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Big Gay Picture Show

Taking a look at the world of film through gay eyes - news, reviews, trailers, gay film, queer cinema and more

Taking a look at the world of film through gay eyes - news, reviews, trailers, gay film, queer cinema & more

Little Men Trailer – Take a look at the latest from the director of Keep The Lights On & Love Is Strange

May 15, 2016 By Tim Isaac 1 Comment

little-menFor the past few years, Ira Sachs has been giving us gay-themed treats such as Keep The Lights On and Love Is Strange. Now he’s moved sideways from the gay arena for a tale of teen friendship with Little Men, a movie that got incredibly good reviews at the Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘When 13-year-old Jake’s (Theo Taplitz) grandfather dies, his family moves from Manhattan back into his father’s old Brooklyn home. There, Jake befriends the charismatic Tony (Michael Barbieri), whose single mother Leonor (Paulina Garcia, Gloria), a dressmaker from Chile, runs the shop downstairs. Soon, Jake’s parents Brian (Greg Kinnear) and Kathy (Jennifer Ehle) — one, a struggling actor, the other, a psychotherapist — ask Leonor to sign a new, steeper lease on her store. For Leonor, the proposed new rent is untenable, and a feud ignites between the adults.

‘At first, Jake and Tony don’t seem to notice; the two boys, so different on the surface, begin to develop a formative kinship as they discover the pleasures of being young in Brooklyn. Jake aspires to be an artist, while Tony wants to be an actor, and they have dreams of going to the same prestigious arts high school together. But the children can’t avoid the problems of their parents forever, and soon enough, the adult conflict intrudes upon the borders of their friendship.’

The film will be in US cinemas in August. [Read more…]

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  

Love Is Strange (Cinema Review)

February 10, 2015 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Starring: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, Charlie Tahan
Director: Ira Sachs
Running Time: 94 mins
Certificate: 15
Release Date: February 13th 2015 (UK Nationwide)

Just in time for Valentine’s day, a film that genuinely shows the complexities, subtleties and nuances of us complicated human beings. It happens to be about two men of advancing years, but really its central themes could apply to anyone of any age. It’s a rich, rewarding experience that will haunt you for a long time.

John Lithgow and Alfred Molina are the central couple, two hugely liked and popular men who decide to get married after being together for so long. The story opens with their marriage day, a happy occasion with lots of laughter, wine and song. This bliss doesn’t last for long. [Read more…]

HBO Comes Onboard For Matt Bomer’s Biopic Of Gay Star Montgomery Clift

January 7, 2015 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

montgomery-clift-matt-bomerFor quite a long time now Matt Bomer has been involved in developing a biopic of gay/bisexual actor Montgomery Clift (we first reported on it back in September 2013), however it’s always been clear that while there many thought it was a good idea – not least because of the resemblance between Bomer & Clift – getting the funding has been tough.

However now HBO, which has had huge success with gay-themed original movies such as Behind The Candelabra and The Normal Heart, has stepped in to help develop the project, according to THR.

Christopher Lovick wrote the initial script, but Love is Strange scribes Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias have recently been asked to come in and work on the screenplay. It’s currently going by the simple title, Monty Clift.

In the late 40s and early 50s, Clift was on the path to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. After The Heiress, Red River, A Place In The Sun, I Confess and From Here To Eternity, he was a true heart-throb with three Oscar nominations to his name. In many people’s opinion he was a talent on a par with James Dean and Marlon Brando – and all that by the age of 24.

However, Clift was also gay (or at least bisexual) at a time when homosexuality was illegal. He never really came to terms with his sexuality. He suffered from severe self-loathing throughout his adult life (as did many gay people back them) and became a severe alcoholic. In 1956, during the filming of Raintree County, he crashed his car while drunk which caused various injuries, including facial lacerations that meant he was never quite as good looking again. While he continued to work, with a prominent facial scar and alcohol quickly ageing him, his roles were limited and his days as a heart-throb were essentially over.

It’s believed the movie will look at much of his complicated life, but will concentrate on his relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, who became one of his closest friends after they starred in A Place In The Sun (it was while driving back from her house that he had his car crash). She was aware of his sexuality but later suggested it was difficult to truly help him, as he was so internally tormented.

The cable network’s involvement in the biopic is good news for Bomer, as back in July – around the time he was getting huge acclaim for his turn in The Normal Heart – he suggested that he thought the perfect home for the biopic would be HBO..

There isn’t a director currently attached, although as Ira Sachs is now co-writing, it wouldn’t be surprising if he ended up helming, even if it is a bit of a departure from the likes of Love Is Strange and Keep The Lights On.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Matt Bomer, Montgomery Clift  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Monty Clift  

Best Feature Amongst Gay-Themed Love Is Strange’s Four Independent Spirit Award Nominations

November 25, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

love-is-strange-slideIt was a good showing for Love Is Strange in the Independent Spirit Awards nominations, with Ira Sach’s gay-themed movie picking up four nods, including one for Best Feature, along with Best Actor noms for both John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, while Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias are up for Best Screenplay.

