Straight As at the movies: Must-see LGBTQ films released last year

This just in: The SIE Film Center is having a Divine Fest!

Jan. 17 only: Pink Flamingos

Jan. 17–23: I Am Divine

Jan. 18 only: Female Trouble

Jan. 24 only: Polyester

Jan. 25 only: Hairspray

God Loves Uganda

January 17, also at the SIE Film Center, God Loves Uganda opens for one week. This multiple award-winning documentary examines the dangerous influence of American right-wing evangelicals in poisoning politics and social structure in Africa with vehement homophobia.

Justin Chang of Variety sums it up thus: “A scalding appraisal of the Christian missionary movement in Africa, “God Loves Uganda” has a ferocious mission of its own: to portray American evangelicals as arrogant and deluded, yet dangerously effective in their suppression of sexual freedoms.

On its own angry, preaching-to-the-secular-choir terms, Roger Ross Williams’ forceful polemic succeeds to a startling degree, rightly decrying the use of the gospel to incite homophobia, and allowing the most fervent interviewees to damn themselves with their own proselytizing words.”

Let’s take a look at some films that have been in theaters, but which you may not yet have seen. These capsule-takes aren’t full reviews, but a quick look at films that shouldn’t be missed.

Philomena

Steve Coogan (who co-wrote the screenplay and produced this film, and steps out of comic mode for this role) and Academy Award-winner Judi Dench create remarkable and memorable characters in this gentle film about the effects of a woman whose resilient spirit and forgiving nature affects a world-weary reporter who has become rigid and tart. I’ve spoken to several friends who have the film on their list, but haven’t seen it. When I ask, “Are you aware of the major gay thread?” They look surprised and shake their head.

The story published by Martin Sixsmith (co-writer of the screenplay with Coogan) “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee” was widely read in the U.K., and this film attracted packed houses. Interviews with Coogan, Dench and the “real” Philomena Lee include discussion her son Michael without hesitation or concern that they are spoiling the plot. And rightly so, they are not: this has been reported and written about. If you don’t want to know anything more, STOP READING NOW.

From the trailer viewers know that this is the story of a pregnant girl who gave birth in a convent, whose son was put up for adoption without her consent, and 50 years later seeks her son with the help of a reporter.

They found him in the United States. The gay connection: Philomena’s son was a closeted gay man who served in the administrations of Reagan and Bush. He died of causes related to AIDS a few years before Sexmith and Philomena located him. This is a gently powerful story, and despite Philomena’s forgiving spirit, I’ve never wanted so much to slap an elderly nun (kudos to Barbara Jefford who plays Sister Hildegarde so effectively).

Blue Is The Warmest Color

The three hours that has hushed audiences and set off air conditioning thermostats around the world is a celebration of first love that captivates and mesmerizes audiences, and causes its characters emotional wreckage. Blue Is The Warmest Color shows afresh how the most painful fall is from the greatest heights.

Much has been discussed about the frank depictions of sex — are they exploitive? Did the director push the female actors too far? Is this beyond good taste? Reviewers who simply must exercise their poison pens have jumped on this bandwagon. I cry hogwash. Does this criticism exist because the actors are
“just girls?”

What is the double-standard at here? There is finally have a film about romance and love and sex between two women that frank and convincing and some cry foul. How puny and boring of them. Thermonuclear guy/guy sex in Shortbus and Weekend didn’t seem to bother anyone (who wasn’t already bothered by sex).

Dallas Buyers Club

I came out in 1985 and the effects of AIDS was in full swing, but still little was known. I was scared of this film, protective of my tragic memories and fearful of sensationalism. I’ve seen this film twice and encourage everyone to see it. Matthew McConaughey’s depiction of Ron Woodruff — a hard drinking-drugging-screwing, foul-mouthed, short-tempered, heterosexual “man’s man” — shows that AIDS doesn’t care if you’re gay or straight.

Jared Leto is the unsung scene-stealer in this film: without the trans character Rayon — who is every bit as tough and self-abusing, Woodruff might not function and evolve.

G.B.F.

I love this film and my review ran in the 2013 Cinema Q Festival line-up. It’s a smartly played number about high school hot bitches who decided a Gay Best Friend (G.B.F.) is the season’s must-have.

Starring two adorable gay-and-out actors in gay-and-forced-out roles, this is a film worth taking notes: the one-liners are fast and fabulous.

Part Clueless, part Mean Girls, Heathers and Carrie — and every John Hughes high-school melodrama — G.B.F. has all the classic hallmarks of a cult favorite and star-maker that within a decade will be looked upon as the launch for a crop of big names.

Unfortunately this gem — which features neither nudity nor sex — has been slapped with an “R” rating by the MPAA.

It may still play in Denver, but it’s definitely coming to video-on-demand services beginning January 17.