The late director Norman Rene and writer Craig Lucas made a pretty fine creative team on the stage and in the movies, and this 1990 drama about the evolving impact of AIDS on gay New Yorkers is their best cinematic achievement. The ensemble story follows the lives of nine or so characters as word of the so-called "gay cancer" eventually becomes a real force, killing several of them as the years go by. The film works well on a number of levels, not least of which is the enviable closeness of the characters, the script's wit, the bittersweet experience of loss, and a celebratory attitude at the end mixing wisdom with defiance. - Tom Keogh (amazon review)
Cast: Stephen Caffrey, Patrick Cassidy, Brian Cousins, Bruce Davison, John Dossett Director: Norman Rene Language: English
Publisher: Twentieth Century Fox, Year: 1989
Maria (Ginette Reno) and Gino (Paul Sorvino), emigrated from Italy to Montreal in the 50s and married after their arrival in 'the new world', a world they still haven't quite got used to. Their world is shattered when their son, Angelo (Luke Kirby), decides to get a place of his own. However, they are relieved when Angelo's childhood buddy, Nino (Peter Miller), decides to move in with their son. After all, Nino is an old family friend and he's a respectable cop. Their relief is short lived, as they find out that Nino and Angelo are much more than mere roommates - they're lovers! Will Angelo and Nino be able to resist the gargantuan pressure coming at them from all sides and find the strength to survive as a couple? Will Nino be able to withstand the seductive charms of the voluptuous Pina? Will Angelo find the courage to fully come out of the closet and confront all of them while he accepts himself?
Cast: Luke Kirby, Ginette Reno, Paul Sorvino, Mary Walsh, Peter Miller Director: Emile Gaudreault Language:Publisher: Icon Home Entertainment, Year: 2003
Gus van Sant directs this political biopic telling the story of California's first openly gay elected public official, Harvey Milk. Sean Penn won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the New Yorker who became known as a gay rights activist after moving to San Francisco in the early 1970s. After two failed attempts to become elected to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, Milk finally made it onto the board in 1977 - but only served for a matter of months before he and the city's mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) were shot to death by right-wing rival Dan White (Josh Brolin).
Cast: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco Director: Gus van Sant Language: english
Publisher: Momentum Pictures, Year: 2008
River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in director Gus Van Sant’s haunting tale of two young street hustlers: Mike Waters, a sensitive narcoleptic who dreams of the mother who abandoned him, and Scott Favor, wayward son of the mayor of Portland and the object of Mike’s desire. Navigating a volatile world of junkies, thieves, and johns, Mike takes Scott on a quest from the grungy streets to the open highways of the Pacific Northwest, in search of an elusive place called "home." Groundbreaking and visually dazzling, My Own Private Idaho is a stirring look at unrequited love and life at society’s margins.
Cast: Keanu Reeves, River Phoenix Director: Gus Van Sant Language: english
Publisher: Warner Home Video, Year: 1997
Gavin (super-cute Jason T. Gaffney, Jolly) and Paul (drop-dead handsome Eric Aragon, The Interview) meet and fall in love over a holiday weekend where family and friends are planning the wedding of Paul’s sister. The problem is, Gavin is posing as the boyfriend of Paul’s ex and the two find themselves in a classic comic quandary as they try to ignore their feelings.
First time feature film director Scott Gabriel’s cast includes Eric Aragon (The Interview), Jason T. Gaffney (Jolly), Apolonia Davalos (Jolly), Brendan Griffin (The Nanny Diaries), Sal Rendino (Blue Collar Boys), Kristine Sutherland (TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and James Rebhorn (Independence Day, TV’s “White Collar”).
“Instead of preaching about marriage equality, The Perfect Wedding simply shows life in futuristic world where it’s taken for granted. And that world looks pretty good." – Herald-Tribune
Cast: Sal Rendino, Jason T. Gaffney, Eric Aragon, Brendan Griffin Director: Scott Gabriel Language: English
Publisher: Wolfe Video, Year: 2012
Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks, Saving Private Ryan), a promising young lawyer, finds his career cut short when he is fired from the prestigious law firm he works for. They say he has not got what it takes. Andrew knows it's because he's got AIDS. Determined to defend his dignity and professional reputation, Andrew hires a small-time personal injury lawyer, Joe Miller (Denzel Washington, American Gangster), to sue his former employees for wrongful dismissal. Joe is initially reluctant to take on the case. Although he has grown up knowing the pain of prejudice, he's never had to confront his own prejudices against homosexuality and AIDS... until now. The two men launch an historic and moving struggle against society's ignorance and intolerance. One man is fighting for his reputation, his life and ultimately for justice. The other is battling to overcome his own society's prejudice and fear. And they are both fighting for something uniquely important. Philadelphia is one of the most powerful and critically acclaimed movies of our time.
Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen Director: Jonathan Demme Language: english
Publisher: Sony Pictures, Year: 1993
Gay has rarely been so glamorous as in the American version of Queer as Folk. But the show's success rests on more than hard bodies and glossy, picture-perfect sex (though there's an abundance of that); this series gave its characters a multidimensional richness that rivals more high-profile programs like Six Feet Under or The Sopranos, while tackling an impressive breadth of social and political issues without ever (well, almost never) feeling preachy. Most TV series would take a topic like this last legal wrangle and stretch it over an entire season, but Queer as Folk is more ambitious. The writers recognise that the resolution of one problem is rarely the end of the story, that muddy consequences can be as dramatically compelling as head-to-head conflict. This aggressive and effective plotting, combined with the show's willingness to explore the complexities of every issue, be it assimilation or the coming out of a celebrity, results in an increasing emotional power as the series steamrolls towards its final episode. Some subplots can be silly (Brian has a ridiculous stud-off with a new hot guy in town), the dialogue can sometimes veer from wit to camp cliches, and the omnipresence of sculpted, muscular physiques is absurd and even a little alienating for some viewers, but Queer as Folk's strengths, the compassion and intelligence of the writers, the commitment and nuance of the acting make this show a true television landmark and a pleasure to watch. And then, of course, there's all that graphic and lovingly photographed sex.
Cast: Gale Harold, Thea Gill, Peter Paige, Hal Sparks, Michelle Clunie Director: Various Language: English
Publisher: Warner Home Video, Year: 2000/5
The murky world of closeted Hollywood stars is blown wide open as soap opera heart-throb Graham Windsor is outed as the result of a gay sex tape scandal. The all-American star seeks refuge at an exclusive Palm Springs resort but quiet anonymity eludes him when handsome gay-equality activist Trey Reed checks in to escape the fallout from his own bitter divorce. As an undeniable passion begins to sizzle between Graham and Trey, they force each other to confront their professional controversies while fanning the flames of a burning sexual attraction. Thoughtful, witty and sexy, Role/Play shines a spotlight on controversial issues and hidden desires.
Cast: Matthew Montgomery, Steve Callahan, David Pevsner, Brian Nolan, Matthew Stephen Herrick Director: Rob Williams Language: English
Publisher: TLA Releasing, Year: 2010
Charged with the electric crackle of first love, this sweet and sexy California romance is about a confused young artist torn between his family and his future. Fresh out of high school, Zach (Trevor Wright) gives up a full scholarship to spare his 5-year-old nephew from their dysfunctional family. Now restless and isolated, the gifted youth toils at a local diner. But everything changes when he finds himself drawn to thirtysomething Shaun (Brad Rowe, Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss), a confident young writer. As the two hit the surf and Shaun's mattress with equal enthusiasm, they fall into a secret relationship that may give Zach the courage he needs to follow his passions.
1985: Frankie is the new understudy for an up-and-coming San Francisco based modern dance company where six muscular male dancers move their way through bold, athletic choreography. Bad boy Todd, a handsome and established dancer, watches the innocent Frankie with interest and as opposites attract, the pair quickly realise they may want to be more than just friends.
When one of the dancers is injured Frankie must perform in his place - this is the opportunity of a lifetime, but is Frankie good enough? Outside of work, Frankie and Todd's relationship deepens and together they face a new kind of test. A disease is spreading across the city and few know anything about it, except who it targets. But as they quickly learn to navigate a world filled with risk, they also find it is full of hope.
With sensitive performances, an upbeat 80s soundtrack and electrifying dance sequences TEST is a compelling drama that lovingly recreates gay life in 1980s San Francisco.
Cast: Kevin Clarke, Kristoffer Cusick, Chris Mason Johnson, Scott Marlowe Director: Chris Mason Johnson Language: English
Publisher: Peccadillo Pictures, Year: 2014
