Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story - As a teenage girl in the 90s I was all about fashion, style, designers, and models. A major part of that world was the extraordinary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. His fingerprints were everywhere and even though I don't wear makeup, I still own all of his books. This film was such an honest look into who he was; it was beautifully done.
Antonio Lopez 1970 - Sex, Fashion and Disco - I first bought this off Amazon in August 2020 because Antonio Lopez was a dear friend of Bill Cunningham, who appears in the documentary. Anything regarding the extraordinary Bill Cunningham is worth a look. Antonio Lopez was a gifted artist and I needed to re-watch this film to be reminded of the mark he left on this world.
The Celluloid Closet - This documentary based on Vito Russo's seminal work of the same name delves into gay characters throughout the history of cinema. It's a stellar documentary.
But I'm a Cheerleader - I saw this in the theatre back when it was first released and it still holds up today. It's campy and hilarious and Clea DuVall is so dreamy as Graham...
Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia - After seeing Gore Vidal in The Celluloid Closet discuss Ben Hur I looked him up and came across this doc. Of course I knew his name since childhood, seeing it on the spine of Burr on my parents' bookshelf, but it was as an adult seeing him on The Dick Cavett Show and then the film Best of Enemies about his rivalry with William F. Buckley. It was great to find out more about Vidal and his incredible life. I definitely plan to look into some of his writing.
Cloudburst - A hilarious love story portrayed brilliantly by Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker.
Supernova - Clearly I watched this movie because of the two leads, Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth, and if I'm being honest, were it starring anyone else I wouldn't have finished it. A nice love story but so very blah.
P.S. Burn This Letter Please - Based on a series of found letters sent to a dear friend from multiple drag queens dating back to the late 50s. Taken from the film's website: A box of letters, held in secret for nearly 60 years, ignites a 5-year exploration into a part of LGBT history that has never been told.
The Normal Heart - Based on Larry Kramer's powerful play, the standout moment for me was any scene with Alfred Molina. He's so incredible.
Making Love - I watched this because it was one of the first mainstream films featuring a gay romance. Harry Hamlin and Michael Ontkean were mega gorgeous but it was tame by today's standards and kinda dull.
To Be Takei - The movie that introduced me to just who George Takei is and showcased why he is such an inspirational icon.
Vito - Another film that I saw ages ago and felt the need to revisit it. Vito Russo left the world a huge gift with his book, and of course the documentary, The Celluloid Closet.
The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin - Maupin is one of my favourite writers because of his Tales of the City series. I read and loved his memoir, Logical Family, but this documentary showed the man himself and those closest to him sharing bits and pieces that expanding on what was in his book.
Carol - Meh.
Tab Hunter: Confidential - I mean who doesn't love Tab Hunter??? Ever since I saw him in Battle Cry when I was a kid, he always stood out. I've watched this documentary countless times and each time I appreciate his honesty and openness more than the last. A great book-end to his memoir of the same name.
American Masters: Billie Jean King
And The Band Played On - The cast alone is worth the price of admission: Matthew Modine, Ian McKellan, Alan Alda, Donal Logue, Stephen Spinella, Richard Gere, Glenne Headly, Anjelica Huston, Swoosie Kurtz, Tchéky Karyo, Richard Jenkins, Richard Masur, Steve Martin, BD Wong, Saul Rubinek, Charles Martin Smith, Lily Tomlin, Phil Collins, and Bud Cort - every single one of them poured compassion and breath into their performances, no matter how small or large their time on screen. To bring Randy Shilts' book that documents the AIDS crisis was an enormous undertaking and everyone involved should be immensely proud of the result.
Hot to Trot - About same-sex ballroom dancing. Some of those couples were exceptional!
Pride (2014) - I'm gonna say this was the best film I watched this month. A true tale of British gay men and women in the Summer of '84 who banned together to show their support financially, physically, and emotionally for the miners during their twelve month strike. It was so good and I was a wreck by the end. Before the credits it read: On June 29th, 1985, London's Gay Pride March was led by Welsh miners in a show of solidarity for LGSM's (Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners) support during the strike. A year after the strike ended, a motion was tabled at the labour party conference to enshrine gay and lesbian rights into the party's manifesto. Although the motion had been raised before, this time it was passed. This was due, in part, to a block vote of total approval from one key union: The National Union of Mineworkers.
Disclosure - I first watched this film about the T in LGBT+ because lovely Alexandra Billings was one of those interviewed. Definitely an important film to see this month.
The Boys In The Band (2020)
Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart - I knew the name A Raisin in the Sun but knew absolutely nothing of its author. This is why I love documentaries - it keeps someone alive and teaches me about people, places, and lives that I never would have know otherwise.
Die Mommie Die! - A fave of mine and Charles Busch at his best. Better to be seen that described. The theme song was stuck in my head for days after.
Anthem - This was the day I had a near nervous breakdown because of my upstairs neighbour and could only find a few minutes to watch this Marlon Riggs short film.
A Bit of Scarlet - This sounded like a British Celluloid Closet. It stunk. I barely finished it.
Reel In the Closet - A film about people that have found and preserved home movies of gay lives. A brilliant concept and I'm so glad to know there are people out there preserving real moments in the lives of the LGBT+ community, real moments in real people's lives.
Last Call at Maud's - I ended the month with a film about a Lesbian bar in San Francisco and some of its patrons. It was very cable-access and they dubbed in the United Artists sound in the opening credits, but it was definitely cool to hear about the experiences and goings-on over the course of Maud's from 1966 to its closing in 1989.
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