As flawed as it might seem, and as much as Mariel Hemingway's body may have been exploited in the interest of box office sales... This was a very important movie for me and many girls my age. It was the first movie we ever saw that let us know that we weren't the only girls in the world who liked other girls. And it showed us that this could be beautiful and that we weren't freaks. For that it will always hold a special place in my heart. And the same goes for many other lesbians around my age.
Reviews
15 Reviews
Girl Play
(2004)
Boring, Ugly Video with Zero laughs and Zero Crossover Appeal
5 September 2004
As in ZERO chance of crossing over to anyone who wasn't in the cast or crew of this arrogant little video that is completely full of itself. Most of the video consists of one of the two 'unfunny-comedians turned untalented-actresses' standing on a stage talking to an empty audience -- a sign perhaps?-- and smirking at their own jokes. Robin Harmon and Lacy Greenspan's performances are so terrible that the poor editor often has to cut in the middle of WORDS.
How can a person standing on a stage be that hard to videotape? This is basic stuff but vision less direction and bland acting make for an endless night of awkwardly paced and over edited monologues. It mostly feels like the movie is just complaining at you.
Razzie winner Dom Deluise appears in it just long enough to show us why he can't get acting gigs. His scene was so obviously shot separate from everything else. It felt like he was just there to pay off some kind of favor.
The whole mess looks like it's shot on home video and mostly sounds like it was recorded on an answering machine. The script is awful. When it isn't congratulating itself with annoying in jokes, it takes tired -- mostly offensive -- pot shots at "aggressive" lesbians, "meddling" Jewish women, and "swishy" gay men.
Welcome to the 21st century, where just saying 'it's a lesbian movie' isn't enough. We lesbians want our movies to be about something. This might have been a minor accomplishment 20 years ago -- minus the mean spirited antisemitic and homophobic stereotypes -- but amateur director Lee Freelander is simply out of her league. She tries to stage dated clichés and pretends they're revolutionary. She REALLY pats herself on the back with the longest most boring, sexless, sex scene ever put on video. Lesbians have needs!
We have amazing, funny, complex and powerful lesbian-themed indie films like 'Monster' 'DEBS' 'The Politics of Fur' and hit shows like 'The L Word' and 'Six Feet Under' so thank goodness we are no longer forced to put up with garbage like 'Girl Play.'
This is easily the worst 'lesbian movie' ever made (and I sat through 'Cat Woman') AVOID THIS VIDEO! Stay home and argue with your girlfriend for free.
How can a person standing on a stage be that hard to videotape? This is basic stuff but vision less direction and bland acting make for an endless night of awkwardly paced and over edited monologues. It mostly feels like the movie is just complaining at you.
Razzie winner Dom Deluise appears in it just long enough to show us why he can't get acting gigs. His scene was so obviously shot separate from everything else. It felt like he was just there to pay off some kind of favor.
The whole mess looks like it's shot on home video and mostly sounds like it was recorded on an answering machine. The script is awful. When it isn't congratulating itself with annoying in jokes, it takes tired -- mostly offensive -- pot shots at "aggressive" lesbians, "meddling" Jewish women, and "swishy" gay men.
Welcome to the 21st century, where just saying 'it's a lesbian movie' isn't enough. We lesbians want our movies to be about something. This might have been a minor accomplishment 20 years ago -- minus the mean spirited antisemitic and homophobic stereotypes -- but amateur director Lee Freelander is simply out of her league. She tries to stage dated clichés and pretends they're revolutionary. She REALLY pats herself on the back with the longest most boring, sexless, sex scene ever put on video. Lesbians have needs!
We have amazing, funny, complex and powerful lesbian-themed indie films like 'Monster' 'DEBS' 'The Politics of Fur' and hit shows like 'The L Word' and 'Six Feet Under' so thank goodness we are no longer forced to put up with garbage like 'Girl Play.'
This is easily the worst 'lesbian movie' ever made (and I sat through 'Cat Woman') AVOID THIS VIDEO! Stay home and argue with your girlfriend for free.
A Woman Reported
(2004)
Beautiful, powerful, important
4 September 2004
It's hard to describe what happens in the film without giving too much away. I saw this jaw-dropping, beautiful short film at a film festival and the audience was so moved it wasn't sure how to react. We all felt the emergence of an ingenious, important new voice in lesbian cinema. At the same time we all felt the
harrowing, devastating events in the film resonate so deeply within our souls... it felt wrong to clap, but it felt wrong not to.
