Go Fish

"Go Fish", at first glance, appears to have all the elements of a good dyke film; good writers, great background, and above all a rather scrumptious leading lady. So why, then, did it fail to even moisten my appetite? There was no energy in the piece. I found myself creating my own little stories in my head to keep me occupied while I watched good material being drawn out to its maximum, and therefore losing all appeal. There was simply no pace, no excitement, and it seemed to me very dated. Guin, please, drag us into the twenty-first century, I know that you are capable of it. And this time, find a gorgeous girl to do it with?

I remember seeing this near the time it came out and found it very stylish and interesting. I just watched it again after 25 years. I still enjoyed it but, of course, it definitely feels dated, and doesn't pack the punch it packed back then due to 25 years of progress on LGBT issues.

I think some of the bad reviews might be coming from people putting it into modern context. Some are probably saying, "ok, and...?" That's because today (fortunately) it simply isn't all that earth-shattering to think that same-sex couples seek romantic relationships much like straight couples do.

But back in 1994, this was not commonly thought of by those outside the LGBT community, so the film was a big deal conceptually. It was also very modern in style. Put two and two together and you had a very hip little art house movie.

It doesn't come off that way now though. The concept is pretty mainstream and the film is definitely not modern in style. So really, the film needs to be viewed as a piece of history and it will be much more enjoyable.

Even if you live in Park Slope, and your idea of a big time is a cup of herbal tea, a Sweet Honey in the Rock CD, and a curl-up with a volume of Audre Lorde, this suicide-inducing lesbian indie will probably have you craving a late Steven Seagal feature, a chili dog, and a six pack of Miller Genuine Draft. Characteristic moment: poker-faced non-actor erupts, "Hey you guys! Does our community really have to get down on an empowered woman who's in charge of her sexuality?"

So, my friends forced me to watch this movie and I was prepared for an artsy film with high philosophy and low interest. Instead I found myself captivated by the "documentary" approach. Daria's "trial" was a unique way to air the varied questions and challenges that face the lesbian community and individuals as they attempt to define themselves without limiting their possibilities. Max and Eli's exploration of love and relationships was equally entertaining, combining a look at what it means to be committed (Eli's "girlfriend" that she hadn't seen for years and Max's search for someone.) And the nail clipping scene was just the right touch of the absurd to make the moment feel like something that could happen rather than something that belongs only in the world of Hollywood fantasy.

This film is about lesbians but it has a message for all. First off, it is to me the first film that does not have issues with being a lesbian or gay for that matter. Go Fish works from the inside out and features real members of the chicago lesbian community. Go Fish urges you to just get out there and date rather than waiting for the perfect woman or man. Unlike Philadelphia, it doesnt try and make any pc claims about sex or homosexuality. I give these girls snaps, they put it together for p