Dorian Blues

When the film was introduced as another coming out story, I was less than enthused, since although coming out is an important and (unfortunately) enduring subject to cover, it's been done often (both well and less-than-wonderfully) before. I was amazed, though, at how well this film dealt with the topic, but more importantly, what a thoroughly enjoyable film it was - the acting, story line, situations, characters and most of the all the humor - often conveyed thru the dialogue and really funny film techniques - was all first rate. Add to all this the fact that this was the straight director's first feature length film, and it is truly an amazing achievement. One of the most enjoyable screenings at this years Frameline SF Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

I thought this movie was GREAT. I saw Dorian Blues at a film festival in Michigan and it was WAY better than I had expected. I saw it in the morning and had just gotten into town after driving over an hour. I was expecting some poorly put together independent film, but it was very good. It was funny...at times hilarious, but also managed to stay somewhat serious when need be. It's a great film for people who are gay, especially if they've come out recently. Dorian is such a likable character, as was his brother. The movie did a fabulous job(you'd be laughing if you'd seen the film) showing the life of a teenager who just discovered that he is gay. As somebody who has been in his situation, I found that it was relatively accurate showing the feelings and situations that you experience right after coming out. I saw it with a straight friend of mine and he loved it as well. It's just a funny look at a young, somewhat awkward boy's life, just after he realizes he's gay. It's FABULOUS!!!

What I found particularly intriguing about this very enjoyable film was the honesty of the dialog. The characters spoke and acted the way real people would, or at least the way real people would if they were expressing what they were thinking. The characters were also not stereotypes. Even the father, who was the villain of the movie, was understandable as a person, however much one might disagree with his views. The older brother could have been made a less likable character if the film-makers had followed formulaic conventions, but they didn't. The result was more realistic if less dramatic. The situation of the main character, Dorian, was very true to the experience of many young people. The film was funny, genuine, real. I loved it.

I saw Dorian Blues at the 2004 Jacksonville Film Festival with a packed audience. The poignant, yet funny story of a teenager discovering his sexual orientation and his conservative family's reaction, was unpredictable and left me wanting to see Dorian Blues 2. The writing, directing and performances were world-class. Look for star Michael McMillian in big Hollywood productions soon. This movie came close to winning the Audience Award at the 2004 Jacksonville Film Festival and is getting invited to festivals all over the world. It won the Audience Award and the Emerging Maverick Filmmaker Award at Cinequest Film Festival 2004. This will be one of those indie breakout films when it gets distribution.

This film is better than I thought it would be! First, I found the story very realistic. It captured how Dorian struggled with his own sexuality in such a way that every person who came out can relate to. the good thing about this film is that, the coming out experience is very all rounded. it portrays denial, bargaining, acceptance, and then Dorian's adventures in the scene.

the struggle between Dorian and his father was very well portrayed too. to balance the hatred between them, there is a brother who is understanding and supportive. I have not heard of any of the actors before, and yet I found the acting above par and very convincing. i would definitely recommend this film to my friends!