Friday 11/7/2008
2night @ Reeling: Mulligans & Watercolors
Opening night, last night, was crazy nuts fun. I'm still recovering (which is why it took me so long to post today) and Laurie Lynd, the director of Breakfast with Scot asked me to marry him.
Tonight's pre-screened festival selections include Mulligans and Watercolors.
Mulligans: another movie made in Canada (see yesterday’s post) --> another well made movie that exhibits strong, structured development, beautiful backdrops, comprehensive characterization, filming, editing and music. The high-grade production value is evident and the original storyline, depicting the drama derived from the fence-jumping fling of a fortunate family’s philandering father, easy to digest. The raw resolve is indeterminate but, by not exploiting or sensationalizing the situation, respectably real. Well done and well told, it’s a good movie.
Yet the resounding cinematic significance of Mulligans isn’t in its unique rendering of a provocative plot, but rather revealed in its closing credits. Featuring Thea Gill (Queer as Folk, Dante’s Cove) and Charlie David (Dante’s Cove, A Four Letter Word, Bump!) in the starring roles, the Mulligans cast is a testament to the emergence of the “Gay Film Star.”
Gay-focused films have become so marketable that the entertainment industry no longer views having the balls to take on a gay lifestyle piece as the ironic equivalent of career castration. As the niche’s widespread demand continues to increase, media’s mentality toward queer content is shifting from “condemnable” to “commendable.” The result: ators and filmmakers, like Gill and David, are not only more freely and, in some cases repeatedly, engaging LGBT-treated titles, they’re becoming famed-—or type-casted—-for them. Either way, they’re Gay Film Stars. And while Mulligans may not best exemplify this new and breaking dynamic (as the film’s writer and executive producer, David’s gay-revolved resume may not have been what actually scored him a leading role), the correlation between the two isn’t entirely incredulous. Consider the Eating Out and Another Gay Movie series, the Slutty Summer spin off, A Four Letter Word, and all the well-received, gay-related projects by Q. Allan Brocka, Jesse Archer and Darryl Stephens.
That being said, I wouldn’t recommend seeing this movie at Reeling. Instead, hold out for the DVD, because indirect cinematic social statements, no matter how glorified, just aren’t worth the $12 ticket price, especially when there’s something with substance to be seen. Sorry Charlie, but Watercolors is the must-see movie playing tonight.
However be warned: While Watercolors is one of the best films playing at Reeling this year, it is probably one of the most imperfect productions as well. This is writer/director David Oliveras’s first film, and it shows. The cuts between the paled, boxed-in scenes are blunted with obvious edits. The symbolism is misplaced, if not unnecessary. Greg Louganis, portraying the hardcore, no-bullshit swim coach, is comically unconvincing, and the story, surrounding one geeky gay’s fixation on a straight-acting athlete, with its contrived conclusion, isn’t the most novel of narratives. Yet, in the end, none of that matters because the resolve resounds. Where Watercolors fails in execution, it thrives in evocation.
The unfurling of the story is raw, real and relatable while still being emotive (I cried, twice), provacative and compelling. The teenage sensibilty of the primary lead was brilliantly written--totally age-appropriate, which is something even the most established of screenwriters have trouble accomplishing--and brilliantly portrayed by the actor. The gay issue is neither avoiding or exploited, but treated ratter matter of factly.
Watercolors is what Beautiful Thing should have been and what Brokeback Mountain was supposed to be.
Go see it, tonight, playing 9 p.m. at Landmark Theater.
Tonight's pre-screened festival selections include Mulligans and Watercolors.
Mulligans: another movie made in Canada (see yesterday’s post) --> another well made movie that exhibits strong, structured development, beautiful backdrops, comprehensive characterization, filming, editing and music. The high-grade production value is evident and the original storyline, depicting the drama derived from the fence-jumping fling of a fortunate family’s philandering father, easy to digest. The raw resolve is indeterminate but, by not exploiting or sensationalizing the situation, respectably real. Well done and well told, it’s a good movie.
Yet the resounding cinematic significance of Mulligans isn’t in its unique rendering of a provocative plot, but rather revealed in its closing credits. Featuring Thea Gill (Queer as Folk, Dante’s Cove) and Charlie David (Dante’s Cove, A Four Letter Word, Bump!) in the starring roles, the Mulligans cast is a testament to the emergence of the “Gay Film Star.”
