Knight at HOME at the Movies
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GLBT Themed DVD Roundup (Winter 2007)
Get ready for gay overload as we wend our way through 10 (count 'em) gay themed titles -- something for every gay!
Get ready for gay overload as we wend our way through 10 (count 'em) gay themed titles -- something for every gay!
I, along with most of the free world, didn’t think much of Oliver Stone’s epic Alexander when it appeared in the fall of
2004. Stuffed with action, intrigue, battle scenes, and the expected range of accents thanks to its international cast, the
result didn’t seem to satisfy any of its intended audiences with its confusing, mind numbing narration, coyness regarding
Alexander’s homosexuality, and the like as its biggest sins. After releasing a heavily edited version with the original DVD,
Stone has now returned to the cutting room and returned with what he calls his final visit to Alexanderland. Now, the fruits
of his labors, the two-disc Alexander Revisited: the Final Cut is being released this Tuesday by Warner Home
Video. Stone introduces this new constructed version that restores footage from the theatrical release cut from the
original DVD, and adds lots of new stuff never seen.
In Stone’s introduction to the new film (truly epic at 3 ½ hours) the director says when the offer came to recut the movie
so it would resemble the epics he remembered being enthralled with growing up (i.e. Lawrence of Arabia), he couldn't
resist. So, this new version, along with a completely different assemblage of the footage, includes an intermission that is
a welcome breather. I’m happy to report that thanks to a bad cold, I happily settled in and truly enjoyed the movie in
one sitting. You still have to follow Alexander’s exploits very carefully because now his battle triumphs are presented in
flashback at the end of his young life and there’s a lot of jumping around while the original, as I recall, was done in
chronological order. Here, we jump right into one of Alexander’s most famous battles. But the result overall is a much
more satisfying version of the events as we slowly find out how what made Alexander tick.
GLBT readers will also be much happier with the much clearer evidence of Alexander’s preference for male lovers. Now,
instead of just jumping naked into bed with Bagoas, the infamous Persian Boy before Stone cuts chastely away, the
blonde haired Colin Farrell shares a passionate kiss and embrace with his young male servant. Later, there’s a touching
scene in which Bagoas actually gets to speak (!) while declaring his love for Alexander. Alas, the equally intense
relationship between Alexander and Hephaestion (the pumped up, eyeliner sporting Jared Leto) remains one of heavy
flirting with the eyes and tender hugs. We still get an array of accents (between Angelina Jolie as the crazy, power mad
mother, Val Kilmer as the father and Anthony Hopkins as the narrator all going in their own linguistic direction) and this
final cut still has flaws (as noted, getting your bearings still isn’t the easiest). But the difference between the 2004
theatrical release and this version are immense and it’s a pleasure to recommend. Bravo, Mr. Stone!
My head cold came on just as Chicago’s frozen winter did – a nice coincidence – and so I had a great excuse (as if I
needed one) to watch movie after movie. None of these releases has probably made me happier than Sony Pictures’
Viva Pedro – Pedro Almodovar Classics Collection boxed set. This whopping nine disc release is an ESSENTIAL
for not just Almodovar fans (and we are legion) but those who love Spanish cinema, amazingly intricate drama-comedies,
and are curious about how Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz first came to the attention of American audiences. The
set has eight of Almodovar’s movies, with a nice cross-section of his early films and latter ones represented. The ninth
disc contains indepth interview featurettes with his close filmmaking associates although the openly gay Almodovar
himself does not appear.
This set includes – for the first time in a home release – Law of Desire – the movie that contains the Banderas
performance that assured his worldwide stardom and gained the attention of Madonna (see her Truth or Dare documentary
for the hilarious segment on this). And yes, this is the one where he plays the gay man with the extremely complicated
personal life. Matador, another dreamed of DVD, is also included here. Sony has improved the look of All About My Mother
(his masterpiece and my favorite Almodovar to date) though the work on Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
doesn't seem much changed over the previous version. And the extensive extras on previous editions of many of the
films – like Bad Education for instance – aren’t included here. Only the extra disc has bonus material (it also includes a
trailer for Volver). But the set is well packaged and it’s a pleasure to have many of the master’s greatest films in one
box. Perhaps another of my Almodovar favorites (though admittedly one of his weaker efforts) – Kika – will be re-
released down the road or even better, is being saved for another set. Other titles include The Flower of My Secret, Live
Flesh and Talk to Her.
