IGW, V2, Issue 3, p3
filmreelBeginning this issue, The Independent Gay Writer will run glbt film reviews.

Cheri Rosenberg reviews
The Sum of Us, starring Russell Crowe
&
Maurice, starring James Wilby and Rupert Graves

Cheri
Cheri
Rosenberg
Reviews...

Anyway, what can I tell you about myself? 

 I am a straight, married, mother of three.  I am a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science degree in Medical Biology with an emphasis in Nutritional Science.  I have a BS degree in Dietetics: Clinical and General Management. I currently work part time for a nursing home as a dietitian but I am a full time mom and homemaker (domestic engineer).  I enjoy walking, swimming, reading, watching movies and eating.  My current passion is gay literature and film.  I am a strong supporter of gay rights, gay marriage and equality for all citizens  without bias or discrimination. 
 
I have a wonderful husband of 21 years who indulges me in my many obsessions. I have a 14 year old son who is into video games, computers, football and weight training.  He is a high honor roll student who never ceases to amaze me.  He gets his brains from his father and his athletic ability from me.  My middle son is 12 and he is into arachnids, insects and animals  in an obsessive way.  His collection to date includes tarantulas, scorpions,  millipedes and hissing cockroaches to name a few.  Plus we have a hamster (my daughter's pet), a bearded dragon and crickets and mealworms to feed the critters.  You could say I live in a zoo.  You name the pet and either we have it or have had it (dogs, a bird, snake...you get the picture).  He is also a talented and temperamental artist.  You should see how he draws his bugs!   My daughter is 9 and she is on a swim team and loves to talk on the phone, have friends over and watch movies and TV.  She loves singing and dancing and she is learning to play the violin.
Editor's Note:

Cheri says she enjoys writing reviews. Please write to let her know what you think. Contact.
Sum-USThe Sum of Us is a beautiful story about the unconditional love between a widowed father, Harry (Jack Thompson), and his openly gay son, Jeff (Russell Crowe). The movie shows a rare glimpse of a father’s acceptance and willingness to try and understand his son’s sexuality. When Jeff has a date, Harry is there to make sure his son practices safe sex, and when Harry has a stroke, Jeff is there to assume sole responsibility for his care, preparing his meals, helping him get around, and taking care of all his needs. They may drive each other crazy at times, but their unselfish acts of love for each other are heartwarming without being sickeningly sweet. I love this movie because it is honest, funny, wonderfully acted, hopeful, and real. Russell Crowe gives a brilliant performance early in his career. He is so believable you forget you are watching a movie. Jack Thompson is perfectly cast as his father. He is warm and funny. I recommend this movie to anyone that has ever loved or has ever been in love. It is a feel good movie. If you have trouble with the thick Australian accent, you can always use the subtitles.

This ground-breaking Australian film is now available on DVD
MauriceMaurice (1987) is no doubt one of my favorite gay films. It is an exquisitely done period piece that takes place in England in the early 1900’s. This film, starring James Wilby, as Maurice, Hugh Grant, as Clive, and Rupert Graves, as Scudder, is a classic movie which depicts the class distinctions and homophobia of that era.  It is a story of two young men who fall in love during their years at Cambridge University and how one conforms to societal  constraints and remains closeted, while the other follows his heart and finds true love with another man.

Maurice and Clive must hide their love for each other, lest they be condemned, or worse, imprisoned.  Their relationship must remain strictly plutonic and secret, allowing only friendship, if they are to avoid ruining their lives and careers because of prejudice, discrimination, and laws forbidding homosexuality. Men were imprisoned for so much as having “immoral” thoughts.

“Maurice”, based on the novel by E.M.Forster, was way ahead of its time. The book was not published until about 57 years after Forster’s death because of the then inappropriate, controversial subject matter. The movie is ground-breaking as well in its frank depiction of gay sex, which is very tastefully done, and extremely erotic. Most movies of that time would only allude to two men lying together, but this movie deliciously takes you there. In fact there are plenty of old gay movies that wouldn’t even show two men kissing for fear of offending anyone. It is totally unrealistic to exclude such scenes and I feel it takes away from the authenticity of the movie.

The eroticism only adds to this rich story filled with love, lust, longing, and denial.  There is also a glimmer of hope that some people can find happiness even in a society that does not accept homosexuality, while others live the lie of political correctness and remain true to society and not to themselves or the people they love.

The cinematography of the country side of old England is breathtaking, the casting is perfect, and the movie delivers a powerful message. It is enjoyable from beginning to end as it takes you back about 90 years. The love scenes between James Wilby and Rupert Graves are enough reason to see this movie but it is fun to see the young Hugh Grant as well.

I can not say enough good things about this movie. You have to see it for yourself. And don’t miss the bonus disc of “Maurice”, it is worth it for the deleted scenes alone, but the commentary by the director and actors are interesting too.



Home • Newsletter Front Page • Newsletter Archives • Article Archives