The amazingly talented and stunning director, Chris J. Russo, has a very long and successful career ahead of her. If she can change the course of cinematic history and the lives of thousands with one landmark short film, imagine what she could do given a feature. Her innate brilliance drips off of every frame directly into your conscience, where it is forever burned into your heart.
EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE! If you haven't guessed, it changed my
life!
harrowing, devastating events in the film resonate so deeply within our souls... it felt wrong to clap, but it felt wrong not to.
The amazingly talented and stunning director, Chris J. Russo, has a very long and successful career ahead of her. If she can change the course of cinematic history and the lives of thousands with one landmark short film, imagine what she could do given a feature. Her innate brilliance drips off of every frame directly into your conscience, where it is forever burned into your heart.
EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE! If you haven't guessed, it changed my
life!
D.E.B.S.
(2004)
Fun Fabulous Furious
4 September 2004
I was fortunate enough to see this movie at the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. The movie is WONDERFUL- sure, it is as substantial as cotton candy, but it is GREAT to see a summer-blockbuster-type action film that spoofs so many
clichés, never takes itself seriously, and treats its lesbian characters with respect. The writer/director Angela Robinson spoke at the screening and indicated that the film will get a theatrical release, but the distributor is having trouble marketing the film because they don't know which market to target- teenagers, gays, etc. In short, if you think this campy action film will appeal to you GO SEE IT in its opening weekend (to be announced) to send a message to the studios that
taking a risk on an unusual, fun film like this was well worth it. Oh, and the music is great too! The soundtrack features 80's classics from New Order, Erasure, and The Cure, as well as contemporary stuff from
Fischerspooner, Goldfrapp etc.
clichés, never takes itself seriously, and treats its lesbian characters with respect. The writer/director Angela Robinson spoke at the screening and indicated that the film will get a theatrical release, but the distributor is having trouble marketing the film because they don't know which market to target- teenagers, gays, etc. In short, if you think this campy action film will appeal to you GO SEE IT in its opening weekend (to be announced) to send a message to the studios that
taking a risk on an unusual, fun film like this was well worth it. Oh, and the music is great too! The soundtrack features 80's classics from New Order, Erasure, and The Cure, as well as contemporary stuff from
Fischerspooner, Goldfrapp etc.
Monster
(2003)
a perfect film, whether you like it or not
4 September 2004
Every year a movie appears that just overshadows everything else. The true story of a female serial killer. Easily the best movie of the year. Very well directed, acted and produced.
Unusual for a horror movie the audience feels sorry for the killer. This is due to Theron's astonishing portrayal. She gives a truly great performance. What a messed up, pathetic and scarred character. Her sidekick Ricci is also messed up but at the other extreme. And any movie that features both REO Speedwagon and Journey on the soundtrack has to be respected. What I most liked about Monster was the expert direction. The were no fancy camera angles, no self-conscious scenes, no glossy murders and no black humour. Monster is the best movie I've seen in the cinemas this year.
Unusual for a horror movie the audience feels sorry for the killer. This is due to Theron's astonishing portrayal. She gives a truly great performance. What a messed up, pathetic and scarred character. Her sidekick Ricci is also messed up but at the other extreme. And any movie that features both REO Speedwagon and Journey on the soundtrack has to be respected. What I most liked about Monster was the expert direction. The were no fancy camera angles, no self-conscious scenes, no glossy murders and no black humour. Monster is the best movie I've seen in the cinemas this year.
Make a Wish
(2002 Video)
Awesome!
4 September 2004
Make a Wish was a scream. At least we finally get a gay movie where the story stays coherent all the way through. Everyone was dying laughing. The movie is fun to watch, a guilty gay pleasure, grab the popcorn and turn off your brain. I thought having the cast play everything so straight faced was right on, the horror clichés were not lost on the audience.
I would say it is more funny than scary, but there are a couple of great scary surprises. I thought the acting was solid. This is a very low budget feature with no B cam and a small cast, maybe that's why the other writer before me was so fooled, I guess he has never actually seen bad acting, or maybe he's too easily fooled by the usual Hollywood scene stealing and scenery chewing.
I loved how the movie veered into an incredibly weird and surreal serious
climax, then ... well go see it.
I would say it is more funny than scary, but there are a couple of great scary surprises. I thought the acting was solid. This is a very low budget feature with no B cam and a small cast, maybe that's why the other writer before me was so fooled, I guess he has never actually seen bad acting, or maybe he's too easily fooled by the usual Hollywood scene stealing and scenery chewing.
I loved how the movie veered into an incredibly weird and surreal serious
climax, then ... well go see it.
