The Green

THE GREEN (to satisfy many people's quandary about the name) refers to the luxuriant fields and trees of Connecticut: in this film it represents the haven for escaping the chaos of New York City to the quiet and civilized country. Strike 'civilized', as this film is about anything but civilized behavior on the part of the townspeople where schoolteacher/writer Michael Gavin (Jason Butler Harner) and his longtime partner, locavore caterer Daniel (Cheyenne Jackson) move from the chaotic life of New York City to the gentility of the small Connecticut town. Michael and Gavin are gay: Michael elects to keep his sexuality sub rosa in his new job as a teacher in a private high school, a 'don't ask-don't tell' adaptation, while Daniel simply goes about his catering business with his assistant Glenn (Michael Godere). Michael makes a good friend with Trish (Illeana Douglas) who has a healthy outlook despite the presence of recurring cancer requiring chemotherapy. Trish tries to warn Michael of the gossip in the school, but it is not until Michael attempts to defend a bright student Jason (Chris Bert) that the students and teachers and parents accuse Michael of inappropriate behavior with the shy Jason.

Once the accusation is made the town escalates the situation, Jason runs away from home, and Jason's parents Leo (Bill Sage) and Janette (Karen Young) decide to go after Michael in court. The men's friends Philip (Boris McGiver) and Bethanne (Mary B. McCann) attempt to help Michael but it becomes apparent that Michael need's a special lawyer - and that expert lawyer is Karen (Julia Ormond) who happens to be in a committed lesbian relationship. An old truth comes out: Michael had a prior arrest in NYC years ago for indecent exposure (police entrapment), but worse than for the case progress is the fact that Michael has never told Daniel about the incident, a fact that creates a serious schism between the two men. There is a surprising truth that enters into the story that provides an ending few could anticipate and revealing any aspect of it would taint the experience of the new viewer.

The brilliant script was written by Paul Marcarelli and the film is directed with great sensitivity by Steven Williford. The entire cast is first rate, but special kudos have been earned by Jason Butler Harner, Cheyenne Jackson, Illeana Douglas and Julia Ormond - each deserves careful consideration for awards. But the power of this excellent film is the presentation of homophobia both on the part of the townspeople and students and faculty, but also in the way Michael has elected to lead his life: his own fear of his true identity is as much the cause of his downfall as the external forces. There are many lessons to be learned form this film, but above all THE GREEN is an example of superb American independent film making at its best, presenting an excellent story in a sophisticated, mature, and reasonable manner. Highly Recommended.

Grady Harp

I can't understand why this movie didn't get wider distribution and more attention. It's really one of the overall best movies--gay or straight--i've seen in a long time. The writing is expert and never falls to cliché or hackneyed dialog. The actors are all excellent in their roles, presenting genuine emotions genuine, allowing us to feel with them and for them. The big reveal may be a little too unannounced, mainly because the character of Jason isn't given the time he needs, but I consider even that a minor flaw in an otherwise intelligent, moving, thought provoking and far-from-heavy-handed movie. Up there with Maurice as my favorite gay movie; up there with the Big Chill as one of may favorite movies overall.

If they do gay cinema on Lifetime, this would be the movie that makes it. Michael Gavin (Jason Butler Harner) is a teacher in a small town. Daniel (Cheyenne Jackson) is his gay partner would runs an eatery. Jason is a troubled kid with a dysfunctional family. His mother works all the time and dates the school's janitor who's an abusive douche. The janitor has it in for Michael and convinces the mother that there's an inappropriate relationship with Michael and her son. Soon it blows up and nobody can be counted on to back Michael.

This is melodrama of the highest order. There is a lot of overacting, but more importantly, the writer leaves no stones unthrown. I do not want to dismiss this as unreasonable. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying it doesn't make a compelling story. You have to leave a sliver of hope. And of course it climaxes in a big action scene. Is it set up well? Not the least.

I fully agree with the reviewer above who underlines the stupid attitude of the teacher towards his vulnerable pupil. No wise gay teacher would take such risks. Moreover, where the whole situation is concerned, I believe a gay couple such as we have here would have to be very unintelligent to have only seen the pros and been blind to the cons of moving out of the city into a small provincial town.

Didn't they realise their living together openly as a gay couple would soon be noticed and become a subject for gossip unless they were very discreet! There is, after all, a considerable section of society that is homophobic and it's folly to behave in a way that draws their attention and hostility. In short, they take unnecessary risks and, alas, pay the consequences. As to the homophobics, well, it'll take time and patience to change them...

I found the film very absorbing, but if you're looking for Lillian Hellman's "The Children's Hour," this isn't it.

The fault doesn't lie with the actors or production qualities or the director: I think it's mostly that the script is a bit predictable, and not terribly daring: there are clear-cut good guys and bad guys motivated, on the one hand, by goodness and benevolence, and, on the other, by unspeakable evil and malice.

That is not suggest it's a waste of time: just that the screenplay struck me as too tame and too safe, instead of straying into more dangerous territory, raising tougher questions, and not resolving everything in the manner of (as I've seen others on IMDb saying, justifiably) of a T.V. "Movie of the Week." There are good, emotional scenes and quarrels, which will draw you in, however, performed with honesty and skill by a very fine cast.