christian and has right-wing beliefs, when no one I know on purpose does, anymore, really--she ignored me. So bye-bye, Susie, and maybe that is for the best, since she wasn't in sobriety, even though we smoked and drank and took drugs, though she didn't favor that last.
I have related stories--such as when I saw Summer, River's youngest sister, in "Wasted," for the first time. I like this movie, though I can do without the sex scenes. And she can't relate it to River's OD, though it's about heroin addiction and is dedicated, in part, to those who lost their lives due to this disease.
I will go to sleep, now. I had no idea I'd write so much, and it's late. I have a bit of a head cold, but I thought I'd write you, since you sell me a bunch of River Phoenix things, suddenly, and you might want to know why, incidentally.(...)

Weird and wonderful...Keanu Reeves can actually act??
Being fairly new to the world of 'art-house' movies, i first found this a little confusing, and i was concerned that this strange approach would hinder the emotional impact of the film, rendering it yet another overly stylish, powerless and incomprehensible piece of modern film-art. I had also heard that it was extremely shocking and controversial. However, i began to understand Gus Van Sant's language, and it soon seemed completely natural. The claims regarding its explicit sexual nature have been, fankly, grossly exaggerated and probably the result of mild homophobia. The camp fire scene is the most memorable, with River Phoenix's perfomance as Mike, subtle and shining as usual, bringing to mind the very similar camp-fire scene in "Stand by me". Having only seen Keanu Reeves appear in such films as 'Speed' and 'the Matrix', in which he hardly demonstrates any power or skill as an actor, it came as somewhat of a pleasant surprise to see his humorous and striking portrayal of Scott. A sensitive choice of music contributed to the mood, both in the comic, nostalgic steel-string guitar to the gentle folk song that plays as Mike vows through tears to find his mother (by the way, does anybody know what that song is or how to find out?). I was slightly disappointed and depressed by the ending, which is extremely inconclusive, but i suppose movies don't always need a conclusive ending to make them good. Overall a visually stylish, emotionally powerful movie, with some fantastic acting by River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.

wierd, different, and sad
I did not know exactly to expect when watching this movie but I am a big fan of River Phoenix so I decided to give it a shot. I watched about the first third or so of it and found myself thinking I can't believe I rented this, with the exception of a few scenes that I thought were pretty funny, but when the campfire scene happened I became more involved with the film. I started to see Mike more as a person searching for love and his mother instead of just a male prostitute that fell asleep a lot. I thought River's acting was brilliant. Everything I have seen him in so far is so believable to me. For example, when he sees Scott and his new girlfriend kissing at the dinner table he blows smoke at them, out of obvious jealousy, and he can't sleep when he hears them making love in the next room. I think he was excellent in picking up people's mannerisms and the little things that people do. I ended up being so mad at Scott in the end and was saddened in how it seemed that Mike would live that life until his death. The role of Mike was played perfectly in that it seemed that he didn't even like being a prostitute, evident by his fits of sleep during most of those situations, but he was just trying to get by and find love. The believable acting, mostly by River, and the sadness and emotional vulnerability of the second 2 thirds or so of the film more than make up for the beginning. I hope to look deeper into people's lives and less likely to judge others, something that I must admit needing a little more help in. It really saddens me that there are people right now as I'm typing this review living lives similar to this one feeling like the "road never ends" for them. God bless them and everyone else. ... Read more

Description

Acclaimed Spanish Director Ventura Pons’ first English language film is a beautiful and faithful adaptation of David Leavitt'Ss novel "The Page Turner." Paul is apromising young pianist, who is hired to be a page turnerfor his idol, Richard Kennington. They meet again while Paul is on vacation with his mother in Barcelona. Thus begins a love affair that moves from Spain to New York, complicated by Paul's mother and Richard’s agent/lover. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A Beautiful Love Story
All I can say to really sum up how I feel about this movie is: AMAZING. Being a fan of Kevin Bishop's (Paul Porterfield) is what motivated me to see this movie. And it was definitely worth it. The movie is based on a book called "The Page Turner", by David Leavitt, and beautifully tells the story of an 18 year old, Julliard bound Californian (Paul Porterfield) and his passionate feelings for a famous pianist named Richard Kennington (actor Paul Rhys). The acting was quite phenomenal, and Kevin Bishop kept things realistic. This is a movie most anyone can enjoy; it is simply a story of love and longing. I like to watch this movie over and over again; the emotions are projected so well on all of the actors' parts, and the story really touches my heart.