Gay-focused films have become so marketable that the entertainment industry no longer views having the balls to take on a gay lifestyle piece as the ironic equivalent of career castration. As the niche’s widespread demand continues to increase, media’s mentality toward queer content is shifting from “condemnable” to “commendable.” The result: ators and filmmakers, like Gill and David, are not only more freely and, in some cases repeatedly, engaging LGBT-treated titles, they’re becoming famed-—or type-casted—-for them. Either way, they’re Gay Film Stars. And while Mulligans may not best exemplify this new and breaking dynamic (as the film’s writer and executive producer, David’s gay-revolved resume may not have been what actually scored him a leading role), the correlation between the two isn’t entirely incredulous. Consider the Eating Out and Another Gay Movie series, the Slutty Summer spin off, A Four Letter Word, and all the well-received, gay-related projects by Q. Allan Brocka, Jesse Archer and Darryl Stephens.
That being said, I wouldn’t recommend seeing this movie at Reeling. Instead, hold out for the DVD, because indirect cinematic social statements, no matter how glorified, just aren’t worth the $12 ticket price, especially when there’s something with substance to be seen. Sorry Charlie, but Watercolors is the must-see movie playing tonight.
However be warned: While Watercolors is one of the best films playing at Reeling this year, it is probably one of the most imperfect productions as well. This is writer/director David Oliveras’s first film, and it shows. The cuts between the paled, boxed-in scenes are blunted with obvious edits. The symbolism is misplaced, if not unnecessary. Greg Louganis, portraying the hardcore, no-bullshit swim coach, is comically unconvincing, and the story, surrounding one geeky gay’s fixation on a straight-acting athlete, with its contrived conclusion, isn’t the most novel of narratives. Yet, in the end, none of that matters because the resolve resounds. Where Watercolors fails in execution, it thrives in evocation.
The unfurling of the story is raw, real and relatable while still being emotive (I cried, twice), provacative and compelling. The teenage sensibilty of the primary lead was brilliantly written--totally age-appropriate, which is something even the most established of screenwriters have trouble accomplishing--and brilliantly portrayed by the actor. The gay issue is neither avoiding or exploited, but treated ratter matter of factly.
Watercolors is what Beautiful Thing should have been and what Brokeback Mountain was supposed to be.
Go see it, tonight, playing 9 p.m. at Landmark Theater.
Thursday 11/6/2008
2night @ Reeling: Breakfast with Scot
Canadians really go all out when it comes to gay filmmaking. Unlike so many of their American, independently produced and under-funded gay-cinematic counterparts, LGBT-themed movies flying a maple leaf flag often appear to be benefited by the rich—the kind of deep-pocketed producers that can afford to invest in high-grade productions with sophisticated, complex storylines treated by accomplished actors and complete, comprehensive crews. Or at least that looks to be the typical trend based upon the Canada-founded films being screened at this year’s Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival, starting tonight with the opening night feature, Breakfast with Scot.
In Breakfast…, an orphaned boy is placed into the temporary guardianship of a reserved and keep-to-themselves kind of gay couple following his mother’s overdose. High jinks ensue as the uptight ‘mos inadvertently impart the message that “flamboyance isn’t fabulous” onto their ostentatious ward. And, as seems to be the Canadian case, the production quality is spot on. The music, editing, cinematography, sets, scenery, continuity, character development and depth, and the acting there of, are very well produced and actualized, all of which backdrops the well telling of a cute and charming tale.
However, incorporating so many well-developed, in depth characters inherently forces the film to focus on numerous underlining factors that, within the limited frame of a 90-minute movie, pressures the plot into a fast-paced presentation. Compromised by the clock and racing toward resolve, the accelerated action is unavoidably anxious, and watching it is a workout akin to cardio. So much so that audiences may be unable to revel in the warm and fuzzy conclusion, but may instead need to take a deep, calming breath in order to ease their exercised heart and mind’s return to real time and place.
Nevertheless, Breakfast with Scot’s heart-warming evocation easily overshadows the heart-pumping execution. So go see this movie. The palpitations are worth it in the end.
**
Breakfast with Scot screens tonight, 7:30 p.m., at Piper’s Alley, and is followed by Reeling: The 27th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival’s opening night reception. For more information, go to this link.