A lot of film critics weren’t particularly kind to gay writer-director Ryan Murphy’s big screen adaptation of Running with
Scissors in 2006 but I liked that he honed in on the most compelling person in the memoir of gay writer Augusten
Burrough’s years with a dysfunctional family. That would be the mother, the wanna be poet and self-proclaimed “artist”
Deidre. Thrillingly played by Annette Bening (in another year, she’d be in the Oscar circle), Murphy smartly gives her
plenty of screen time. The movie’s crazy as a loon characters (played by a bevy of expert supporting actors), its hot 70s
soundtrack (matching up with the hideous fashions and detailed production design) and a nice turn by Joseph Cross as
Burrough’s make this more than watchable in my book. The disc, recently released (also by Sony) includes three
featurettes – one a tour of the movie’s cramped, artful set design with a droll Murphy doing the honors, another with the
cast talking about their wacko characters, and finally a nice book to screen discussion by Burroughs. I’d have liked some
deleted scenes and a director’s commentary by Murphy (two hours with that droll, world weary southern drawl would have
been fun) but based on the film’s mixed reception, I’m not surprised they weren’t included. Maybe in a future release.
Also skimping on the deleted scenes and director’s commentary is lesbian director Jamie Babbit’s oddly compelling The
Quiet from late last summer, 2006. This rather erotic and sexy teen thriller also got a fair to mixed reception from most
of my colleagues. Again, I had a pretty good experience. I found the story of the mostly silent, enigmatic Dot who
moves in with a new and extremely messed up suburban family and her effect on them an enjoyable, fairly compelling
piece and I had an even stronger reaction when I viewed the film again on Sony’s home release. The undercurrent
between Dot and her new step-sister, the ultra bitchy Nina, the blonde cheerleader, and the parents looming over them
(especially the always excellent Martin Donovan) was especially effective. Though some of the script stretches the
believability factor (okay, maybe a lot), there's still a nice creepy edge to the movie. Perhaps because the film never
goes full tilt into thriller mode it disappointed audiences (as The Night Listener did) but knowing that it’s got more of a
psychological bent to its thrills going in might make the difference. I liked it and as usual, I ain’t afraid to stand by my
judgements. Sony has added five nice background featurettes that add to the viewing experience.
Another nearly bare bones release is Warner’s version of Infamous. This much more homoerotic version of the events
surrounding gay writer Truman Capote’s justly renowned exploits in developing and writing his masterwork, “In Cold
Blood,” had the misfortune to follow on the heels of the superior Capote (my pick for 2005’s best GLBT film – OVER
Brokeback Mountain). But that shouldn’t dissuade you from seeing this far juicier, much gayer take on the same story that
was held back until the fall of last year. We also now get Daniel Craig as the hunky killer Perry Smith who writer-director
Douglas McGrath pictures as Capote’s lover (Craig and Toby Jones as the diminutive writer share a French kiss in Craig’s
cell). Sigourney Weaver, Juliet Stevenson, and Isabella Rossellini play three of Capote’s society “swans,” Sandra Bullock
plays Harper Lee, and Jeff Daniels as the D.A. Alvin Dewey all have nice, though brief, moments. What Capote indirectly
implied, Infamous makes clear – that the writer died of a broken heart after watching his murderous (though apparently by
many accounts), tender lover hang. Two screenings of the film are recommended – one of just the film and another with
writer-director McGrath’s delightfully entertaining commentary track. Usually these tracks, I have to admit, bore me to
tears but McGrath is flawlessly entertaining for the duration of the film.