Left Me Hungry For More
"Food Of Love" marks the debut of Ventura Pons first English language film and is based on the novel, "The Page Turner" by David Leavitt. As the film began I thought to myself, "This is going to be one of the best gay films I've seen in recent memory", and although I really enjoyed it, what began as a really good coming of age love story, midway through it took a completely different direction and became an after school special, centered around a mother dealing with her son's homosexuality. Having not read the book I can't say how it compares, but as a movie, it left me hungry for more. All the performances are great although the mother (Juliet Stevenson) at times seemed too over the top and almost cartoonish. Kevin Bishop who plays Paul, is a cute, blue-eyed, blonde that showed a wide range of emotions throughout the film, from his first sexual encounter, to his disappointments with school, and frustrations with his mom, and so forth. Paul Rhys also gives a wonderful performance and appears sensitive, intimate and charming towards towards the boy and his mom.

It begins in San Francisco as 18 year old Paul Portfield (Kevin Bishop), an aspiring piano player and soon to be Juliard student, gets a job as a page turner for his idol Richard Kennington (Paul Rhys), a renowned concert pianist. During the concert as Paul reaches to turn the pages as Richard plays feverishly, you get the beginning glimpses of the sexual sparks between them. After the concert, Richard invites Paul out for a drink only to be interrupted and taken home by his overprotective and at times manic mother (Juliet Stevenson).

After finding out his dad has left his mother for another woman, Paul and his mom venture off to Spain on vacation. While wandering the streets Paul spots a concert poster featuring Richard and he sets out to find him. Paul tracks him down and drops by his hotel room where he's soon seduced by the pianist in an intimate and gentle way. Paul becomes totally infatuated with Richard and after a week long fling Paul and his mom are off to Granada while Richard, unbeknownst to Paul, returns home to New York and his manager/lover Joseph Mansourian (Allan Corduner). Months go by and Paul is now attending Juliard, seeing an older man, and trying to get over Richard. It's a rollercoaster of a ride especially when a classmate of Paul's gets signed by Mansourian while Mansourian wants Paul to be a page turner yet again at a dinner party. In the midst off all this Paul's mom is trying to cope with divorce and, after finding a porn magazine in Paul's suitcase, her son's homosexuality. This is where the story takes a turn that was not completely satisfying. The mother attends a "mom's with gay sons" meeting and it just seemed totally misplaced and campy. Also, while attending school Paul seems to always be in the company of older men. I considered maybe that was his way of looking to a father figure or something but why wasn't he going out with guys his own age? His roommate looked cute enough. Also the portrayal of the older guys seemed to suggest they preyed on younger men. Those are just a couple of the issues I had with the story and I was a bit disappointed that it didn't stay focused on his relationship with Richard.

Events unfold and secrets are revealed, but many questions are still left unanswered at the end. Overall I would recommend it but still wish the story had centered more around Paul and his relationships than that of his mother and her issues. I'd love to see a sequel that's for sure! The acting is fine and the locales and direction I thought were great. There are a number of scenes with brief nudity and homoerotic touches that give this picture an "R" rating. The picture quality of the DVD is crisp and clear and so is the audio. It also features extras that include interviews with the cast members, the director Ventura Pons and even David Leavitt, author of the novel. Numerous trailers of other features from TLA Releasing as well.

Decent but no triumph
The film has strong possibilities but doesn't quite accomplish what it set out to do. As with many independent films, certain aspects of the filmmaking process have been sacrificed (typically because of budget reasons), so the film winds up stagey and stiff at points. Despite a few strong performances, I found the acting unconvincing on the whole. While I have not read the book, the characterizations felt incomplete.

Certainly this isn't a bad film, but it simply fails to satisfy.

Believable portrail of coming out/coming of age of a gay man
Very enjoyable and sincere effort to describe the thoughts and feelings

associated with a young man's awakening sexuality and coming out as a gay man.

