Search - A Very Natural Thing (25th Anniversary Edition) on DVD

Dated movie, but timeless story

John S. Mclachlan | Boston, MA USA | 01/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Technical stuff out of the way - this is a movie made in the 70's, with no restoration for DVD, so it, well, looks like an old movie. Grainy and some bad colors. Plus, it was made at a time when 'gay pride' was new, so there are some 'man on the street' interviews form a pride celebration which have nothing to do with the movie. The story is timeless though. It's the constant 'gay' struggle of sex vs love. Our hero tried to make a relationship with someone who isn't sure he wants love, but is our hero too interested in a domestic life and canot see the forest for the trees? I think this is a subject ALL of us go through as we search for relationships in our lives. This movie could be made today and the storyline would be exactly the same. This is a definite rent for any gay man, or anyone who wants to see that gays really don't lead a life of only sex..."

Endearing..like a faded photograph

louix-escbar@ci.santa-monica.ca.us | Santa-Monica, California | 01/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Incredibly, if you changed some details, this movie appears as if it could have been filmed a few weeks ago. It's that timeless. It's a love story which, despite a few muddy camera effects, unfolds seamlessly. The complexities of the relationship between the ex-priest and his two lovers are clearly defined, despite dialog that sounds, well, like it came from the 1970's. Oh well. The film does have an enchanting combination of innocence and lust. There's a good side story with bisexual tones which adds an air of avant-garde to the mix. An excellent date movie. See it!"

Summary

louix-escbar@ci.santa-monica.ca.us | 12/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""An important film in the history of American gay film making. "A Very Natural Thing" is considered the first feature film on the gay experience made by an out of the closet gay man to receive commercial distribution. The simple but insightful story involves a 26 year old gay man, Jason, who leaves the priesthood and moves to New York City in hopes of finding a meaningful gay relationship. Now a school teacher, he soon falls in love with a handsome young advertising executive, David. Together they discover passion and romance while learning to respect and love each other. 85 Mins." - Wolfevideo"

A Groundbreaking & Controversial Film Ahead of Its Time

M. Hart | USA | 01/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1974 was an interesting year: President Richard M. Nixon imposed national 55 mph speed limits, he later resigned his presidency over the Watergate scandal, Turkey invaded Cyprus, Scelbi Computer Consulting was the first company ever to advertise a personal computer (the Scelbi), and Christopher Larkin produced, directed and wrote his only film, a groundbreaking & controversial film entitled "A Very Natural Thing". This film is regarded by many to be first widely distributed mainstream film to depict gay men honestly. Taking place primarily in NYC, "A Very Natural Thing" focuses on the life of David (Robert Joel), a gay man who is forced to leave the priesthood over his sexuality. One night at a bar with his friend Alan (Jay Pierce), he meets Mark (Curt Gareth). A romance develops between David and Mark, but problems develop because of their different views of what a committed relationship should be. David later meets Jason (Bo White, also known for his portrayal of Adam in the 1974 film "Bible!") during a gay pride march, but the emotional problems that David had with Mark could hamper a relationship between them.At only 80 minutes, "A Very Natural Thing" may seem short, but the story portrayed is just as meaningful now as it was in 1974. Were it not for the mid-1970's fashions and hairstyles (which some may find dated), you might think you were watching a contemporary film. Picture quality is not great since the film was shot on a low budget, but I have seen several contemporary independent films with much worse quality. Aside from that, there are many memorable scenes in in the film including seeing David & Mark rolling down a hill together in Central Park and seeing David & Jason rollicking in the ocean on the shore of Cape Cod. The most controversial scenes in the film for 1974 are the love scenes between naked men.Certainly, the film is not flawless, but for 1974 this was a groundbreaking film that clearly demonstrated what a film about gay characters could be. For that reason, and for being an engaging film, I give this film a rating of 5 stars. If you decide not to purchase a copy of the film, I highly recommend renting it to see it at least once."