SIGLFF 2009
Posted by spankingbeaarthur on October 15, 2009
Swanner: Coming up in October is The Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Brian and I got the first look at it. The festival runs three days, October 8-10, and we’re going to look at it day by day. On Thursday we start with a musical…Yes, I said musical. It’s called The Big Gay Musical. The storyline follows the cast of a new off Broadway musical called “Adam and Steve, Just the Way God Made ‘Em” and how their characters are going through similar in their own lives. One man looking for true love while another tries to come to terms with his family and his faith.
Judd: I’m usually unduly harsh on the film festival, but this year I’m going to try to be objective. Gay cinema hit it’s heyday in the mid-to-late ’90s, so it must be hard picking watchable films. I didn’t like The Big Gay Musical. The dancers suck, the songs suck, the plot sucks, even the title sucks, but for the readers can stomach half rate made-for-TV movies on Logo, then The Big Gay Musical isn’t that bad.
Swanner: I think what Brian is trying to say is that this is no big budget film. It’s got unknowns singing funny songs by someone you haven’t heard of in a “Big” “Gay” “Musical”. Chicago and Sweeny Todd have spoiled Brian from the joys of a really cute gay musical. The Big Gay Musical is entertaining and poignant and I had a great time watching it. It’s not going to win an Oscar but I’m sure it’s going to win over the audience. I’m sure Brian read some Jacqueline Susann novel while screening the movie. He forgets what a fun night at the theatre can be with 900 giggling queens. He’s sad.
Judd: What’s sad is that the casting agent blew the 5¢ budget on cute singers and dancers with lead feet and tin ears instead of getting people who could honestly perform. The movie was filmed in NYC, I’m sure there wasn’t a lack of available talent.
Swanner: Ignore him. He’s like the monkeys at the zoo; if you pay attention to him he’ll throw feces at you. The Friday feature is called “I Can’t Think Straight” and is about two women from very different cultures that fall in love. Believe me, if you thought it was hard coming out in America try being from India or Palestine. Shamin Sarif, the director, does a wonderful job of keeping this romance light without looses it’s message of acceptance and tolerance. The good news is Brian didn’t see this feature so we won’t have to listen to him rant. I really liked this movie and may I say that I haven’t seen such sexy lesbian love scenes since “Bound”. So Brian, on to Saturday and Shorts night. Any favorites?
Judd: There were several shorts that I enjoyed. I thought “Dinx” was an interesting concept, very well written, funny and entertaining. “A Day at the Beach” was a lot of fun; I loved the animation. “Judgment Day” was good – but anything featuring the vocal styling’s of Judy Garland is going to be good. I also liked the short musical “How Do I Say This? I’m Gay” which featured talented singers and good songs – What A Big Gay Musical should have been.
Swanner: I really liked a “Day at the Beach” as well. It was very funny and it’s really hard to find good animated pieces. I also liked the short called “James” about the high schooler who is struggling with his feelings and feels only his teacher will understand. It really showed the struggle of discovering one’s feelings and not knowing how to express them and scared if he does. I also liked “On The Bus” about a shy teenager who has a major crush on the school jock he’s never talk to before. “Peking Turkey” was also a really nice film and I liked the musical “How Do I Say This? I’m Gay” at the end as well.
Judd: I liked James though it is extremely depressing. On The Bus was only alright, but I can see why you enjoyed it. I think it will be a favorite for a lot of sentimental queens out there. I hated Peking Turkey. It’s tired and clichéd, and the story has been told 100 different times exactly the same way. A gay couple deals with announcing their relationship to conservative and culturally different parents. This one even had the foul-mouthed old lady. Yawn.
