Search - David Searching on DVD

Quirky but pleasant coming-of-age tale

Bob Lind | Phoenix, AZ United States | 05/14/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the 1997 indie romantic comedy "David Searching", openly gay actor Anthony ("Rent") Rapp is teamed with Camryn ("The Practice") Manheim as a young gay man and a new divorcee sharing an apartment in Manhattan. Rapp plays David, who moved to NYC to pursue his dreams of becoming a famous filmmaker/documentarian, and also to find "Mr. Right" along the way. Neither search is going very well, because David isn't quite sure what he is looking for, nor how to react when
possibilities come along. He and (Manheim's) Gwen settle into a
comfortable living arrangement which actually makes it more difficult for either one to realize they want more out of life, and depression sinks in when they have moments in which this comes to light. Gwen has an affair with a former tenant of the apartment (who still has his keys and just appears on the sofa one day, sleeping off a drinking binge after breaking up with his girlfriend). Meanwhile, David goes through a series of "dates from hell", and also makes friends with a female comedian in a local club, who helps him to better see that he
needs to take more chances to achieve his professional and
relationship goals. In time, he learns that he is so concerned about finding the "deeper meaning of life" that he has lost perspective in the simple things that make it worth living.

Definitely a low budget indie, which looks older than its age (shot in 1996, but only recently released on DVD for the first time), and starts off rather shaky. But stick with it, and you'll find a quirky, delightful story obviously made best through the talented cast of actors, especially Rapp and Manheim. Has a realistic NYC feel, with characters many viewers can relate to. DVD extras include only a director's commentary, recorded especially for the DVD.
"

One of the better gay films

Stephen Monaghan | New York | 05/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really don't hold a lot of high expectations for indies, but I was really surprised by David Searching. It was a very funny and touching film and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this movie. The performances are great, and some of the cameos are suprising. Leslie Smith, credited with both writing and directing, did a very decent job for a first film. I recommend it."

Promising effort by a young man

PDX Mariners' Fan | Portland | 05/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was pleasantly surprised by this low-key story of a young gay man facing adult choices for the first time in New York. The script is literate and nicely avoids the obvious cliches that affect a lot of gay-themed works. With its upbeat ending, it makes a good, conversation provoking stay-at-home date movie. Besides, it's enjoyable to see stars such as Camryn Mannheim and Anthony Rapp before they became famous in Law & Order and Rent. If you enjoyed Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss or Latter Days, you'll probably like this."

And Now For Something New....

Chuck Zito | New York City | 05/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this film to be a refreshing change from so much of the standard gay-indie movie fare. From the first frame, when the hero (Anthony Rapp - and how fun is that?) sets out to find his way through love in the big City, DAVID SEARCHING never talks down to the audience or treats us as if we've never in our lives seen another gay film. The wry sensibility that inhabits this urbane romance is really the heart of the film. Plus, there's Camryn Mannheim in a supporting role and a great cameo by Craig Chester. Freshman writer/director Leslie Smith has put together a fun, literate romance his first time out."