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

Win The Acclaimed, Gay Mini-Series Man In An Orange Shirt On DVD!

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Man In An Orange​ Shirt got a lot of praise when it was shown on British TC recently, as well as a few criticisms from those who – despite this being 2017 – were shocked that BBC1 would show a programme where two men have sex. The two-part show is being released in the UK on September 18th, courtesy of Network Releasing, and we’ve got three copies to give away.

Written by acclaimed novelist Patrick Gale (Rough Music, A Place Called Winter), Man In An Orange Shirt is a two-part journey of love spanning two generations, from the repressive 1940s to present day. The first part focuses on World War 2 veterans Michael (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and Thomas (James McArdle), comrades at arms in the army and companions in bed until Michael chooses conformity over his heart’s desire, marrying Flora (Joanna Vanderham) whilst Thomas becomes an openly gay artist. It brings years of suppressed desire, and unhappiness.

Part two takes us to 2017 and Michael’s grandson, Adam (Julian Morris) who is still single in his 30s and living with his grandmother, Flora (Vanessa Redgrave). He bounces from one casual encounter to another until he meets emotionally adjusted but married Simon. However, when one of Thomas’s paintings resurfaces, it unleashes long-hidden memories and suppressed emotions that have consequences for everyone involved.

For your chance to win Man In An Orange Shirt on DVD, answer the question below and fill in your details, then press submit! The competition closes on September 30th, 2017, so get answering and good luck. [Read more…]

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In Between Trailer – Into the lives of three Israeli-Palestinian women in the lesbian themed movie

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Synopsis: ‘In Between follows the lives of three strong, independent minded Israeli-Palestinian women sharing an apartment in Tel Aviv. Away from the constraints of their families and enforced tradition, they find themselves ‘in between’ the free and unfettered lives they’re aspiring to lead and the restrictions still imposed on them by a the country and their families.

Laila, a successful lawyer, craves the love of a good man who she thinks she’s found in the apparently open-minded and handsome Ziad. Salma works at menial jobs in restaurants and bars hoping her long-held dream of being a DJ becomes a reality. In the meantime she falls for the beautiful trainee doctor Dounia but is forced to keep their lesbian relationship secret from her family. Laila and Salma’s hard partying ways initially come as a shock to the more traditional and reserved Nour who is still studying for a degree and seeks a simple life. She is set for an arranged marriage to fiancé Wissam, seemingly a pillar of the community but who behind closed doors isn’t the man he appears to be. The three girls are rocked by a shocking series of events that will push their beliefs to the limit and change their lives forever whilst sealing the bond of friendship.’

The award-winning In Between will be released by Peccadillo Pictures in UK cinemas from September 22nd, followed by a DVD/VoD release on November 13th. Take a look at the trailer below. [Read more…]

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New B&B Trailer – A bloody battle for survival erupts in the award-winning, gay-themed film

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B&B has certainly had a fair amount of success on the festival circuit, including winning Best LGBT Film at the London Independent Film Festival​. It’s also unusual for a British gay-themed movie in that it heads into full-on thriller/horror territory, while retaining a fair dose of social commentary.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘Marc and Fred return to a B&B to bait Josh, its Christian owner who had previously opposed them sharing a bed. Marc and Fred’s return visit is set to be weekend of mischief but events take a darker turn when Josh’s son reveals himself to be gay and another more imposing guest arrives, who seems to have something more sinister in mind.’

Peccadillo Pictures will release the movie in the UK on DVD/VoD on October 23rd. Take a look at the official UK trailer below. [Read more…]

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Heartstone Trailer – A gay teen falls for his friend in the Icelandic coming of age movie

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For a nation with a population of only around 335,000 people, Iceland had made some surprisingly interesting and accomplished films over the years. Another is on its way in the form of the gay-themed Heartstone. It’s a film that’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for, having picked up the prestigious Queer Lion at the Venice Film Festival, as well as various other awards .

