Urbania

I stumbled across this flick on late night TV while it was well into the movie and got intrigued by its tone and flavor. I later had to seek it out so I could see the entire thing. I found it a REALLY good watch. Some people will really hate it though. It isn't a movie for everyone. It is rather dark and brooding, and maybe even a little depressing. The humor is black and it deals with unclear emotions and psychology. Dan Futterman does a great job with his character and it was a pleasant surprise to learn that he had some real acting talent under his boyish looks. His character, Charlie, is suffering a kind of breakdown from grief, guilt and rage. The movie basically deals with how he functions daily and about the strangeness of the others and events of the city around him. Watching his personal journey and his transformation is certainly worth the time and money you will spend on the rental.

A night in the life of obsessed Charlie (Dan Futterman) who, thanks to Daylight Savings Time, has one more hour of the night to fulfill his need – whatever it may be. Like a moth to a flame he is drawn to Dean (Samuel Ball) – but the question is: will the flame consume him?

The story is told in a disjointed series of flashbacks that means you must actually pay attention to the complex story.

This is one film where the term `cinematic style' cannot be under used. It is stylish, dark, atmospheric and intriguing from start to finish. It is also hilariously funny at times.

It was nominated for many awards and won most of them; including Best Actor for Dan Futterman at the Seattle International Film Festival. He is most well-known for his role in `Birdcage' as Calista Flockhart's boyfriend. He plays against type as the obsessed gay man determined to make this one night in his life count for something important.

Every urban legend ever repeated is exhumed; and as Charlie says near the end of the film `We would be the stuff of legend.'

Jordan Beswisck (Casting) and Director Jon Shear did an especially remarkable job with the supporting characters. They slink in and out of Charlie's night like the creatures of the dark they are. Particularly notable are Josh Hamilton as Matt the bartender, Lothaire Bluteau as the street person that has taken up residence on Charlie's door step, William Sage as Charlie's upstairs neighbor Chuck and his girl friend Clara brilliantly played by Barbara Sukowa. What an amazing, yet disjointed, ensemble!

The cinematography by Shane F. Kelly deserves special recognition: it is dark, fast, enigmatic and always brilliant.

The producers Stephanie Golden and J. Todd Harris also need to be acknowledged for their bravery and foresight in bringing such a difficult film to the screen. They have the ability to see beyond the obvious to the golden moment that IS this film.

This is not a film for everyone – but if you possess intelligence, wit and character it is a film you must see.

I saw this movie about 2 years ago and I still recommend it to my friends. I did just that today actually.

The whole movie is an emotional ride. What's going on? Why did he leave him? The ending had me in tears. It was so sad seeing a wonderful relationship destroyed. I don't want to give anything away because it was such a moving movie.

Some made a comment about this movie being too gay. Yes it involved 2 gay men, but I think straight people should see this movie as well to see that relationships are all the same. Some get destroyed for the wrong reasons. And just think, gay people can say that MOST movies are too straight. But then there wouldn't be many movies to go see. So, gay or straight, just watch it for the storyline and meaning.

I can't say much more than has already been said about the film, but this is only one of two gay themed movies I've seen that is actually a movie. I say that meaning you could actually plug any straight or gay character into any role and the movie would still have an interesting story and time line reference. It was very well thought out and put together and in my opinion had every element of a good film which I can't say about any other gay themed movies. Some are good because of the story, and most are just plain bad (except for the costumes and sets - lol).

I don't think this is a film for everyone but I do think Gay film makers should take a look at this movie and understand that just a steady camera and an every day drama do not a great film make.

If you're tired of gay-themed movies about groups of catty, superficial gays backstabbing each other over guys and then offering platitudes of eternal friendship, or treacly movies about English schoolboys in love set against the gritty urban backdrop of their working-class neighborhood, or movies about a fabulous woman's best friend who is clean-cut, bitchy, and dresses to the height of fashion but is in no way a gay stereotype AT ALL, then Urbania is for you. It stands apart from every gay-themed movie I've seen in that it's unsentimental, free of the feel-good sentiment almost every other gay movie is terrified to be without, and is a challenging piece of writing and film. It's the first gay movie I've seen that doesn't bend over backwards to excuse the fact that it's gay.

This is a movie that is impossible to synopsize without giving away its biggest plot point, but suffice to say it's refreshing to see a movie that takes the depth and intellect of its gay characters for granted, and also assumes a decent level of intelligence of its audience. The movie contains complex characterizations and a challenging structure, exploring the dark side of human nature, especially the nature of those who have dealt with a number of additional issues revolving around being gay. This film begins a mile and a half past the starting point of other gay movies, who still seem stuck desperately trying to peddle a "Gay is Okay" agenda. The acting in this movie is also good, especially the main character, and the editing and cinematography keep the viewing experience tense and exciting.

I did not enjoy watching this movie, the way one enjoys, say, "Godzilla 2000." It's a harrowing and difficult film. But it's wonderful to see a movie like this coming out; one that is challenging and unsentimental, a real, thought-provoking work of film that happens to take gay men and their issues as its topic. It's a big step forward for gay film, and makes almost all other gay-themed films look as horribly amateurish, or just plain horrible, as they are.

--- Check out website devoted to bad, cheesy and gay movies: www.cinemademerde.com