Search - Straightman on DVD

Independent film at its finest

Todd C. Spears | Valley Village, CA United States | 11/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A rare find in today's film world "Straightman" shines as an independent film. While the film was done for very little money and it does show the movie works incredibly well on an emotional level. It also breaks new ground in the world of gay cinema in that it is one of the few films that deals with older men who are very blue collar. (why do 99% of gay films deal with impossibly beautiful young men?) The story traces the friendship of two friends after their breakups with their girlfriends. After moving into together one begins to explore his gayness. This takes the friendship on some interesting turns especially when dealing with the first romance and heartbreak. While the plot is thin at times the film really is more of a character study between to friends as they come to terms with growing and changing. There are too many things to say as downsides to the film other than to point out some of the problems due to budget constraints - i.e. some minor sound and lighting problems. Over all I would say this is must see film."

Worthy of a look

T. Hulse | 10/23/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I think the idea behind this film was good and that the film quality was good. It was a bit slow and had a 70's feel to it. It is a late bloomer coming out story. The guy finally deals with his feelings at the 30 something stage of life and starts moving towards the life that he denied himself. He starts telling his friends and family as well as looking for that life partner he has always wanted. It was worth watching but not as good as it should have been. It is a fairly fresh view and will prove thought provoking. Not bad, just not great."

VERY worthy effort! "Son of Midnight Cowboy"

membruto | Mount Pleasant, SC United States | 08/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is NOT a "gay" film. It is basically a character-study film of 2 "blue-collar" best-buds, one of whom happens to finally accept the fact that he is gay. It is an honest portrayal of their friendship and beautifully demonstrates the point that not only over-educated, over-achieving "yuppie-types" can have "deep, insightful, provocative, philosophical" thoughts and desires concerning their lives, hopes, and dreams.
It ain't a pretty film--actually, it's pretty-gritty. Some of the scenes and a lot of the dialogue is "intense." The beauty and intensity of the "graeco-roman" scene matches ANYTHING I've ever seen in any film with a zillion dollar budget. Much of the dialogue seems "improvised," and it really "works." Both lead actors/writers/directors are excellent in their roles.
I recommend listening to the actor/writer/director commentary--especially for those one-star "critics" who apparently "missed" a LOT!
And, as always, how I wish closed-captioning were a "law" and required for ANY film made these days. (This one does NOT have it)
"

T RUE FILM!!!!! they don't make em better.

Bobby | NEW YORK CITY | 07/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film kicks ... I seen a lot of movies a been a life long NYer and let me tell you, These guys from Chicago can hold their own. Great story, honesty, real characters! No hollywood [nonsense]... they made this thing for no money and traveled around the world winning film festival awards. Ben Redgrave especially deserved the nod as a great actor. Buy this now you will never see a more honest first film. Any one who doesnt get it just can't handle the truth I loved itBobby"