Here’s the synopsis: ‘A remote fishing village in Iceland. Teenage boys Thor and Christian experience a turbulent summer as one tries to win the heart of a girl while the other discovers new feelings toward his best friend. When summer ends and the harsh nature of Iceland takes back its rights, it’s time to leave the playground and face adulthood.’

Matchbox Films will be releasing the film in select UK theatres from November 17th, followed by a British DVD/VoD release on January 8th 2018. Meanwhile in the US, Break Glass Pictures will be starting theatrical roll-out on September 29th, ahead of the DVD/VOD release on October 10th.

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

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Gay Short Comedy Film Magic H8 Ball Is Looking For Your Help

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There are moments in everybody’s life when it would be nice to avoid responsibility and get someone or something to make all our decisions for us. While in practice it probably wouldn’t work out that well, for brief moments it feels like it would be bliss. The short comedy film Magic H8 Ball wants to take a look at that idea from a LGBTQ perspective.

To make it a reality, the people behind it have launched a Kickstarter, hoping to raise $15,000 before October 4th.

Writer/director Dan Haas describes Magic H* Ball as, “It’s a short film (put together almost entirely by a queer cast and crew) about a guy who asks a Magic 8 Ball to make all his decisions after he finds out his boyfriend cheated on him [leaving him with an STD]. It’s a wild, irreverent, heartfelt adventure that explores the line between love, hurt, and hate as Adam, an insecure people pleaser, begins to break out of his shell… until the Magic 8 Ball takes on a mind of its own—manipulating Adam’s heartbreak to take him down a dark path.”

Haas adds, “To anyone who’s experienced that confusion, that betrayal, that sudden loss of self – it’s a shock. And you’re stuck asking yourself, where did I go? Why is it that, without this person, all that’s left of me is this sad little ball of insecurity, hurt, and hate. And how can I make it go away?

“Magic H8 Ball is about more than being funny, more than being gay, more than breaking up, and more than challenging the stigmas around STDs – although those are all huge, important parts of this story. But more than anything, this is about freedom and expression and self-love. Even when we deserve to hate the most.”

It’s certainly a premise that has plenty of potential, but we’ll only get to see it if it can raise a bit of cash. You can take a look at the fundraising video below, and if you like what you see, head over to Kickstarter. [Read more…]

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The Death And Life Of Marsha P. Johnson Trailer – Taking a close look at the LGBT Activist & Stonewall Legend

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Back in June it was revealed that Netflix had picked up the rights to the documentary, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, from How To Survive A Plague director, David France. Now they’ve released the trailer for the film, ahead of its debut on the streaming service on October 6th.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘Who killed Marsha P. Johnson? She was one of the icons of the gay rights movement in the 1960s, the self-described “street queen” of NY’s gay ghetto, and founded the Transvestites Action Revolutionaries with fellow luminary Sylvia Rivera. When Johnson’s body was found in the Hudson River in 1992, police called it a suicide and didn’t investigate. In David France’s new documentary, trans activist Victoria Cruz seeks to uncover the truth of her death while celebrating her legacy.’

France has previously commented, “Almost single-handedly, Marsha P. Johnson and her best friend Sylvia Rivera touched off a revolution in the way we talk about gender today. Their names should be household words. But Marsha’s life was cut tragically short and Sylvia died shortly thereafter, the victim of a broken heart. Getting to know their story through the investigation undertaken by Victoria Cruz, a seminal activist in her own right, has been one of the great honors of my career. Now, with Netflix as our distribution partner, I am confident the legacy of these tremendous women will never be forgotten.”

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

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Armie Hammer & Amber Tamblyn Have No Time For James Woods’ Hypocritical Comments About A Gay Film

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As hardly anyone wants to employ him to be in movies anymore, James Woods seems to have decided to take up a role being an online troll, to the point that it’s often difficult to know whether he really believes half the things he says, or whether he’s just trying to get a reaction. He certainly got a reaction on Monday when he went on Twitter to decry the gay-themed film, Call Me By Your Name.

