MovieChat Forums > Get Real (1999) Discussion > Should I see this?

Should I see this?

posted 16 years ago by groggo
4 replies | jump to latest

As a straight male, I have to ask: is this a film exclusively devoted to gay love? I ask, not because I'm homophobic, but I just can't relate to so-called 'gay films'. I'm sure I'm not alone.

And is this also another of those endless line of 'coming of age' (COA) films? The COA thing, in my opinion, has been done to death. I believe they're everywhere in movies these days because of the dearth in 'original' plots. They constitute a relatively easy refuge for filmmakers: throw some kids together, mix in the peculiar difficulties common to all young people, give them a specific problem, and have them work themselves out of it. Voila: you have a movie.

[–] dreamweaveruk 16 years ago

I have sympathy for you because as a gay male i cant relate to so-called 'straight films'. Im sure im not alone.
I would advise that you do not watch this movie as yes it is a story about gay love.
I dont see a problem with that as Hollywood churns out hundreds of heterosexual love storys every year. Only fair the gays get a few movies that reflect their lives too.
I actually found this movie to be very relevant and sensitive to the difficulties that a young gay man can experience when coming out. It manages to be tender but also realistic at the same time. It doesnt give you a fairy tale ending but its not all tragedy either.
But yes if i was you i wouldnt watch it. Something tells me that you would not appriciate it.

Illegitimi non carborundum

[–] groggo 16 years ago

Thank you for your (civilized) reply. I agree about the countless hetero films churned out by Hollywood, but I was interested in this film because it DIDN'T come from LaLaLand. I can't cope with about 95% of Hollywood stuff, so I lean toward foreign films.

I'm glad you enjoyed the film and its content, and thanks a lot for your advice.

[–] MovieMatters 16 years ago

Director Simon Shore explains in his interview on the great dvd in Germany that it's an archetypal movie and of interest to various kinds of audiences. It also focuses on the characters around the two gay lads and the dialogue is just brilliant, often funny and believable. Ben Silverstone gave a great performance. I reccomend it to people of all sexualities.

[–] ileandromp 16 years ago

If i were you, i would watch it.

Why?

Because is not like other movies, specially on the "gay category". Is a master piece!, real, sweet, and not just that, but it gives you an idea of what a gay men really is, specially as a teenager, maybe you'll really "appreciate us", and "think of us" differently.

One of the things i really liked about this movie, is not gay guys with makeup, or weird hair styles, the whole "idea" that people has about gay men that think they're females! just real guys that happened to have feeling for the same sex.