Parting Glances - Olhares de Despedida

Not often do films come across as truly real. Not scripted, or acted but as if a day in the life. In no way could it be described as Over the Top. Steve Buscemi was the reason I bought this. I am a big fan of all of his work and had missed this one. He was good here again. I love how it is so eighties. I was 23 when this movie was made and I could get right into it as if in a time warp.

Dated also by the scene where Michael said he needed to get a word processor and the man told him it was around $4,000 dollars and he should wait until the prices fell. Another scene I liked was two deaf men signing at a gay bar. Cleverly flamboyant.

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said and said better than me.

I originally watched with movie too see Steve Buscemi, but it turned out to be a lot better then I was expecting. The story between Micheal and Robert is very sweet, but at the same time bittersweet knowing Micheal is still in love Nick, who is also dying of AIDS. This wasn't a 'feel-back-for-Nick-because-he's-dying' thing with Nick though. It was as though he excepted his illness, but wasn't going to let it control his entire life (like going on tour. He's a musician). At the same time, there were parts where you could see that Nick was still scared about his situation. One thing about this movie that caught my attention, was the music. Afer I bought this film, there was information on the movie and it said that Bill Sherwood was a music major. So while he was filming, he could hear the music playing in his head. Overall, this is a good film. I'm glad I found out about it.

It's been almost 15 years since "Parting Glances" was first released and ten years since I last saw it, but today I just finished watching the newly-released DVD and was charmed all over again by this wonderful movie. Superbly acted, wonderfully scripted and confidently directed, this engaging story of two lovers at a crossroads in their relationship has held up remarkably well over the years. Sadly, this was director Sherwood's one and only film; he died a few years later of AIDS, disillusioned by the difficulties of getting movies made in Hollywood.

The DVD transfer is crystal-clear and includes some interesting production notes that only add to the experience of watching Sherwood's singular masterpiece. Whether you're gay or straight, if you appreciate the art of cinema you owe it to yourself to add this sweet little film to your movie collection.

Parting Glances tells the story of two gay lovers living in the west village, Micheal and Robert! Robert is about to leave New York to spend a year in Africa, Micheal in the meantime is caring for Nick (Played by a very young Steve Buscemi) a close friend and a former lover now dying of AIDS. Complications arise when it appears that Micheal is still in love with Nick and is questioning his relationship "aka Marriage" with Robert. Also Micheal has captured the eyes of a Columbia student who works at a nearby record store who is very persistent. Robert in the meantime is showing signs of jealousy towards Nick because of his closeness with Micheal. Without a doubt a highlight in gay cinema. Highly recommended! This film shows far more depth and substance in an hour and a half than a whole season of the narcissistic queens on "Queer as Folk"

Parting Glances is a wonderful film. Steve Buscemi plays a man who has AIDS but this is not an AIDS movie, it is a movie about love and friendship. John Bolger, who later played Gabe McNamara a police chief on the soap opera Another World, plays a man who is leaving his lover to take a job in Africa. His reasons for leaving are examined and challenged all to the tune of a delightful score by Brahms with Mozart in counterpoint. A visit from a character from Don Giovanni provides a delightful interlude. Fans of The Drew Carey show will enjoy the performance of Kathy Kinney in a role that is almost a mirror image of Mimi.