The film is about the relationship between a 17-year-old (Timothee Chalamet) and a 24-year-old (Armie Hammer). But despite his reputation for womanising and general hellraising, Woods decided a holier-than-thou response was called for, tweeting about the film, ‘As they quietly chip away the last barriers of decency. #NAMBLA’, referring to the notorious American Pedophile organisation.

The Tweet quickly set off a storm of anger, including from Call Me By Your Name star, Armie Hammer, who responded to Woods, ‘Didn’t you date a 19 year old when you were 60…….?’. Hammer wasn’t wrong either, with Woods later reportedly dating a 20-year-old when he was 66.

Actress Amber Tamblyn also chipped in about Wood’s hypocrisy and penchant for much younger women, tweeting, ‘James Woods tried to pick me and my friend up at a restaurant once. He wanted to take us to Vegas. “I’m 16” I said. “Even better” he said.’

As many pointed out, there was more than a whiff of homophobia to Woods’ initial tweet, so there was plenty of pleasure when other celebs came out to call him on it and demonstrate his hypocrisy. Apparently Woods’ promptly blocked Hammer on Twitter, so we guess Armie wins by default.

James Woods used to be a Democrat, but has become increasingly right wing, particularly with social issues that he feels conflict with the Catholic faith, such as abortion and gender diversity. He’s now a staunch republican and, as we mentioned, a bit of a troll.

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Jane Lynch Picks Up Her Fourth Emmy For Gay-Themed Comedy Dropping the Soap

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Out actress Jane Lynch has plenty of awards on her mantlepiece, including a trio of Emmys (one for playing Sue Sylvester in Glee and two for hosting the gameshow, Hollywood Game Night). Now she’s added a fourth, picking up the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series Emmy for her role in series, Dropping the Soap.

Lynch, who also produced the show and helped bring it to the screen, plays Olivia Vanderstein in Dropping The Soap, the new producer in charge of a struggling daytime soap. That cause issues for everyone on the show, but none moreso than self-centred, closeted leading man, Julian Draker (Paul Witten).

The series debuted via the LGBT-focused streaming service Dekkoo earlier this year, and is now available via the likes of iTune, Google Play and Amazon Instant Video.

It’s not been revealed whether we’ll see another season of the show, but perhaps its Emmy win will give it the shot in the arm it needs to ensure we see a few more episodes.

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JJ Abrams Will Return To Write & Direct Star Wars: Episode IX

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Seemingly keen not to repeat the troubled productions of Rogue One and the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars movie, Lucasfilm moved last week to part ways with Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow before they got to the point where cameras were rolling. While many were surprised by the news, it’s been suggested that Trevorrow’s tendency to be inflexible about what he wanted to do, frustrated Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, and so she fired him.

However, it would appear that they already had a replacement in mind, and it’s the man who so successfully relaunched the Star Wars franchise with The Force Awakens – JJ Abrams. He is not set to write and direct Episode IX, allowing him to complete the trilogy that’s suggested will bring the Skywalker saga to a close. It is fitting, as it’s believed the only reason he didn’t helm Episode VIII was because Disney wasn’t willing to delay the release to give him more time to put things together.

Kathleen Kennedy comments, “With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.”

It does mean though that the May 2019 release date currently set for Episode IX is now looking a little ambitious, The smart bet is that it will be delayed until at least December 2019 and may even arrive a little later. However, with Abrams back behind the wheel many fans will be happy to wait a little longer is it ensures we get something as entertaining as The Force Awakens.

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Four Days (DVD Review) – Two young gay men inch towards a relationship

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Sometimes I watch a film and want to give everyone involved a pat on the back, while still thinking it’s not that great a movie. That’s the case with Four Days, which certainly has its heart in the right place, plenty of dedication and comes from a country which doesn’t have a huge track record of producing gay-themed movies, The Philippines. However, the results are a little underwhelming.

As the title suggests, the movie takes place over four days – four Valentine’s Days over four years. On the first day, Derek and Mark are both fairly new to being college roommates and are working out where they stand. Mark is particularly keen that Derek understands that if he’s put a sock on the door, it means he’s entertaining a woman and his roomie shouldn’t interrupt. [Read more…]