Search - 200 American on DVD

An Admirable First Film

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/31/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"200 AMERICAN has many good things going for it, especially as a first film, made on a very low budget: the story is solid (written by Director Richard LeMay, the character development is good, and the acting is for the most part excellent. There are flaws (some of the worse editing ever attempted, a musical score that is inappropriate at best, and some evidence of shortcuts in the flow of the story that are jarring), but for the most part this film has a rather sophisticated appearance.

Conrad (Matt Walton) is an Ad Executive who has been deserted by his lover for being "controlling" and on a bored evening he decides to find sensual pleasure without emotional commitment via a hustler service, the hustler turning out to be one "Tyler" (Sean Matic whose actual name is Ian). Conrad beds Tyler, finds an attraction, discovers through questioning that "Tyler" says he is a straight man, newly immigrated from Australia, who is forced into hustling as the only means available to him for making enough money to marry his girlfriend! Conrad befriends him by giving him a job as an assistant to the photographer in his agency and there begin the problems of mistaken identities. Conrad's art director Michael eventually falls for Ian and the truth about Ian's hustling background is made clear in a way that impacts all of the characters in the drama.

The sensitivity in the film is the obvious need for people to be truthful in their relationships - at every level from acquaintance to commitment. Each of the characters is shown to be needy, to have dark sides, and capable of change. They are also likeable guys who just want to be happy.

For a film about gay relationships 200 AMERICAN is a positive lesson. Director LeMay tells his story with a minimum of on screen sexual acting out - to a degree that the animal appeal of the characters is minimized and that harms the film. But with solid actors with good screen presence and a script that for the most part minimizes cliches, this is a film worth watching. Grady Harp, December 2004"

A well-made film, with a low budget but a lot of heart..

ardar88 | Falls Church, VA USA | 12/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a well-done story of an Australian hustler in New York, and his involvement with an American advertising executive. A heart-warming script by producer and director Richard LeMay and outstanding performances by a cast of talented actors make this movie a real winner. It was made on a shoestring with "no budget," but the film nonetheless achieves the glossy look of a slick production that belies its low budget. This charming movie is a perfect example of what can be achieved with almost no money but with a great deal of talent and creativity. It's definitely worth a look."

Count your pennies

Cookie Crook | arlington, va | 01/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"200 Americans portrays Conrad (Matt Walton) as a busness exec. for an advertising agency, who is out of a 3 year relationship and is just looking for a good time without commitment. Tyler is a hustler looking to make enough money to stay in the States and begin a new life. Michael who works with Conrad falls for Tyler and what ensues is the revealing of Tylers seedy dealings and how that threatens to destroy this fragile new relationship.

To many a surprise the acting is decent and not overdone as in many same sex movies and the men are very easy on the eyes. Director Richard LeMay to his credit prevents the movie from over indulging in sex/sex scenes which bolsters this film from being laughable and cheap. In addition, the script keeps the actors from being overly clingy and needy which helps move the movie along at a steady pace. Unfortunately for the director, the budget of the film affects it from the point of sound problems (alot of background noise), a soundtrack that is ill placed and ill timed, and haphazard slash and paste editting creates a clumsy collage effect of the story. In the end, the good outweighs the bad and worth 5 Americans as a rental."

Not bad, but...

A. M. Smith | RICHMOND, VA United States | 06/08/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The plot is promising while the dialogue stumbles. The acting, with the exception of the understated but well-executed performance by Sean Matic, is strained but not not entirely unpalatable. The story treats the subject of hustling with some sensitivity: the guy has been more or less driven to doing it by virtue of being an illegal alien and unable to find other ready employment, and he is treated sympathetically. The cinematography is acceptable. It's an entertaining 84 minutes but not a film I would add to my own collection. The bar is set a bit lower for this genre so true masterpieces are rare. All the same, it's worth a viewing, and avid collectors of gay-themed indie films would not be disappointed."