Fun Down There

An old story: boy leaves stifling place he grew up and goes to the big city. In "Fun Down There" the boy is gay, but more curious than tortured, and his innate gentleness (and exoticism: he appears to be the only person in New York City who knows anything about dairy farming) quickly attracts new friends and lovers. Although self-conscious in its fixed-camera style and long shots of urban landscape, the movie succeeds in entertaining primarily through its nuanced portrait of Buddy, the playful post-adolescent country mouse from upstate New York. Some of the acting here is not good enough to sustain the very long takes, but co-writer Michael Waite as Buddy manages to develop the viewer's sympathy for a character who is, in the end, fairly ordinary. That very ordinariness was quite a statement about a young gay person in 1988, and it is still too unusual in American films. How refreshing to see a character who in the context of his world is more unusual for knowing about milking cows than for being attracted to people of the same sex. The movie is also notable for the portrayal of Buddy's parents (played by Waite's parents) who are not ignorant bigots, but lovin g if confused and provincial. Stick with the final credits for the father's comment on his son's new life in New York. Despite some amateurish aspects, the humor and sweetness of script and characterizations more than sustain this film for its brief running time.

Fun Down There was one of the first matter-of-fact depictions of homosexuality on film or, as Vincent Canby titled his New York Times review "Adapting to Being Gay Without Sturm und Drang." The film was shot almost entirely in master shots. This rigid camera technique distances the audience somewhat but the actors, especially Michael Waite in the lead, lend a charm and warmth that keep you caring. The film follows Buddy (Waite) on his journey from farm life in upstate New York to his happy adventures in the East Village. The film received, and deservedly so, exceptionally glowing reviews from both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, directed and acted film which, in my opinion, is extremely under appreciated by most critics. This is a poignant coming of age story centered around a young man (Buddy) coming to New York City from an upstate NY rural community in the late 80s. The culture clash he initially experiences is well articulated. He is helped by a group of NYers who live on the edge and who embrace him, helping to make his transition to the urban lifestyle easier. He also is trying to resolve the conflict between his repressed homosexuality and his inner homophobia during the era of AIDS/HIV. I grew up in New York and know people like Buddy, and those friends who help him with his cultural and sexual adjustments. This picture seemed real to me. Perhaps some of the critics, including 'Rotten Tomatoes' should watch it again. The photography on one of his journeys through the City was superb and brought back many special memories of those places that were and still are a part of the lower Manhattan landscape. Bravo to Michael Waites who played Buddy, and Roger Stigliano, who wrote, produced and directed 'Fun Down There'.

I really enjoyed Fun Down There. It is so personal and so FUNNY at the same time. I love the long (duration), wide shots. They give you a chance to just take in the scene and think about what's going on. Michael Waite is such a great, unselfconscious actor. I love the writing and sensitivity of the directing as well. If you liked this film, check out Bob, Verushka and the Pursuit of Happiness by the same guys.