The Politics of Fur
(2002)
an excellent film
4 September 2004
I went into this film expecting the worst since I don't care for remakes, but what I got was something daring and original. Fur takes the basics from Fassbinder's original and takes it to another level. The cinematography and direcion are excellent and the acting is superlative,
especially by the lead, Katy Selverstone, who could have gone the easy route
and camped it up but instead gives an absolutely riveting and engaging
performance. I saw this at a festival but hopefully it will get a wider release
especially by the lead, Katy Selverstone, who could have gone the easy route
and camped it up but instead gives an absolutely riveting and engaging
performance. I saw this at a festival but hopefully it will get a wider release
But I'm a Cheerleader
(1999)
a really great, fun, film
4 September 2004
Now I have read over all the narrow minded comments by the naive people
who've seen this movie, and it really makes me wonder, why'd they bother
commenting on it if they're so closed minded and/or homophobic? I'm most
definitely not homophobic and I am the most open minded person there is, and
this movie was great. I loved the performance by Natasha Lyonne as a naive
teenager coming to terms with who she really is. Clea DuVall was also great,
even though we've seen her play the rich, spoiled, loner in her other movies. The whole plot of this movie was hilarious and took the controversy of
homosexuality and poked fun at the stereotypes surrounding it. I've watched this movie 8 times so far and still laugh. The love scene between Graham and
Megan was well done and could be tolerated by even the straightest person. I
could really relate to this movie, which is why I was able to watch it over and over again. Nothing can stop true love - not even the lacking of a penis in a relationship. Great frickin' movie!
who've seen this movie, and it really makes me wonder, why'd they bother
commenting on it if they're so closed minded and/or homophobic? I'm most
definitely not homophobic and I am the most open minded person there is, and
this movie was great. I loved the performance by Natasha Lyonne as a naive
teenager coming to terms with who she really is. Clea DuVall was also great,
even though we've seen her play the rich, spoiled, loner in her other movies. The whole plot of this movie was hilarious and took the controversy of
homosexuality and poked fun at the stereotypes surrounding it. I've watched this movie 8 times so far and still laugh. The love scene between Graham and
Megan was well done and could be tolerated by even the straightest person. I
could really relate to this movie, which is why I was able to watch it over and over again. Nothing can stop true love - not even the lacking of a penis in a relationship. Great frickin' movie!
Better Than Chocolate
(1999)
Better than double fudge!!!
4 September 2004
I thought I should start closing my blinds at night, since the character of Frances IS me! I was extremely impressed by the two leads, Karen Dwyer and Christina Cox.
Their love making scenes were utterly realistic, a tribute to the acting ability of these two lovely ladies.(unless, of course, they are truly lesbians) But for me, the supporting cast was equally amazing. This is a group of great Canadian actors, who have proven once again that Canada can hold her own when it comes to
the arts. Outstanding performances by Peter Outerbridge, Anne-Marie MacDonald and
Wendy Crewson. I loved every one of you. I think anyone who feels the need to dis this movie is taking life way too
seriously!(Nothing like a dyke with an attitude, eh?)
Their love making scenes were utterly realistic, a tribute to the acting ability of these two lovely ladies.(unless, of course, they are truly lesbians) But for me, the supporting cast was equally amazing. This is a group of great Canadian actors, who have proven once again that Canada can hold her own when it comes to
the arts. Outstanding performances by Peter Outerbridge, Anne-Marie MacDonald and
Wendy Crewson. I loved every one of you. I think anyone who feels the need to dis this movie is taking life way too
seriously!(Nothing like a dyke with an attitude, eh?)
The Watermelon Woman
(1996)
a fantastic movie
4 September 2004
The movie centers around a young African-American lesbian,who is researching
a old time actress nicknamed"The Watermelon Womam"who is very similar to
her.This is a good film documentary.Ms.Dunn does a good job filming the movie along with making it work with the cast. This movie doesn't come up short to me,and serves its purpose.it never gets off the storyline,and has one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.The director challengers both race and sexuality makes this film more remarkable.Dealing
with the fact that she is having a relationship that is straining her friendship because of race. The director takes us into her point of view.Her lifestyle.Her way of thinking.And most of all,her life.Also learning about a woman who like her,had a inter race relationship,and who also was an actor.
a old time actress nicknamed"The Watermelon Womam"who is very similar to
her.This is a good film documentary.Ms.Dunn does a good job filming the movie along with making it work with the cast. This movie doesn't come up short to me,and serves its purpose.it never gets off the storyline,and has one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.The director challengers both race and sexuality makes this film more remarkable.Dealing
with the fact that she is having a relationship that is straining her friendship because of race. The director takes us into her point of view.Her lifestyle.Her way of thinking.And most of all,her life.Also learning about a woman who like her,had a inter race relationship,and who also was an actor.
