Change Your Image
epcthree
Reviews
The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)
Powerful and Thoughtful
This documentary is one that others should be measured against. Having lived in the SF Bay Area during this time, I am always moved to tears whenever I watch this film. The film elicits the same anger and shock and sadness that I felt when these events happened.
To me, perhaps the most intriguing person interviewed is Jim Elliot, an older union man whose views about gays were indicative of working class Americans at the time. He himself says that had he never met Harvey Milk that he would have thought he was just another "fruit" and would have had nothing to do with him. But because Milk was able to get the gay bars in San Francisco to stop selling Coors Beer (a non-union produced product), which was something that the unions had failed to accomplish for years, he decided to listen to what Milk had to say.
Certainly the film paints an extremely positive picture of Milk, which may not be entirely accurate. It does touch a bit on his temper and his obvious ambition, which although admirable, may have caused him to do or say things that he may not have truly felt strongly about. But that is part of being a politician. I do think that the film was more than fair in regards to Dan White and painted and accurate and often infuriating picture of a man who could not handle life.
The candlelight vigil that took place was perhaps the most solemn event I have ever personally been involved with and one I thought the film captured beautifully. As an aside, the interviews with Bill Kraus are noteworthy as well as Bill was the man who was played by Ian McKellan in "The Band Played On".
If You Could See What I Hear (1982)
Funny, yet touching
I was actually familiar with Tom Sullivan before the film came out. I believe I saw him performing on a talk show and I also remember him appearing in a M*A*S*H episode (Hawkeye loses his sight temporarily and deals with character played by Sullivan - of course also blinded - as a patient).
Bottom line for me is that the film always makes me laugh, and the closing scene with the little girl (in real life an event which actually took place with his daughter) never doesn't make me tear up. Singer's performance is excellent, but to me R.H. Thomson steals the film as Tom's friend; Will Sly. As for those falling in love with Shari Belafonte from this film, the line forms to the left! I give it an 8 out of 10, frankly only because watching it today, some of the humor is pretty sophomoric. That being said, let it go and enjoy a fun film!
As Is (1986)
Moving film with great performance by Hadary
Caught this movie years ago on cable. What struck me was the portrayal by Hadary; to me it was the most realistic portrayal of a gay man I had seen to that point. I had (and have) many gay friends and he seemed to catch many of the aspects that I had noted in my friends without going over the top (as has happened many times).
The story itself is, of course, powerful and the only reason I don't give it a 10 out of 10 is that it is a filmed version of a play and that is rarely pulled off well. They did an excellent job, but I still can see the "play" aspect of it. Regardless, it is well worth a viewing and I recommend it highly.
Blood Sport (1973)
Excellent Character Study
Given the time this was made, the limitations of Television in the areas of profanity and violence, this made for TV film is outstanding.
Excellent performances by Busey, Hagman and Johnson are highlights and the story itself is terrific as well.
I was 13 when it came out, but had already been exposed to coaches not dissimilar to the one portrayed by Hagman.
As the father, Ben Johnson gives a true-to-life performance of a "little league" father, living through his son, instead of for him.
Finally, Busey does a great job portraying a star HS QB. He has always been an inconsistent actor, but when he is "on" there are few that can beat him.
I have been looking for a copy of this film for YEARS!!! If anyone had a lead or anyone or anywhere I might contact, please let me know. Thanks!