Interesting and true parallels within the psychology used in the screen writing regarding the fact that the participants ie mother. lover, aquaintances and the young man; all 'know' about, and are aware of their individual 'problems', but cannot deal with these 'problems' until they help each to other bring them into the open.

Whether this be the young man's acceptance and expression of his homosexuality, or the mother's discovery and acknowledging of this; or the young man's realisation that he will not be pursueing a dreamt-of carreer and of his realisation of the existence of the relationship that the object of his desire is already in.

The point being that we always 'know' but are unable to admit these kinds of situations and circumstances in our lives until we assist each other (supportively) to name, own and accept the matters. Then we can relate to each other and go on to live, be real and be contented, happy and find peace with ourselves and with each other.

Kevin Bishop as the young gay man, is very good at expressing the passions and frustrations that he and so many other gay men go through at that age and stage of their lives.

Not that this movie is heavy on the message, or in any particular way dark. In fact I found it to be a 'feel good' movie. They have their difficulties, but work on them, so you have the sense that they will get through together in the end.

I must say that he is also a very good looking man, but this does not distract from the sincerity of his acting performance. Nor does it give any impression that he is being used, or using the older men with whom he has sexual/emotional relations. On the other hand the older men are attracted to him for his looks, talents, and pleasantness of manner; while he is attracted to the older men for their support,assistance and encouragement of his career, and no doubt their experience and worldly sophistication. An entirely believable set of relationships. After all, if you are 18 years of age, then just about everyone that you meet or make love too is going to be older than you are.

These gay men are generally good for and to each other, and neither shallow or selfish about their dealings with each other. The way it really is with the majority of reasonably mature and caring individuals.

Thank you to the director, writers, and cast. Well done.

Food of Love DVD Review
I caught part of this film on pay-per-view and was so intrigued I ended up buying the DVD. It is a very complex coming-of-age story about a young pianist, Paul Porterfield (Kevin Bishop), who falls in love with his idol and mentor.

Certainly NOT a typical gay-themed film filled with quirky, offbeat sidekicks. What a relief!

Shot entirely in Spain, which stands in for San Francisco and New York, the first half of the film is very visual. Some of the stilted dialogue can be attributed to the all-European cast and their "American" accents.

The DVD transfer is a little grainy, but it is in letterbox format. Some great interviews with the cast and director are included as extras on the DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Brilliant ERIC Roberts
So you thought Julia Roberts had all the talent in the family? Think again, and see "It's My Party" if you want proof positive that Eric, her brother, deserves the same level of praise and attention. A shattering performance that was grossly overlooked in 1996, Roberts plays the central character, dying from AIDS with dignity and self-determination that is so rarely captured ANYWHERE it's often astounding to the viewer to get through. If you thought "Terms of Endearment" was a terrific film, you might dislike the honesty and wrenching sincerity of this movie. There is little room for self-disdain here, or sadness. Rather, what erupts throughout is pure emotional awareness....Roberts captures so many dimensions of a dying man, you're celebrating AND reflecting at once. There is also an incredible supporting cast and special kudos to Harrison, Newton-John, and Cho. A real family film - see it and share it with the people you love. A note to the studio - how about a DVD release with some behind-the-scenes extras and perhaps even some reflections from the lovely Julia Roberts on her brother's extraordinary turn

Don't waste your time
A few weeks ago, I attempted to watch this movie with a small group of friends. We had all read the summary on the back of the case, and though it sounded good. We were wrong. While the basic story has potential, the presentation is extremely melodramatic. The acting is terrible, and the writing even worse. This is, without a doubt, among the worst movies I have ever seen.

Powerful film, inspired by true events
IT'S MY PARTY (USA 1996): In the last few days before an AIDS-related brain tumor renders him insensible, a young LA designer (Eric Roberts) decides to end his own life, though not before throwing a final joyous bash for family and loved ones. However, the occasion is strained by the arrival of Roberts' former lover (Gregory Harrison), seeking reconciliation at the eleventh hour...