2004. Stuffed with action, intrigue, battle scenes, and the expected range of accents thanks to its international cast, the
result didn’t seem to satisfy any of its intended audiences with its confusing, mind numbing narration, coyness regarding
Alexander’s homosexuality, and the like as its biggest sins. After releasing a heavily edited version with the original DVD,
Stone has now returned to the cutting room and returned with what he calls his final visit to Alexanderland. Now, the fruits
of his labors, the two-disc Alexander Revisited: the Final Cut is being released this Tuesday by Warner Home
Video. Stone introduces this new constructed version that restores footage from the theatrical release cut from the
original DVD, and adds lots of new stuff never seen.
In Stone’s introduction to the new film (truly epic at 3 ½ hours) the director says when the offer came to recut the movie
so it would resemble the epics he remembered being enthralled with growing up (i.e. Lawrence of Arabia), he couldn't
resist. So, this new version, along with a completely different assemblage of the footage, includes an intermission that is
a welcome breather. I’m happy to report that thanks to a bad cold, I happily settled in and truly enjoyed the movie in
one sitting. You still have to follow Alexander’s exploits very carefully because now his battle triumphs are presented in
flashback at the end of his young life and there’s a lot of jumping around while the original, as I recall, was done in
chronological order. Here, we jump right into one of Alexander’s most famous battles. But the result overall is a much
more satisfying version of the events as we slowly find out how what made Alexander tick.
GLBT readers will also be much happier with the much clearer evidence of Alexander’s preference for male lovers. Now,
instead of just jumping naked into bed with Bagoas, the infamous Persian Boy before Stone cuts chastely away, the
blonde haired Colin Farrell shares a passionate kiss and embrace with his young male servant. Later, there’s a touching
scene in which Bagoas actually gets to speak (!) while declaring his love for Alexander. Alas, the equally intense
relationship between Alexander and Hephaestion (the pumped up, eyeliner sporting Jared Leto) remains one of heavy
flirting with the eyes and tender hugs. We still get an array of accents (between Angelina Jolie as the crazy, power mad
mother, Val Kilmer as the father and Anthony Hopkins as the narrator all going in their own linguistic direction) and this
final cut still has flaws (as noted, getting your bearings still isn’t the easiest). But the difference between the 2004
theatrical release and this version are immense and it’s a pleasure to recommend. Bravo, Mr. Stone!
My head cold came on just as Chicago’s frozen winter did – a nice coincidence – and so I had a great excuse (as if I
needed one) to watch movie after movie. None of these releases has probably made me happier than Sony Pictures’
Viva Pedro – Pedro Almodovar Classics Collection boxed set. This whopping nine disc release is an ESSENTIAL
for not just Almodovar fans (and we are legion) but those who love Spanish cinema, amazingly intricate drama-comedies,
and are curious about how Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz first came to the attention of American audiences. The
set has eight of Almodovar’s movies, with a nice cross-section of his early films and latter ones represented. The ninth
disc contains indepth interview featurettes with his close filmmaking associates although the openly gay Almodovar
himself does not appear.
This set includes – for the first time in a home release – Law of Desire – the movie that contains the Banderas
performance that assured his worldwide stardom and gained the attention of Madonna (see her Truth or Dare documentary
for the hilarious segment on this). And yes, this is the one where he plays the gay man with the extremely complicated
personal life. Matador, another dreamed of DVD, is also included here. Sony has improved the look of All About My Mother
(his masterpiece and my favorite Almodovar to date) though the work on Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
doesn't seem much changed over the previous version. And the extensive extras on previous editions of many of the
films – like Bad Education for instance – aren’t included here. Only the extra disc has bonus material (it also includes a
trailer for Volver). But the set is well packaged and it’s a pleasure to have many of the master’s greatest films in one
box. Perhaps another of my Almodovar favorites (though admittedly one of his weaker efforts) – Kika – will be re-
released down the road or even better, is being saved for another set. Other titles include The Flower of My Secret, Live
Flesh and Talk to Her.
