Entertainment News Flash

Entertainment News Flash
by Jed Ryan

January 16, 2002

Current and Upcoming Gay and Gay-Friendly Movies on VHS and DVD!

PART 1: VIVA LA FRANCE!

America has always had a love affair with French movies. For a long time, it seemed that every film coming out of France was labeled a "masterpiece." (Remember "Last Tango in Paris," which allowed people to watch an explicit sex flick and call it an "art film"?) Well, it just so happens that some of the most highly praised gay-themed and gay-friendly movies on video or DVD as of late are French ("The Closet," "Come Undone") or French-flavored ("Moulin Rouge"). To find these movies plus many more gay-themed titles, check out TLAVideo.com or Wolfevideo.com, two highly recommended and very informative sites. If you can't afford a trip to Paris (or even Montreal) this year, just say "Oui!" to any of these new and upcoming releases:

"THE CLOSET" ("LE PLACARD") (2001, rated R, 85 min.) This well-received French farce, which played at the Cinema Arts Centre, is a comedy of errors about an unassuming straight man named Francois who is in danger of losing his job at the condom factory. He pretends he is gay, with the intention that if he was indeed fired, it would appear to be discrimination. The bluff works, and Francois is promoted, gains respect from those around him, and even attracts the attention of a former hoimophobe (played by Gerard Depardieu) who may or may not be attracted to him. From the director of "La Cage Aux Folles." Described by those who've seen it as "silly" and "zany," "The Closet" seems like the perfect light-hearted comedy rental-- providing you don't mind the subtitles! Available to rent or own on DVD or to rent on video, or to own on video after 3/5/02. Or you can wait for the inevitable American remake...

"COME UNDONE" ("PRESQUE RIEN") (2001, unrated) I remember a few years ago when I wished that there were sexy, romantic dramas made especially for gay male couples' viewing, similar to the dozens of late night "erotic dramas" made for straight couples on cable TV channels like Skinemax... uh, I mean, Cinemax. You know, light on story, but heavy on lush locations, romantic music, and uninhibited sexuality-- without resorting to X-rated territory. Luckily, gay and lesbian audiences have more options nowadays in the home video and DVD market. One of the more highly-acclaimed romantic dramas to emerge is "Come Undone," also from France, which promises "plenty of nudity, sex, and substance," according to TLA Video. Telling the story of a romance between two 18-year old French boys, the movie features skinny dipping, nude dancing on the beach, and intense lovemaking in the dunes. But in addition, the film addresses such issues as gay first love and coming out. "Come Undone" is available to rent or priced to own on DVD. Come on, don't we men deserve some eye candy?

"THE ADVENTURES OF FELIX" ("DROLE DE FELIX") (2001, unrated, 95 min.) The theatrical release of "The Adventures of Felix" was heavily promoted in New York City during the Gay Pride Parade. TLA Video praised this French film very highly, calling it "sweet, gentle, and romantic," and stating that the movie had "a magical, unflinching flair that results in an extremely entertaining and sensual road movie." "Felix" tells the story of a sexy French/Arab gay man who travels to the south of France by foot to search for his biological father. Along the way, he finds a surrogate family, romance, sex, and more. "HX" describes "The Adventures of Felix" as "..a near perfect film, populated by very three dimensional, unpredictable characters-- not to mention attractive leads, sexy interludes and full-on pickle shots!" Hmmm... If you have been wanting to learn French for a while, start with this movie's website, at www.pyramidefilms.com/droledefelix. "Felix" will be available 2/19/02 to rent or buy on DVD or rent on VHS.

"MOULIN ROUGE" (2001, rated PG-13) Like the nightclub which inspired this movie, "Moulin Rouge" is big, bold, and baudy. It's certainly not just a period piece (turn-of-the-century Paris, to be exact), and not your average musical. When I saw this movie in the theaters upon its release, the most frequently echoed comments were "Ewan McGregor is SO hot!" and "Wow... Nicole Kidman can sing!" and "That's not what I expected!" Filmed in a highly stylized, MTV-inspired, kaleidoscopic way, "Moulin Rouge" is as dizzying as it is entertaining. The story involves the ill-fated love affair between Titian-haired courtesan Kidman and struggling writer/musician McGregor, but the plot's just an excuse to indulge in lavish costumes, extravagant stage shows, and a soundtrack which includes reworked versions of modern pop standards like Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and Elton John's "Your Song," among many others. And how can we forget the new funked-up version of "Lady Marmalade," arguably the most crowd-pleasing song on the gay nightlife scene this past year. Will gay men love this cinematic celebration of excess? What do you think?! "Moulin Rouge" is available to rent or own a two-disc DVD with loads of extras, or to rent on VHS.

PART 2: HISTORY LESSONS

"EXECUTION OF JUSTICE" (1999, rated R) Many of us are familiar with the story of the late Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the U.S. In 1978, City Supervisor Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were murdered by a mentally unbalanced former policeman named Dan White. White was sentenced to only five years, a malady of justice that resulted in thousands of San Fransisco citizens protesting in the streets. (Dan White later committed suicide.) The story of Harvey Milk was the subject of the book The Mayor of Castro Street--the Life and Times of Harvey Milk, as well as a documentary in 1984 (which won that year's Academy Award for "Best Documentary") entitled "The Times of Harvey Milk" (Available on video to rent or buy for $35.99). For years, Warner Bros. tinkered with the idea of a feature film which would have starred Robin Williams as Milk-- but the project never saw the light of day. Leave it to Showtime to resurrect this important story. More than just a docudrama, the film incorporates interviews and special guest commentaries. An important, if not exactly pretty, piece of gay history. Rent this flick on VHS, also available to buy for $44.99.

ALSO RECOMMENDED AND NEWLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE/RENTAL:

"Aimee & Jaguar": In World War II-era Germany, a dangerous love affair emerges between a Nazi officer's wife and an out Jewish lesbian.

"All Over the Guy": The Long Island Film Festival favorite!

"Lost and Delirious": The story of young lesbian love which also pleased the crowds at the Festival.

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch": A gender-bending, wild ride of a rock musical, based on the hugely successful off-Broadway play and bearing more than a coincidental resemblance to the real-life story of rock queen Jayne County.

"Nico and Dani" (Spanish with English subtitles) Like "Come Undone," another foreign-made film about awakening gay love between young men, a subject that American filmmakers still seem to shy away from. Highly praised during its theatrical run... and highly recommended.

Entertainment News Flash - November 5, 2001