Updated on Sun, Oct 5, 1997
All of following are available on video, although some are very difficult to find.
You'd be surprised what you can rent from Blockbuster or WestCoast Video. A few of these films are even
available for free at your local library.
Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,
the
Comedy, 1994, Australia
Two drag queens and a transsexual journey across Australia to do a show. Along the way
they find adventure, both dangerous and amusing. Filled with outrageous costumes, ABBA music, and snippy
one-liners, this film is a must on anyone's video list.
Before Stonewall
Documentary
Birdcage, the
Comedy
Bound
Drama
Boys in the Band, the
Drama, 1970
Originally a play, this film is one of the first to accurately depict "homosexual angst"
among a group of gay men. Each exposes how they deal with their sexuality in a world that hates them. Some
attempt to pass, some come to terms with themselves, and other simply wallow in self-loathing. It may appear
dated, but still has a strong message-- plus some of the funniest dialogue ever.
Celluloid Closet, the
Documentary
Based on Vito Russo's book, this documentary examines gay and lesbian images throughout
the last century of commercial filmmaking. From humble beginnings of Chaplin in drag to films like "Jeffrey" and
"The Birdcage", we've come a long way, baby.
Citizen Cohn
Drama, 1992
Made-for-cable television and based on a fascinating best-seller from Nicholas von
Hoffman, Citizen Cohn offers a provocative look at a deeply disturbing figure in American history, Roy Cohn, an
ambitious attorney who played a crucial role in the promotion and enactment of Senator Joe McCarthy's
devastating witch hunts of the late '40s through the late '50s in which the government persecuted and destroyed
the lives of people suspected of having un-American attitudes, behavior patterns or affiliations. The once
powerful Cohn is seen reliving scenes from his life while lying deliriously in a hospital bed waiting to succumb
to AIDS. The ultimate case of self homophobia.
Cruising
Drama
Desert Hearts
Drama, 1985
A dull film about a recently divorced woman who ends up in Reno during the 1950s and
becomes a lesbian. Even its tender love scene between the two female leads doesn't make up for a butchered
script.
Early Frost, an
Drama
Go Fish
Drama, 1994
A romantic tale of four lesbians as they talk about and try to find their perfect
soulmates.
Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love,
the
Drama
It's My Party
Drama
Jeffrey
Comedy 1995
In this cameo filled version of the Paul Rudnick Off-Broadway play, Jeffrey (Steven Weber
of TV's Wings) swears off sex forever in this age of AIDS until he meets the man of his dreams (Micheal T. Weiss
of TV's Pretender.) It has funny lines plus serious commentary about how AIDS has created so much fear and
paranoia for the individual. Also, a great performance by "Captain Picard" as an aging queen.
La Cage aux Folles
Comedy 1978
Lie Down with Dogs
Comedy
Longtime Companion
Drama, 1990
The lives of a close knit group of gay men change forever as AIDS looms over them. From
the beginning rumors of a gay cancer to end of the 80s, these men face death, change their attitudes, and learn
to find hope when things appear at their worst. A must see for everyone.
Making Love
Drama
Paris is Burning
Documentary
Parting Glances
Drama, 1986
Two longtime partners examine their lives together as one prepares to leave for a
year-long job overseas. Meanwhile, a dying friend (Steve Buscemi from "Fargo") tries to win the affections of
the partner who will be left behind.
Partners
Comedy, 1982
A parody of "Cruising." Ryan O'Neal plays a cop going undercover as a homosexual in order
to investigate a gay murder. His partner, John Hurt, is gay.
Personal Best
Drama
Sum of Us, The
Comedy, 1994, Australia
Here's a twist: A devoted, widowed father tries to find a man for his adult gay son.
Sounds implausable? Maybe, but this film contains a lot of laughs and some powerful dramatic moments between
father and son.
Three of Hearts
Comedy
Threesome
Drama
To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie
Newmar
Comedy, 1995
Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo are drag queens on the road across
America. Unfortunately, they break down in Hick-town USA. Some find it histerical; others, insulting. Either
way, no one can deny that Leguizamo reigns supreme in his role.
Torch Song Trilogy
Drama, 1988
The film version of Harvey Fierstein's Broadway play about a drag queen and his love life
(with Mathew Broderick) and his relationship with his mother (Anne Bancroft.) Some very seriously
moments.
Wigstock: The Movie
Documentary, 1995
A fun record of the NYC drag ball held each Labor Day weekend. Features appearances by
RuPaul and Lypsynka but focuses in on the on-goings behind the scenes with the M.C. (The Lady Bunny) running the
show, and preparations and squabblings amongst the participants.
Women of Brewster Place,
the
Drama
|