In 200 American (dollars, that is), Conrad (Matt Walton), a gay executive, has been dumped by his boyfriend and turns to Ian (Sean Matic), an Australian hustler, for sex and companionship. Infatuated with the young man, Conrad hires him to be a photographer’s assistant at his company in exchange for sex a couple of times a week. Ian’s employment doesn’t sit well with others in the company at first, but then he catches the eye of the art director (Anthony Ames) he’s assigned to work for (and who doesn’t know about his career as a prostitute).
Almost Normal
A gay, 40-something professor (J. Andrew Keitch) is in an accident and wakes up to find himself transported back to his senior year in high school. This time around, it’s an alternate universe where eveyone is gay; including his high school crush (Tim Hammer). Of course, never one to be normal, our hero falls for a girl. Ah, gay high school, complete with bullying of heterosexual boys. . . . Almost Normal.
Interesting concept, not the best movie ever, though there’s some decent eye candy. I guess it’s supposed to make straight people think, but the message is delivered with a 2 x 4. The short film “Shame No More” was better delivering the same message.
The Trip
Alan (Larry Sullivan) is a young Republican in the halcyon days of Richard Nixon’s regency. He meets Tommy (Steve Braun) a gay activist he tries to interview for a book about the gay lifestyle of the time. Naturally, Alan falls for Tommy and their relationship comes to be after Alan has already turned in his anti-gay book to his publisher. Thinking the book will never be published, Alan doesn’t tell Tommy. And then along comes the hate mongering, she-demon Anita Bryant and the publisher dusts off the book. Many years later, they reunite and take the road trip they’d discussed a little too late.
Jill St. John puts in a small but hilarious performance as Alan’s accepting mother.
Yossi & Jagger
Yossi & Jagger (2002) follows two gay Israeli soldiers in a squad defending a border postion. Jagger (Yehuda Levi) is a free spirited young man who wants to be out and Yossi (Ohad Knoller) is his much more straight laced commanding officer and lover. Good movie, but a bit sad.
Forgive & Forget
Forgive and Forget (2000) – David (Steve John Shepherd) is a plasterer whose best friend Theo (John Simm) is moving in with his girlfriend Hannah (Laura Fraser). This sparks unexected jealously on the part of David. Hannah doesn’t much like David hanging around Theo and David takes to actively trying to split them up. David eventually tricks Theo onto a talk show where he declares his love for him. It never ends well, lusting after straight boys. A cautionary tale.
And yes, it’s the same John Simm who was recently taking over the earth as “The Master” on Dr. Who.
Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett in Cemetary Man (1994) aka Dellamorte Dellamore as a cemetary caretaker who has to kill the dead that rise again in his cemetary each night. He meets a lovely widow who just has to have sex with him on her husband’s grave. Can you guess where that goes? Zombie gore galare.
Dorian Blues
Dorian Blues (2004) follows the trials and tribulations of Dorian (Michael McMillan) a young man struggling to come to terms with his (wait for it. . . .) sexuality. In a home filled with an overbearing, opinionated father (Steven C. Fletcher), an oblivious mother (Mo Quigley), and a jock, football hero, younger brother (Lea Coco), Dorian suddenly realizes one night why he’s different. The film has some hilarious moments and the younger brother’s (sometimes misguided) support is great. Well worth watching as Dorian tries therapy, religion, and just plain snarkiness to deal with his problems.
Joe Dallesandro
Joe Dallesandro is a young hustler in Andy Warhol Presents: Flesh (1968). The movie follows Joe throughout the day as he picks up men and tries to hustle the cash his wife is demanding. Much of the film revolves around Joe getting naked (much full frontal) for one reason or another. Art? Or an excuse to get a cute guy nekked? You decide, but either way a fascinating movie.