Gay Sex in the 70s

This film is phenomenal. Although I didn't experience this moment in history, the film takes you back both elegantly and poignantly. Through incredible footage, photos, and other memorabilia, I relived this incredible period of time. The interviews and personal stories shed an unbiased light on an important era. The film asks the questions - how did this moment in time influence the shape of the gay community for decades to come? Was this just one long hedonistic party or did this help create a sense of gay community? There are a lot of documentaries out there, but this is definitely one not to miss.

Reid Williams

Probably the first documentary ever done about gay sex before AIDS hit. It has interviews with various men who lived through the 1970s and some incredible film footage and photographs. It shows how Stonewall liberated gays and made them fight back. It opened the doors for gay bars, bathhouses and virtual nonstop anonymous sex. The movie doesn't pass judgment on the subjects. It just shows it how it was.

I was born in 1962 so when I came out in the 1980s AIDS was in full effect. I've heard how great the 70s were and this documentary shows me a time we'll probably never see again. It doesn't shy away from the dark side--it makes it clear people were robbed or beaten (or killed) and there were plenty of STDs being passed around. Also it shows the rampant drug abuse going on. I honestly can't say that I personally agree with the nonstop sex and drugs, but it does show gay men having sex and not apologizing for it--and that's just great.

This is obviously not for everybody--it's unrated but no one under 18 is admitted--and some of it may be too graphic for some (there's PLENTY of sex and nudity). Still, it chronicles an important time in gay and US history and is invaluable. I give it an 8 because it does have its slow spots.

This documentary gives us a look at the freedom and decadence that was a big part of gay culture between the repression of the 50s and 60s pre Stonewall era and the AIDS crisis of the 80's and 90's. What we had were the crazy 70s! The documentary acts as both a celebration of this period and as a cautionary tale about how too much excess can be dangerous and how many of the men discussed in the film had to eventually "Pay the piper".

There are some things to note for example. There seems to be more acceptance and tolerance of gays and lesbians in America now then there ever was even during the "sexual revolution" of the 70s. Back then if you were gay the only way you could truly live a free life was if you packed your bags and moved to a big city like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Chicago!

For those unfamiliar with the topic, this documentary offers good information. For those already familiar with, or who lived through or participated in it, the film's a trip down memory lane.

Joseph Lovett has assembled some period footage and photo stills to help depict his subject. But the film mostly consists of "talking heads": men in their 60s, sharing personal experiences on the atmosphere, attitudes and action from the 70s. A couple of women in their 30s also offer reflective remarks.

What a rare opportunity for people in the Northeast area of the country to be able to see this film locally, at Cleveland's unique Cinematheque. Not yet available on video or DVD, and rarely shown outside of New York, these Ohio screenings are all the more valuable.

The diverse and appreciative audience was very interested in the subject, and reacted to the humor audibly. While all this is now history, the 70s represents for many a time of liberation, experimentation, exploration and fulfillment. --h/76

Excellent and to the point.

The topic is interesting and shows a clear contrast between the pre-AIDS world and the post-AIDS world. As I grew up, AIDS was already a factor, so to me the notion of random unsafe sex seems quite the gamble. It made me think about what could be discovered in years to come to make our present lifestyle seem like a game of Russian roulette. I enjoyed a short cameo by Swedish musician Sebastian Utbult! Also, anyone who is interested in the scene needs to see this movie. It's a definite trip to retrotown :)

Thank you for the eye opener, Mr. Lovett!