Sachs was previously acknowledged a couple of years ago when Keep The Lights On received three Independent Spirit Awards nominations.

It wasn’t the only gay-themed movie the ISAs noted, as the excellent Test is up for the John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Queer filmmaker Xavier Dolan meanwhile is up for Best International Film for Mommy.

In Love Is Strange, Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) are four decades into their relationship and can finally marry. However, their vows are tested shortly afterwards when George loses his job and the couple are forced to live apart. Separated and suddenly reliant on friends and family, George and Ben must navigate a new world.

Test meanwhile follows a young dancer in 1980s San Francisco, just as AIDS is emerging.

The Independent Spirit Awards will be handed out February 21st 2015.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Alfred Molina, John Lithgow  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs, Chris Mason Johnson  FILMS: Love Is Strange, Test  

Love Is Strange UK Trailer – John Lithgow & Alfred Molina deal with married life in the gay-themed hit

November 7, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

love-is-strange-slideLove Is Strange was released a couple of months ago in the US, but in the UK we still have a little while to wait, as it won’t be coming until February 13th, 2014 – so it’ll be a bit of a Valentine’s Day treat for us.

Now the British trailer has arrived, which you can take a look at below.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘Four decades into their relationship, Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) can finally marry. However, their vows are tested shortly afterwards when George loses his job and the couple are forced to live apart. Separated and suddenly reliant on friends and family, George and Ben must navigate a new world.

‘From acclaimed writer and director Ira Sachs, comes a unique film about life, love and long term commitment. LOVE IS STRANGE is a beautiful, charming and incredibly moving exploration about the expansive, intimate nature inside all human relationships.

‘The ensemble cast is rounded out by Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, Charlie Tahan, Cheyenne Jackson and Darren E Burrows.’ [Read more…]

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Cheyenne Jackson  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Love Is Strange  

MPAA Criticised For Giving Gay-Themed Love Is Strange A ‘Homophobic’ R Rating

August 22, 2014 By Tim Isaac 1 Comment

love-is-strange-slideIra Sach’s film Love Is Strange is getting great reviews and there’s hope it will do decent business over the weekend in the US. However, while it contains no sex, nudity or violence, it’s been given a ‘R’ rating by the MPAA, in a decision some are calling homophobic.

It’s not the first time the US ratings board has been accused of homophobia – indeed nearly every gay-themed film that come their way seems to get a more restrictive rating that it would have had if it had featured straight characters. For example last year the teen comedy GBF was given an ‘R’ rating, despite being less racy than many straight films given a ‘PG-13’ classification.

The ‘R’ rating means nobody under the age of 17 can see the film unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Love Is Strange is being released in the US at the same time as Sin City: A Dame To Kill For and Jersey Shore massacre, both of which contain nudity, sexual situations and lots of graphic violence.

However Stephen Whitty of the New Jersey Star-Ledger notes, ‘Also opening is “Love Is Strange.” There is no nudity. There are no sexual situations. The drug or alcohol material mostly consists of adults having wine with dinner, or cocktails at a bar. There is no violence or gore. There are several scenes of men kissing, and two scenes of a gay couple sleeping together, fully clothed, in bed. It is rated R.

If there’s an equivalence among these three films, and their equal unsuitability for anyone under 17, it’s lost on me — and, I suspect, on anyone but the censors at the MPAA.’

Part of the problem with the MPAA rating system is a hangover from the way it was created. Historically the most vociferous voice against sex and violence in film was the Catholic Church, which was instrumental in forcing Hollywood to adopt the Production Code in the 1930s and to adopt the modern rating system after the Production Code collapsed in the 1960s. To help stop the Catholic Bishops publicising their own ratings (which inevitably suggested most movies were depraved) and lobbying for the Government to step in and force Hollywood to accept its ratings/censorship system, the MPAA agreed that religious representatives would be part of the new ratings board.

Although the MPAA is still unwilling to say who exactly it is that rates movie – beyond vague ideas about those involved being family friendly – it is known the board still includes religious representatives, including those from the Catholic faith who are unlikely to be friendly to gay content. It’s also true that unlike many countries’ ratings system, there are no specific guidelines as to what different sorts of content should be given which rating in the US.

All this tends to ensure that gay content gets a more restrictive rating, simply because the make-up of the rating board is likely to lean towards those who don’t like gay content.

The official reason the MPAA has given for Love Is Strange’s ‘R’ rating is ‘Language’, although as Whitty says, ‘It is very hard to imagine that — if it starred, say, Robert Duvall and Jane Fonda as a similar long-time couple suddenly facing homelessness — it would be lumped in with movies crammed full of queasily stylish sexism and sickening torture porn.”