Bound
(1996)
10 out of 10! Perfect!
4 September 2004
Bound is a sexy, stylish and suspenseful modern visitation to the film noir genre that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. Right from the outset - where the letters of the film's name cast deep dark shadows like high-rise buildings - the viewer is inducted into a world where duplicity is the norm and where choices made
result in prices being paid. And with over $2 million of Mob money at stake, the risk to life and limb is very high indeed. Violet is a latter-day gangster's moll looking for a way out of 'the business'. Her chance comes when her boyfriend, Ceasar, brings home a fortune in cash to be
sorted and collated before being passed on to the Chicago Mafia. She seduces
the tough-talking ex-con who is renovating the next-door apartment (an
impressively butch Gina Gershon) and together they scheme to relieve the Mob
of the money. But when Ceasar doesn't react according to plan, suddenly there are dead bodies to deal with and events begin to spiral out of control. The
women's trust in each other is stretched to breaking point as they are drawn into a deadly battle of wits. Directors Larry and Andy Wachowski make judicious use of the conventions of
film noir, such as extensive chiaroscuro, and some imaginative and
uncomfortable extreme close-up shots. The clever cinematography is backed up
by a tension-laden script and an excellent cast (particularly Joe Pantoliano as the increasingly frenzied Ceasar). Although Bound may take some viewers out
of their comfort zone with its graphic lesbian sex scene (which I LOVE!) and
depiction of Mob torture tactics, it is a film that will reward its audience with a stylish and intelligent foray into the eternally murky confluence of good and evil.
result in prices being paid. And with over $2 million of Mob money at stake, the risk to life and limb is very high indeed. Violet is a latter-day gangster's moll looking for a way out of 'the business'. Her chance comes when her boyfriend, Ceasar, brings home a fortune in cash to be
sorted and collated before being passed on to the Chicago Mafia. She seduces
the tough-talking ex-con who is renovating the next-door apartment (an
impressively butch Gina Gershon) and together they scheme to relieve the Mob
of the money. But when Ceasar doesn't react according to plan, suddenly there are dead bodies to deal with and events begin to spiral out of control. The
women's trust in each other is stretched to breaking point as they are drawn into a deadly battle of wits. Directors Larry and Andy Wachowski make judicious use of the conventions of
film noir, such as extensive chiaroscuro, and some imaginative and
uncomfortable extreme close-up shots. The clever cinematography is backed up
by a tension-laden script and an excellent cast (particularly Joe Pantoliano as the increasingly frenzied Ceasar). Although Bound may take some viewers out
of their comfort zone with its graphic lesbian sex scene (which I LOVE!) and
depiction of Mob torture tactics, it is a film that will reward its audience with a stylish and intelligent foray into the eternally murky confluence of good and evil.
When Night Is Falling
(1995)
a gorgeous, sensual delight
4 September 2004
A gorgeous, sensual delight. This is one of the most beautiful movies i have
ever seen. It is hard to come by honest romantic lesbian movies and catching
this one on TV was certainly one of the highlights in the past years.
The movie managed to provoke many emotions in me, from joy, to anger, to
deep sorrow and everything in between. It got me started to look into the
Canadian movie scene more, especially on this type of topic, as there are
excellent examples out there, this being a prime one.
Since accidentally buying this film a week ago, I've been watching it almost
everyday. It is a very moving piece, incredibly romantic and beautifully shot. I have no expertise on movie direction but all credit goes to Patricia for her
creativity. Apart from being incredibly gorgeous, the leading ladies gave a very moving performance, which intern moved me.
ever seen. It is hard to come by honest romantic lesbian movies and catching
this one on TV was certainly one of the highlights in the past years.
The movie managed to provoke many emotions in me, from joy, to anger, to
deep sorrow and everything in between. It got me started to look into the
Canadian movie scene more, especially on this type of topic, as there are
excellent examples out there, this being a prime one.
Since accidentally buying this film a week ago, I've been watching it almost
everyday. It is a very moving piece, incredibly romantic and beautifully shot. I have no expertise on movie direction but all credit goes to Patricia for her
creativity. Apart from being incredibly gorgeous, the leading ladies gave a very moving performance, which intern moved me.
