Well this sure does sound like a good movie, anybody else heard anything? The homosexual nature of the film might throw some of you for a loop, but quite frankly the best film I've seen this year is GODS & MONSTERS which has a very 'gay' subject matter and is a brilliant film that deals with everything from what an artist is to do when he can no longer create, to feeling like you can never be loved again, to what it was like to create Bride of Frankenstein. So, I wouldn't let the 'gay' stuff throw ya, however if you are offended by graphic violence... well let that throw ya, otherwise you might just be missing out.
i just got back from a screening of a new "gay serial killer" movie called "HARD" at the Chaplin Theatre at Raleigh Studios.
This is a landmark movie. I think it might well be the first ever bona fide gay "genre" film -- if you discount "CRUISING" and "CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC".
It's not a movie that only deals with gay social issues -- it's a genuinely scary thriller, sort of like "SEVEN" on 'shrooms. The guy who plays the killer is awesome -- not your standard bug-eyed creep but a charming good-looking Dahmer type who is even more scary because he's so believable and "matter of fact."
The story is excellent -- if I told you the best things about it I'd be "spoiling" some surprises. Suffice it to say, the crowd tonight was mostly straight and, like me, they were a little queasy with the full frontal male nudity and the gory efx. The production values are superb -- starting with the incredibly rich cinematography by John Matkowsky, who also co-wrote and co-produced it. John Huckert directed and co-wrote, co-produced and edited. These guys are a dynamite team.
The film does deal with social issues on a highly intelligent level by featuring many facets of the gay experience through several important characters.
The only negative I can foresee is that it is waaaay graphic and very very dark, and I don't mean in some bullshit rock video director "dark" way. Some of the more grisly tableaus reminded me of joel peter witkin's photos (but in color). Horror fans will go apeshit if they've been jonesing for something beyond the recent fare.
Also, the cast contains no stars but all of the actors are excellent, and very appealing.
Unfortunately, the combination of gay themes and fairly explicit sex on top of the gore will somewhat limit its commercial appeal, but because it really has something important to say and says it in a very moving way, I think the critics may actually help this movie find an audience (unless they're homophobic).
It would actually be a pity if this movie somehow got overlooked because its real brilliance lies in its unique ability to bring these social issues to an audience that normally would not go see a "gay" movie -- those who would love a really good, smart, gritty thriller. I literally could see the emotions playing out on the faces of other audience members who seemed first repulsed by some of the gay stuff but got drawn in by the story and turned around by the slick handling of the social issues. (In fact, this was part of the fun.)
I was invited to see it by a friend -- and got a hell of a lot more than i bargained for. i spoke briefly to the director and cinematographer -- after struggling for years this is their first movie. apparently it's the culmination of all those years spent developing their skills -- extremely polished from the script to the final frame of film.
this kind of "report card" may be too sketchy to be of use on your site, but you asked for cool movie news and as a diehard suspense-horror fan, i can testify that this flick delivers in spades.