Though heartfelt and moving, Randal Kleiser's powerful film - inspired by actual events - feels a little fragmented and plays like a reunion of his closest showbiz friends (the cast is a veritable who's-who of familiar faces), anchored firmly by Harrison and Roberts in the central roles. Their former relationship is outlined briefly at the start of the film, too briefly for the subsequent break-up to register as anything more than a minor event, though their love for one another is conveyed with real strength and conviction. Roddy McDowall essays the voice of conscience during a brief cameo appearance in which he questions the ethics of suicide, but his character's conservative views are given short shrift by Kleiser's defiant screenplay, which uses a sprinkling of mordant humor to keep mawkishness at bay (at one point, Roberts and his best friend [Bronson Pinchot, camping it up with abandon] launch into a rousing rendition of "It's my party/And I'll die if I want to"!). Viewers are advised, however, that the final twenty minutes are relentlessly, heartbreakingly sad. Amongst the high-profile supporting players, look fast for Nina Foch, Sally Kellerman, Greg Louganis, Steve Antin and a virtually unrecognizable Dennis Christopher and Christopher Atkins.

Sound and picture on MGM/UA's DVD are uniformly fine, and the extras include extended/deleted scenes, a trailer, and an audio commentary with director, cast and crew which goes into greater detail about the 1992 events which inspired the movie.

109m 35s
1.85:1 / Anamorphically enhanced
DVD soundtrack: Dolby 5.1
Theatrical soundtracks: DTS
Optional English subtitles and closed captions
Region 1

Yes it is Moving, But Geez is it ever Depressing
As a rule, if you are a gay male, you are suppose to support any independent type gay film thrust upon you. I have yet to be impressed with these art house gay themed films (with the exception of "Monster"). This one is no exception.
Yes the story is written well. Yes the message is deep. Yes it will make you cry and blah blah blah.
Why do gay films depict the main characters as either drag queens, tramps, or suffering from disease?
Maybe I don't like this film because it was disturbing in the true depiction of what an AIDS victim could possibly face. Or the flashbacks of others that have died in the film. Or the shallow lover that abandons the sick main character. I don't know, it isn't a bad film, it is just horribly depressing and not a film I ever care to watch again.
Why can't the next gay film embrace life, not death. Embrace love, not break-ups. Embrace happiness, not sadness?
Olivia Newton-John sings a beautiful song over the ending credits, if you watch the film, leave the credits rolling to witness this moving song.

Great performances enhance a timely story!
I came upon this little-known film by accident the other evening and it was a discovery that I was glad to have made. As has previously been stated, Eric Roberts portrays "Nick" who has been living an idyllic existence with his partner "Brandon", portrayed by Gregory Harrison. Suddenly, their lives are turned inside out when Nick is diagnosed with AIDS. Brandon is unable to cope with the revelation and begins to distance himself from his friend. The strain on the relationship caused them to have a permanent and ugly separation.

One year later, as the disease begins to progress to its eventual fatal end, Nick decides to throw a "bash" for his himself, as well as his family and friends. Nick also intends on taking his own life because prior to his mind and body's deterioration.

Nick's family and friends all come with the exception of the unknowing Brandon. Margaret Cho, playing one of Nick's friends, intercedes and seeks out Brandon, telling him about his former lover's intentions. During the party, Brandon appears and amidst the celebration, he and Nick briefly reconcile.

The final meeting between the two is poignant as well as celebratory.

As far as the performances are concerned, the principals are superb. Why Roberts did not attain the heights, as his better-known sibling, Julia, is unfathomable. He is quite good as the dying Nick.

Harrison is appropriately confused and compassionate as one that must deal with his own guilt and the mortality of someone with whom he had planned to share his life.

Lee Grant, as Nick's mom, is brilliant, showing why she has been one of the most under appreciated actresses of the past fifty years.

With a supporting cast of Bronson Pinchot, George Segal, Bruce Davison, Marlee Matlin, Olivia Newton-John (who supplies the song heard over the closing credits), Roddy McDowall (in one of his last roles), and a cameo appearance by acting legend Nina Foch (as Brandon's mother), the film has the clout to be one of the best ensemble cast in recent years.

It's too bad that this well-made film came and went with little fanfare and seems now relegated to late night on cable televsion.