Fresh, new perspective of young lesbians today
4 September 2004
This movie is one that I can watch over and over again. It is something fresh and new. The screenwriter/director does a great job of bringing many different
aspects of young lesbian existence. For example, by bringing together people of different races, social economic status, and different family make-ups; it opens one's eyes to different possibilities. It is quite opposite of what is usually thought of when one thinks of a gay or lesbian film. This movie does not stay in a box; it busts the box instead. Every time I see this movie, I am able to pick up on
something that I hadn't seen before. Although this is a movie where you don't really have to think much; I tend to analyze regardles. I found that it is not the what actually happens on the surface that really keeps me coming back for
more. It is the intricate underlying messages that the screenwriter/director is trying to get across that engages me.
aspects of young lesbian existence. For example, by bringing together people of different races, social economic status, and different family make-ups; it opens one's eyes to different possibilities. It is quite opposite of what is usually thought of when one thinks of a gay or lesbian film. This movie does not stay in a box; it busts the box instead. Every time I see this movie, I am able to pick up on
something that I hadn't seen before. Although this is a movie where you don't really have to think much; I tend to analyze regardles. I found that it is not the what actually happens on the surface that really keeps me coming back for
more. It is the intricate underlying messages that the screenwriter/director is trying to get across that engages me.
Desert Hearts
(1985)
a thoroughly entertaining and wonderful movie
4 September 2004
I've seen this movie at least a dozen times and it never fails to make me cry. It's a simple love story, but the fact that it's two women in love in Nevada in the 1950's gives it special significance. Unlike a lot of lesbian movies that were made in the 1980's, this one isn't all doom and gloom. It's actually a movie that will make you remember being young, impulsive and in love. It leaves the
viewer feeling hopeful about the future. Vivian Bell is a professor who comes to Nevada in the 1950's for a quickie divorce from her husband. While there she
meets Cay Rivers and Cay opens up a whole new world to her and makes
Vivian realize there's more to life than her stuffy, professional existence in New York. In addition, this movie has the most touching, intimate, erotic, and soulful love scene that I have EVER seen between 2 women in a movie.
viewer feeling hopeful about the future. Vivian Bell is a professor who comes to Nevada in the 1950's for a quickie divorce from her husband. While there she
meets Cay Rivers and Cay opens up a whole new world to her and makes
Vivian realize there's more to life than her stuffy, professional existence in New York. In addition, this movie has the most touching, intimate, erotic, and soulful love scene that I have EVER seen between 2 women in a movie.
The Hunger
(1983)
could've been fantastic
4 September 2004
It comes pretty close. The Hunger looks brilliant. From the beautiful interiors of the house where vampire Miriam (Catherine Deneuve)lives to the sophisticated
elegance of the main three characters, this is a feast for the eyes. However, these characters are so uninteresting and only mildly intriguing that their
presence becomes tiresome not before long. It begins well. In fact, it begins very well, as Miriam and her lover John (David Bowie, not bad surprisingly)enter a nightclub and seduce some disposable prey to take back to their doom.
Everything, from the editing to the superb use of music, shifting from 80's Gothic rock to classical, oozes atmosphere and danger. After that though, it gets really, really dull. The problem with The Hunger is that it's too serious. We are supposed to feel for these characters but they are so hollow that its difficult to pick up interest. At its best the film is mysterious and dark, at its worst it is horribly pretentious and dramatically uninvolving. The end is mildly interesting for its sheer weirdness but the horrific pay-off is a cold experience because, like the billowing curtains that block our view of anything in the hilariously exploitative lesbian scene, Tony Scott doesn't let us into this world completely. We are detached outsiders, and this approach may be fine in his later no-brain pieces of garbage like Top Gun, but not in a film that seems to be feigning an interest in real drama when really it's doing nothing of the sort. A real pity, but a triumph of photography, editing and lighting.
elegance of the main three characters, this is a feast for the eyes. However, these characters are so uninteresting and only mildly intriguing that their
presence becomes tiresome not before long. It begins well. In fact, it begins very well, as Miriam and her lover John (David Bowie, not bad surprisingly)enter a nightclub and seduce some disposable prey to take back to their doom.
Everything, from the editing to the superb use of music, shifting from 80's Gothic rock to classical, oozes atmosphere and danger. After that though, it gets really, really dull. The problem with The Hunger is that it's too serious. We are supposed to feel for these characters but they are so hollow that its difficult to pick up interest. At its best the film is mysterious and dark, at its worst it is horribly pretentious and dramatically uninvolving. The end is mildly interesting for its sheer weirdness but the horrific pay-off is a cold experience because, like the billowing curtains that block our view of anything in the hilariously exploitative lesbian scene, Tony Scott doesn't let us into this world completely. We are detached outsiders, and this approach may be fine in his later no-brain pieces of garbage like Top Gun, but not in a film that seems to be feigning an interest in real drama when really it's doing nothing of the sort. A real pity, but a triumph of photography, editing and lighting.
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