In Breakfast…, an orphaned boy is placed into the temporary guardianship of a reserved and keep-to-themselves kind of gay couple following his mother’s overdose. High jinks ensue as the uptight ‘mos inadvertently impart the message that “flamboyance isn’t fabulous” onto their ostentatious ward. And, as seems to be the Canadian case, the production quality is spot on. The music, editing, cinematography, sets, scenery, continuity, character development and depth, and the acting there of, are very well produced and actualized, all of which backdrops the well telling of a cute and charming tale.
However, incorporating so many well-developed, in depth characters inherently forces the film to focus on numerous underlining factors that, within the limited frame of a 90-minute movie, pressures the plot into a fast-paced presentation. Compromised by the clock and racing toward resolve, the accelerated action is unavoidably anxious, and watching it is a workout akin to cardio. So much so that audiences may be unable to revel in the warm and fuzzy conclusion, but may instead need to take a deep, calming breath in order to ease their exercised heart and mind’s return to real time and place.
Nevertheless, Breakfast with Scot’s heart-warming evocation easily overshadows the heart-pumping execution. So go see this movie. The palpitations are worth it in the end.
**
Breakfast with Scot screens tonight, 7:30 p.m., at Piper’s Alley, and is followed by Reeling: The 27th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival’s opening night reception. For more information, go to this link.
Tuesday 11/4/2008
Webb's Design
Brenda Webb, Director of Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival, joins the slumber party in Bedfellows.
Featured this week in Gay Chicago Magazine and online at ChicagoPride.com.
Featured this week in Gay Chicago Magazine and online at ChicagoPride.com.
That popcorn looks good! I wonder if she'll share it with someone who has a character disorder!
-
CPJason
Total blog posts: 1
MyPride friends: 1
I'm sure Brenda would share her popcorn with you, Greg, if you asked nicely. Do you know how to do that?
Oh we're using real names? Can I call you Mr. Cole?
Sunday 11/2/2008
GLHF: The Votes Are In
Fourteen individuals and one organization have been chosen for inception into 2008 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
Of those fourteen, Jane Addams (1860-1935), 1931 Nobel Prize winner, was included for her pioneering work in founding Hull House in 1890, which created a lasting model for social change and diverse thought.
Still among the living, Kevin G. Boyer, 45, was also named for his service to the LGBT communities, including his work as president of Gerber/Hart Library, co-creator of national Gay and Lesbian History Month, co-founder of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and vice co-chair of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
The chosen nominees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame's 18th annual ceremony, which will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008, in Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in 1991 under
the auspices of the Advisory Council, with continuing support from the
Chicago Commission on Human Relations and Mayor Richard M. Daley. Its purpose is to recognize the achievements of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to the development of the city, and the help they have received from others.
**
Adapted from a press release issued by the City of Chicago
Of those fourteen, Jane Addams (1860-1935), 1931 Nobel Prize winner, was included for her pioneering work in founding Hull House in 1890, which created a lasting model for social change and diverse thought.
Still among the living, Kevin G. Boyer, 45, was also named for his service to the LGBT communities, including his work as president of Gerber/Hart Library, co-creator of national Gay and Lesbian History Month, co-founder of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and vice co-chair of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
The chosen nominees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame's 18th annual ceremony, which will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008, in Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in 1991 under
the auspices of the Advisory Council, with continuing support from the
Chicago Commission on Human Relations and Mayor Richard M. Daley. Its purpose is to recognize the achievements of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to the development of the city, and the help they have received from others.
**
Adapted from a press release issued by the City of Chicago
Thursday 10/30/2008
Cagney in Chicago
Famed for her role as Christine Cagney on the '80s police program, Cagney & Lacey--but better known by gays as Debbie Novotny on Queer as Folk--Sharon Gless will be in Chicago next month, filming the independent movie, Hannah Free.
The film, described as "the story of a lifelong love affair between an independent spirit and the woman she calls home," is based on Claudia Allen's stage play of the same name. Shooting for Hannah Free begins in November 2008, and is being produced by Allen and Tracey Baim, publisher of The Windy City Times.
www.hannahfree.com.
The film, described as "the story of a lifelong love affair between an independent spirit and the woman she calls home," is based on Claudia Allen's stage play of the same name. Shooting for Hannah Free begins in November 2008, and is being produced by Allen and Tracey Baim, publisher of The Windy City Times.
www.hannahfree.com.
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