That’s especially true when the violence of The Expendables 3 and many of this summer’s blockbuster was given a ‘PG-13’ rating. In a week where the reality of brutal violence has been brought home to many around the world, the MPAA suggests it’s fine for teens to watch an endless succession of human lives being snuffed out on-screen without parental supervision, but John Lithgow and Alfred Molina as an aging, married gay couple is too much for them.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Alfred Molina, John Lithgow  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Love Is Strange  

Love Is Strange Trailer – John Lithgow and Alfred Molina deal with life after gay marriage

June 21, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

love-is-strange-slideJohn Lithgow and Alfred Molina are getting married – on-screen at least. Love Is Strange debuted at Sundance to largely positive reviews, but it’s only now that we get our first looked at the gay-themed film from Ira Sachs, the director of Keep The Lights On.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘After 39 years together, Ben and George finally tie the knot in an idyllic wedding ceremony in lower Manhattan. But when news of their marriage reaches the Catholic school where George works, he is fired from his longtime job, and the couple can no longer afford their New York City apartment. As a temporary solution, George moves in with the two gay cops next door, while Ben moves to Brooklyn to live with his nephew, Eliot; Eliot’s wife, Kate; and their teenage son. As Ben and George struggle to secure a new apartment, the pain of living apart and their presence in two foreign households test the resilience and relationships of all involved.

‘Propelled by exquisite performances from John Lithgow as Ben and Alfred Molina as George, with robust support from Marisa Tomei, Darren Burrows, and young Charlie Tahan, this subtle, yet profound, drama is suffused with gentle humor. From distinguished Festival veteran Ira Sachs (Forty Shades of Blue won the Grand Jury Prize in 2005, and Keep the Lights On played in the U.S. Dramatic Competition in 2012), Love Is Strange will shake audience members to their cores.’

A limited US cinema release is planned for August 22nd. [Read more…]

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Cheyenne Jackson  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Love Is Strange  

Take A Look At Alfred Molina & John Lithgow Discussing Their Gay-Themed Movie Love Is Strange

January 29, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

love-is-strange-pic1The movie Love Is Strange premiered at Sundance to pretty good reviews. Also at the festival were stars Alfred Molina, John Lithgow and Cheyenne Jackson, along with director Ira Sachs (Keep The Lights On). Now Variety has posted a video from Sundance, which shows the quartet having a chat about the gay-themed movie.

Lithgow and Molina play a gay couple who’ve been together for 39 years, and have just gotten married in New York. However when their nuptials result in Lithgow’s character losing him job, they ironically end up having to live apart.

Love Is Strange will screen at other film festivals over the coming months, including Berlin in February, and will hopefully get a wider release later this year.

Take a look at the interview below. [Read more…]

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Alfred Molina, John Lithgow  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Love Is Strange  

John Lithgow Hopes New Film Love Is Strange Succeeds So It Can Help With Gay Acceptance

January 21, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

love-is-strange-pic1John Lithgow has been in Utah at the Sundance Film Festival to help present his latest movie to the world – Love Is Strange – in which he plays one half of a gay couple (the other half is Alfred Molina) who’ve just gotten married. However when their nuptials result in him losing him job, they ironically end up having to live apart. Ira Sachs (Keep The Lights On) directs.

He definitely has a lot of admiration for the movie, and when talking to Huffpo said “I was so excited about doing this film because I wouldn’t have to do any acting,” as his character is so complete and fulfilled.

He also hopes the film becomes a success and can do its bit to create fuller acceptance of gay people. Talking to TheDailyBeast, he says, “Everybody is related to some gay person. Everybody has a gay person who’s a good friend and a lot of people don’t even realize it because, culturally, it’s a covert thing. And that’s wrong. Nobody in society should have to hide who they are, or feel like they’re second class citizens in any way. It makes me feel good that if this film is seen by a lot of people and is successful, it will nudge those people in the direction of acceptance. There’s nothing wrong with accepting people’s homosexuality. It doesn’t do any damage. All it does is treat people with more respect than they’ve culturally been accustomed to.”

Love Is Strange premiered at Sundance on January 18th and should be in cinemas later this year.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Love Is Strange  

John Lithgow and Alfred Molina Are Love Is Strange’s Gay Grooms In First Look Pic

October 26, 2013 By Tim Isaac 1 Comment

love-is-strange-pic1

The first image from Ira Sach’s follow-up to his award-winning Keep The Lights On has arrived, via Variety. Called Love Is Strange, the film follows John Lithgow and Alfred Molina as Ben and Jorge, a couple who’ve been together a long time and decide to get married in New York now that gay marriage is legal there. However following their nuptials Jorge gets fired, which forces them to temporarily live apart.

“This is a sweet film, and I found two actors who, in a way, some of their best-known work has been playing gay men,” Sachs commented. “Really, what I got was two of the best actors of their generation who responded emotionally to the story that was told.”

Of the image, the director says, “This is the high point before the drama in the story. The consequences of this marriage is one of the men loses his job, and that sets off the rest of the events of the film.”

Marisa Tomei and Cheyenne Jackson, with the festival expected on the festival circuit next year.

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARCHIVES:
ACTORS: Alfred Molina, John Lithgow  DIRECTORS: Ira Sachs  FILMS: Love Is Strange  
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