A lot of film critics weren’t particularly kind to gay writer-director Ryan Murphy’s big screen adaptation of Running with
Scissors in 2006 but I liked that he honed in on the most compelling person in the memoir of gay writer Augusten
Burrough’s years with a dysfunctional family. That would be the mother, the wanna be poet and self-proclaimed “artist”
Deidre. Thrillingly played by Annette Bening (in another year, she’d be in the Oscar circle), Murphy smartly gives her
plenty of screen time. The movie’s crazy as a loon characters (played by a bevy of expert supporting actors), its hot 70s
soundtrack (matching up with the hideous fashions and detailed production design) and a nice turn by Joseph Cross as
Burrough’s make this more than watchable in my book. The disc, recently released (also by Sony) includes three
featurettes – one a tour of the movie’s cramped, artful set design with a droll Murphy doing the honors, another with the
cast talking about their wacko characters, and finally a nice book to screen discussion by Burroughs. I’d have liked some
deleted scenes and a director’s commentary by Murphy (two hours with that droll, world weary southern drawl would have
been fun) but based on the film’s mixed reception, I’m not surprised they weren’t included. Maybe in a future release.
Also skimping on the deleted scenes and director’s commentary is lesbian director Jamie Babbit’s oddly compelling The
Quiet from late last summer, 2006. This rather erotic and sexy teen thriller also got a fair to mixed reception from most
of my colleagues. Again, I had a pretty good experience. I found the story of the mostly silent, enigmatic Dot who
moves in with a new and extremely messed up suburban family and her effect on them an enjoyable, fairly compelling
piece and I had an even stronger reaction when I viewed the film again on Sony’s home release. The undercurrent
between Dot and her new step-sister, the ultra bitchy Nina, the blonde cheerleader, and the parents looming over them
(especially the always excellent Martin Donovan) was especially effective. Though some of the script stretches the
believability factor (okay, maybe a lot), there's still a nice creepy edge to the movie. Perhaps because the film never
goes full tilt into thriller mode it disappointed audiences (as The Night Listener did) but knowing that it’s got more of a
psychological bent to its thrills going in might make the difference. I liked it and as usual, I ain’t afraid to stand by my
judgements. Sony has added five nice background featurettes that add to the viewing experience.
Another nearly bare bones release is Warner’s version of Infamous. This much more homoerotic version of the events
surrounding gay writer Truman Capote’s justly renowned exploits in developing and writing his masterwork, “In Cold
Blood,” had the misfortune to follow on the heels of the superior Capote (my pick for 2005’s best GLBT film – OVER
Brokeback Mountain). But that shouldn’t dissuade you from seeing this far juicier, much gayer take on the same story that
was held back until the fall of last year. We also now get Daniel Craig as the hunky killer Perry Smith who writer-director
Douglas McGrath pictures as Capote’s lover (Craig and Toby Jones as the diminutive writer share a French kiss in Craig’s
cell). Sigourney Weaver, Juliet Stevenson, and Isabella Rossellini play three of Capote’s society “swans,” Sandra Bullock
plays Harper Lee, and Jeff Daniels as the D.A. Alvin Dewey all have nice, though brief, moments. What Capote indirectly
implied, Infamous makes clear – that the writer died of a broken heart after watching his murderous (though apparently by
many accounts), tender lover hang. Two screenings of the film are recommended – one of just the film and another with
writer-director McGrath’s delightfully entertaining commentary track. Usually these tracks, I have to admit, bore me to
tears but McGrath is flawlessly entertaining for the duration of the film.
Our next group starts off with a somewhat forgotten film that had a big following among gay men back in the late 80s
when it was released. Something about Apartment Zero, which was released in 1988, set it apart from other gay movie
fare available at the time. Not only did its leading gay character, Adrian LeDuc (played by Colin Firth) not mince or lisp it
took a while to even ascertain for sure that he was in fact gay. The odd little movie, which focuses on the rather twisted
relationship between the lonely film buff Adrian and his new hunky border, the jocular, exuberant Jack (Hart Bochner,
major 80s eye candy) also didn’t really have much to do with either character’s sexuality (something else that made it
stand out among other gay movies of the time). It was instead an offbeat thriller (set in the unusual location of Buenes
Aires) in which the friendship between the two emotionally stilted men gets more complicated as the subtext and suspicion
of one for the other grows. Now at last the film is arriving on DVD from Anchor Bay. The film includes a commentary track
from screenwriter David Koepp and Steven Soderbergh focusing on independent filmmaking in the 80s and another by
director Martin Donovan (who wrote the very funny Death Becomes Her and last year executive produced the charming Mrs.
