A Very Natural Thing tells the story of a gay man who left the seminary and get in touch with his sexuality. He met other fellow homosexuals and try to find his own true love story.
What a wonderful film.
Apparently made as the gay version of the film Love Story, it does not even thread close to it. I guess the wiki page explain it best, it was made during a short period before AIDS and during the Gay Rights Movement. Thus, it was made to solely be about a gay man, and how he is with his relationship.
Firstly, its actually kind of shocking how the character where portrayed as like people, not stereotyped gay archetype. Its actual depiction of a gay culture at the time AND its openness to criticize it was also revolutionary. In fact, some gay critics were criticizing its rather tame sexuality and apropos against gay norms of the time, a facet they'll sure be changing attitudes by the 80's. It just chose a subset of ideas that aged well in time.
Also, kudos to the writing. It is the only writing credit of the director AND the failure of the film Box Office wise, was his death knell BUT this was very modern. The choice to include real Pride March and ultimately use it as a framing device for a later storyline and its unexpected shift between two relationship are both unique to this film (and definitely copied by certain romcoms) AND should definitely be noted.
Kudos, also to Robert McClane, who was marvelously nuanced in this film. He played the former seminarian guy with such conscious grace and avoidance to stereotype. Sadly, like the director, he'll also be afflicted and die of AIDS.
The fact that I only known of this film because of McClane's connection with the awful film Barbara. Its kind of sad that this is somewhat forgotten and put aside in the grand scheme of Gay Cinema - most likely due to unavailability. I even could not find any information about Curt Gareth at all.
Highly Recommended.
What a wonderful film.
Apparently made as the gay version of the film Love Story, it does not even thread close to it. I guess the wiki page explain it best, it was made during a short period before AIDS and during the Gay Rights Movement. Thus, it was made to solely be about a gay man, and how he is with his relationship.
Firstly, its actually kind of shocking how the character where portrayed as like people, not stereotyped gay archetype. Its actual depiction of a gay culture at the time AND its openness to criticize it was also revolutionary. In fact, some gay critics were criticizing its rather tame sexuality and apropos against gay norms of the time, a facet they'll sure be changing attitudes by the 80's. It just chose a subset of ideas that aged well in time.
Also, kudos to the writing. It is the only writing credit of the director AND the failure of the film Box Office wise, was his death knell BUT this was very modern. The choice to include real Pride March and ultimately use it as a framing device for a later storyline and its unexpected shift between two relationship are both unique to this film (and definitely copied by certain romcoms) AND should definitely be noted.
Kudos, also to Robert McClane, who was marvelously nuanced in this film. He played the former seminarian guy with such conscious grace and avoidance to stereotype. Sadly, like the director, he'll also be afflicted and die of AIDS.
The fact that I only known of this film because of McClane's connection with the awful film Barbara. Its kind of sad that this is somewhat forgotten and put aside in the grand scheme of Gay Cinema - most likely due to unavailability. I even could not find any information about Curt Gareth at all.
Highly Recommended.