The film is powerful and deserving of wider viewership. ... Read more

Description

"How much are you worth?" is the question posed in 200 American, a story of two very different men trying to find themselves.Ian, a young Australian, comes to New York City to start a new life. He needs money to stay and begins hustling for some quick bucks. He charges 200 American dollars cash for his services. He soon meets Conrad, owner of an ad agency, who has decided to "rent" a partner as he hasn't recovered from his last relationship. Puzzled why a nice guy like Ian is hustling, Conrad offers him a job at the agency, but complications arise....when Ian falls for his new supervisor Michael, leading Conrad to launch a campaign to win his ex back ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Enjoyable movie
I enjoyed 200 AMERICAN. It's a nice gay film. It's about a series of characters starting with Conrad, who is a controlling man is having trouble moving on from a recent relationship that went sour. He hires Ian, an attractive guy from Australia, for his escort services. Conrad wonders why he is an escord and hires him for a job at the agency he works at. He soon meets Michael and the two start to date. Michael is falling in love with Ian but Ian has a secret about his escort past, and struggles with telling Michael about it. Conrad tries to win back his ex by showing him he's changed, but has he? A nice movie.

Affirmative action for gay films
Ok, so I am rating this *slightly* higher than maybe it deserves (and I am in good company here). Maybe compared to all films it would rate 3.5 stars. I have a rule that certain films are judged not in comparison to all other films, but to others within the currently sparsely populated genre of gay drama.

The central problem facing a reviewer of gay, non-porn movies, as I see it, is there are not enough of them to make valid comparisons. There are maybe ten thousand hetero titles in existence, and maybe a hundred gay. Therefore a gay movie does not really have to be all that good to deserve watching. A radical affirmative-action concept maybe, but only a temporary one, which I will abandon when there is enough proliferation. The thing is, we don't want to poop on the up and coming gay writers and producers, if they show promise. Okay?

Four stars in this instance means this was an unpredictable, original, thought-provoking film that will please, though other reviewers are correct in saying it doesn't show much nudity. (Hey! that's not supposed to matter!) I like that none of the characters are stereotypes and all seem to be rather well-developed with their own distinct personalities. This was just as good as, I almost want to say better than, any of the *American* "Queer as Folk" episodes, just not as cheap, shocking and sexy as that Showtime product. "200 American" is more along the lines of thoughtful, mature and intelligent.

I don't think the limitations of the plot (hustling...yuck, not my cup of tea) could take this film to the five star level, even within the gay genre, but that's just my hunch.

Ugh!
What an awwwwwfully badly produced film.Boy did the writer need to workshop this!The premise alone should have scared me off.What fooled me was that this is a Wolfe film.Well I won't make that mistake again.Latter Day, Big Eden, and Leaving Metropolis were all wonderful.But not all Wolfe is gold.

The writing was just soooo predictable and cliché.It was so bad it was funny.I was actually laughing in bursts of "HA!"The directing and editing was even worse.The acting was only "okay."Sean Matic was very good.Matt Walton was also alright for the most part.Another thing this film reeeeallly lacked with as some halfway decent camera views and angles.Some cinematography would've been nice.You shouldn't be able to tell that a film was severely lacking in funds.And they did this awful scene where when this guy was introduced to this other guy and they slowed down the film and zoomed in on the the guy who was enamored with the other guy.That was so stupid. Who taught these people how to film!

I did enjoy the soundtrack.And the casting was very excellent.I just don't understand who they got to fund this stuff.

Now, it pains me to write a hateful review.But I realllly wish someone could've warned me before this.Ecklgh!All I can say say is, I'm glad there are some people who could appreciate this.I just feel so sorry.I just feel like if the writer/director could have just gotten together with another veteran writer/director, the film would have been wooooorlds better.I mean, there were nice seedlings in this, but water those seeds.Please!Every aspiring writer/director should see this.It's very... educational.

ANOTHER INDEARING HOOKER
I have finally fallen in love with a gay male hooker. The Australian hooker in this video is on the same caliber as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and Richard Gere in American Gigilo. Fortunately, his fate is is not tragic like in My Private Idaho, or other gay male movies I ha