Palfrey at the Claremont and is NOT the actor mentioned above).
I know, I know, I’m getting long winded. Okay, we’ll move right along. Next, after those last three rather dramatic discs I
needed a comedic break and nothing could make me happier than For Your Consideration, another improv comedy
from Christopher Guest and company, now being released by Warner Home Video. This time Guest and company,
headed by the sublimely funny Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, and Parker Posey, take on the machinations of the
Hollywood media scene. Not quite as successful as previous Guest outings, the film nevertheless delivers its share of
laughs and O’Hara deserved a Supporting Oscar nomination as does the makeup person who conceived of her “eye
opening” change halfway through the film. Openly gay actor Jane Lynch, another Guest film regular, is a standout as an
Entertainment Tonight type gossip reporter and Ed Begley, Jr., the eco-eccentric actor now starring in that very funny
reality show, plays a married but clearly gay makeup artist. Extras include a nice assortment of deleted scenes, the
complete Home for Purim poster gallery, and a droll yet fun commentary from Guest and his co-writer Eugene Levy.
I think gay actor Chad Allen is shockingly underrated. He’s a terrifically level headed actor who should be starring in big
budget films (and he also has the ability to convincingly play straight as he demonstrated in End of the Spear). Until
Steven Spielberg comes calling, Allen will hopefully keep playing gay detective Donald Strachey, a sort of queer version of
“Columbo” in Here TV’s continuing series of adaptations of the hit novels. In this third film appearance of Strachey,
Shock to the System (out from Regent Entertainment), Allen again mixes up time in bed with his politically connected
boyfriend and solving another case of murder. This one involving the supposed suicide of a recent graduate of one of
those “ex gay” places that purportedly cured the guy’s primal urges for man on man action. A game Morgan Fairchild
offers nice support as one of her stock villains in this nicely paced 90-minute effort. Note to film composer however: drop
the cheesy synth horn patch from the next outing, please, as it screams “low budget.”
Two more quickies before we go: C.R.A.Z.Y. (out from Netflix), which played at last fall’s Reeling Fest, Chicago’s gay
and lesbian film festival, is now on DVD. The film follows 30 years in the life of a large French-Canadian, Catholic family
living in suburban Montreal beginning in the late 60s. The film is seen through the eyes of one of the sons, Zac, and the
events surrounding his burgeoning gay sexuality. The movie captures the look of three distinctive decades, features
amazing performances and has a wonderful soundtrack to boot. It was also Canada’s official entry for Academy Award
consideration this year. In French with no extras.
And last but far from least is a very tasty, fun release from Paramount Home Video, Reno 911: Most Wanted. This is
a compilation of some of the best episodes over the first three seasons of the comedy central hit that parodies reality cop
shows. Led by the VERY gay, short shorts wearing Lt. Jim Dangle (and read all about his particular tastes HERE), “LT” and
his dimwit company will have you laughing helplessly at their insipid exploits. This multiple episode release (154 minutes
worth) also includes the complete musical video of the group’s “PSA,” entitled “Don’t Steal Cable.” Released in
conjunction with the dumb dumb, but very funny Reno 911: Miami, this is as terrific a waste of time as the movie is. This is
also my only GLBT themed recommendation in the bunch that comes from a TV show – and provides a first
recommendation for my next roundup which will focus on retro TV show releases. These oughta be enough releases to
keep you happy, sexed up, enthralled, and entertained until then.
