This is another film I purchased without knowing a thing about it, and wound up being quite glad I did. The premise of this film had me on the edge of my seat from the very first gut-wrenching conflict, in a film that was filled to the brim with gut-wrenching conflicts. The acting of both principals in this essentially two-character piece was first rate, and helped to elevate it high above most standard gay-themed fare. But what really made this picture superior to 90% of the gay titles I've purchased in the past year was the confrontation of real issues that gay men should be discussing, but frequently shy away from. Without giving away the plot, let me say that almost every minute of the taught, carefully crafted script is imbued with thoughtful discussion on issues that are all to frequently ignored by sexually active gay men. I didn't see the ending coming at all, and the ultimate, positive and healthy message - that everyone is responsible for their own conduct, and the consequences thereof - is one that too many people don't seem to get, in my observation. In a world where the madness of barebacking and substance abuse is decimating the gay urban male population, the lesson of this film is one that every gay man needs to consider, if not embrace wholeheartedly. Good god! A gay drama that dares to address and discuss sexual responsibility in an adult manner! What will they think of next?
a rivetting twist
If the first twenty minutes had just a little better sound quality, this would have rated close to 5 stars from me. Not that theres a problem with the disc but the way it was originally recorded. The acting by the two main characters was for the most part great and overall it was cleverly crafted. Well worth the cost.
Fine acting, very well done
Scott Speedman and James Marsden both do exceptional acting in this emotionally intense film. In this review I want to discuss three aspects of the film.
First, the actors and the complicated situation these two men find themselves in carries this film. There are no fireworks special effects. In fact the film feels like a stage play due to the intensity of the dialogue between these two men, one of whom, Tom the chef, has imprisoned the other, Dan the gay successful pretty boy, and will kill him if it appears that he infected Tom during Tom's one and only one-night-stand with another man. Beautiful James Marsden does a terrific job but Scott Speedman needs a nomination for best supporting actor, he is really good. The play between captive and captor is a dangerous game, as these two men discover.
Second, the film did an excellent job of weaving in the intracacies and uncertainties of HIV infection and antibody testing into the plot. Tom thinks Dan infected him 5 years ago during intercourse because a couple of years later, Tom's wife develops AIDS related symptoms, finds she is HIV positive, and then dies by running a red light after finding her HIV status. Tom imprisons Dan, takes a sample of his blood by force, and sends it to a lab with the intention of killing Dan if it comes back positive since Tom interprets this as proof that Dan infected him. Dan, struggling for his life, reasons with Tom that Tom's wife could have been infected before Tom and that since she showed AIDS symptoms so early, she may have been infected for some time. Thus Dan tries to raise doubts in Tom's mind that Tom did not infect his wife, it was the other way around. Anyone familiar with HIV/AIDS knows that this is a valid argument.
Third, the story showed character development and change. Tom is extremely angry at first and seeks careful deadly revenge against Dan. Then Dan rightfully inserts doubt into Tom's mind as to who infected who in the relationship between Tom and his wife. Then the results come back with Dan's HIV status. At this point the film takes some plot twists which I don't think I should reveal, however I will say that at some point Tom moves out of anger and revenge and into compassion. Compassion is an amazing emotion, healing to those who experience it directly or indirectly. This recognition of the role of compassion in our lives is the reason I gave this exceptional film a "5".
Despite a slow weird beginning I enjoyed this movie more than words can say. It was funny weird, thought pervoking and it left me feeling really good despite some real life situations that were not always happy. I could identify with the mormon dude since I know well his pain having come from a strict hardcore Bible Thumping BAPTIST family myself. Trust me "Baptist's" are no more accepting or tolerant of gays or gay friendly folk than the religious neanderthals seen in this movie.
Despite the religious homophobic downers this was my kind of movie it had a happy ending I could honestly beleive. This movie left me happy and filled with hope. The unrated version has the steamier sex scene but what you see is pretty tame by todays standards. I would not recommend this... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Steve Sandvoss - Wes Ramsey - Amber Benson - Jacqueline Bisset - Mary Kay Place Director(s): C. Jay Cox DVD Release Date: Released the 07 September 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Colin Farrell takes a break from action flicks (S.W.A.T., Alexander) to make A Home at the End of the World, an intimate film based on a novel by Michael Cunningham (author of The Hours). As a boy, Bobby (played as an adult by Farrell) loses both parents and his beloved older brother, ending up more-or-less adopted by the family of his best friend, Jonathan (played as an adult by Dallas Roberts). Jonathan's feelings for Bobby go beyond friendship; Bobby is open to the possibilities. Bobby follows Jonathan to New York and falls into a relationship with Clare (Robin Wright Penn, The Princess Bride). The three form an alternative family, move out to the country, and discover that even alternative families have their dysfunctions. Bobby is so innocent and... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Sissy Spacek - Colin Farrell - Dallas Roberts - Robin Wright Penn Director(s): Michael Mayer (VI) DVD Release Date: Released the 02 November 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Almost worth getting for the hotness that is Brendan Fehr, plus the unexpected cutie Andre Noble (which I wouldn't have thought so much from the cover); however, their isn't nearly enough skin shown by the two. Plus, the one sex scene between them typifies the entire movie for me: far more brutal and corse than beautiful and endearing.
If you think you're getting a tender coming of age/boy's first time movie where he falls in love and recuses the down and out hustler guy with lots (as in more than one excuse for) sex scenes, then you're in for a BIG disappointment.
None of which is to say its a bad movie. The little sister Cookie is a total hoot and probably the most interesting character overall actually. Queer As Folk fans will recognize Cliff's wonderful Mother as being... More Info about this DVD Director(s): John Palmer DVD Release Date: Released the 16 November 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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This could possibly be the cheesiest movie I have ever seen (and I have seen a lot of movies!) Do not waste your money on this low-budget, low-acting-ability, low-camera-experience movie. I enjoy a good "gay movie" every now and then and this was not it. Sorry to disappoint! More Info about this DVD Director(s): Michael D. Akers DVD Release Date: Released the 27 January 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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I remeber this when it was on Television and I had a copy on VHS that I was close to not being able to watch. I was ever so happy to see this wonderful film on DVD and I think that the plot was and is timeless. Kudo's to the entire cast for the roles they chose to play in during a time when it was not as open place for gays. Ken Olin does a wonderful job in every film he produces. I think this is a must for every family with a gay member of as well as every gay person should see this film as the acting is wonderful and I think there is a lot to learn about families and tollerance. More Info about this DVD Director(s): Ken Olin DVD Release Date: Released the 07 September 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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