when it was released. Something about Apartment Zero, which was released in 1988, set it apart from other gay movie
fare available at the time. Not only did its leading gay character, Adrian LeDuc (played by Colin Firth) not mince or lisp it
took a while to even ascertain for sure that he was in fact gay. The odd little movie, which focuses on the rather twisted
relationship between the lonely film buff Adrian and his new hunky border, the jocular, exuberant Jack (Hart Bochner,
major 80s eye candy) also didn’t really have much to do with either character’s sexuality (something else that made it
stand out among other gay movies of the time). It was instead an offbeat thriller (set in the unusual location of Buenes
Aires) in which the friendship between the two emotionally stilted men gets more complicated as the subtext and suspicion
of one for the other grows. Now at last the film is arriving on DVD from Anchor Bay. The film includes a commentary track
from screenwriter David Koepp and Steven Soderbergh focusing on independent filmmaking in the 80s and another by
director Martin Donovan (who wrote the very funny Death Becomes Her and last year executive produced the charming Mrs.
Palfrey at the Claremont and is NOT the actor mentioned above).
I know, I know, I’m getting long winded. Okay, we’ll move right along. Next, after those last three rather dramatic discs I
needed a comedic break and nothing could make me happier than For Your Consideration, another improv comedy
from Christopher Guest and company, now being released by Warner Home Video. This time Guest and company,
headed by the sublimely funny Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, and Parker Posey, take on the machinations of the
Hollywood media scene. Not quite as successful as previous Guest outings, the film nevertheless delivers its share of
laughs and O’Hara deserved a Supporting Oscar nomination as does the makeup person who conceived of her “eye
opening” change halfway through the film. Openly gay actor Jane Lynch, another Guest film regular, is a standout as an
Entertainment Tonight type gossip reporter and Ed Begley, Jr., the eco-eccentric actor now starring in that very funny
reality show, plays a married but clearly gay makeup artist. Extras include a nice assortment of deleted scenes, the
complete Home for Purim poster gallery, and a droll yet fun commentary from Guest and his co-writer Eugene Levy.
I think gay actor Chad Allen is shockingly underrated. He’s a terrifically level headed actor who should be starring in big
budget films (and he also has the ability to convincingly play straight as he demonstrated in End of the Spear). Until
Steven Spielberg comes calling, Allen will hopefully keep playing gay detective Donald Strachey, a sort of queer version of
“Columbo” in Here TV’s continuing series of adaptations of the hit novels. In this third film appearance of Strachey,
Shock to the System (out from Regent Entertainment), Allen again mixes up time in bed with his politically connected
boyfriend and solving another case of murder. This one involving the supposed suicide of a recent graduate of one of
those “ex gay” places that purportedly cured the guy’s primal urges for man on man action. A game Morgan Fairchild
offers nice support as one of her stock villains in this nicely paced 90-minute effort. Note to film composer however: drop
the cheesy synth horn patch from the next outing, please, as it screams “low budget.”
Two more quickies before we go: C.R.A.Z.Y. (out from Netflix), which played at last fall’s Reeling Fest, Chicago’s gay
and lesbian film festival, is now on DVD. The film follows 30 years in the life of a large French-Canadian, Catholic family
living in suburban Montreal beginning in the late 60s. The film is seen through the eyes of one of the sons, Zac, and the
events surrounding his burgeoning gay sexuality. The movie captures the look of three distinctive decades, features
amazing performances and has a wonderful soundtrack to boot. It was also Canada’s official entry for Academy Award
consideration this year. In French with no extras.
And last but far from least is a very tasty, fun release from Paramount Home Video, Reno 911: Most Wanted. This is
a compilation of some of the best episodes over the first three seasons of the comedy central hit that parodies reality cop
shows. Led by the VERY gay, short shorts wearing Lt. Jim Dangle (and read all about his particular tastes HERE), “LT” and
his dimwit company will have you laughing helplessly at their insipid exploits. This multiple episode release (154 minutes
worth) also includes the complete musical video of the group’s “PSA,” entitled “Don’t Steal Cable.” Released in
conjunction with the dumb dumb, but very funny Reno 911: Miami, this is as terrific a waste of time as the movie is. This is
also my only GLBT themed recommendation in the bunch that comes from a TV show – and provides a first
recommendation for my next roundup which will focus on retro TV show releases. These oughta be enough releases to
keep you happy, sexed up, enthralled, and entertained until then.
