Arts & Entertainment
Coming attractions
Gay themes in both indie and mainstream fall film fare
Nicole Kidman as Charlotte Bless in Lee Daniel’s steamy ‘The Paperboy.’ (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
The LGBT fall film calendar gets off to an exciting start with the D.C. release of “How to Survive A Plague” on Sept. 28.
The inspirational documentary by first–time filmmaker David France tells the story of two coalitions — ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and TAG (the Treatment Action Group) — and how they changed medical and political history. France, a journalist who has been covering the AIDS crisis for 30 years, draws on archival footage, much of it shot by the activists themselves, to tell the stories of the brave men and women who banded together to fight the plague.
The film examines how they saved the lives of millions of people by battling apathetic government bureaucrats and politicians, developing shocking outreach strategies to spur a complacent media into action, exposing greedy pharmaceutical companies and educating a scared and ignorant populace.
Lee Daniels, the openly gay director of “Precious,” returns to the big screen with “The Paperboy.” Based on the novel by Pete Dexter and set in the swamplands of Florida in 1969, The Paperboy offers a provocative, sexually charged tale of desire, ambition, prejudice and crime.
The film centers on two brothers returning to their hometown. Jack Jansen (Zac Efron) has been kicked out of college and is now working as a paperboy for his father, the local newspaper publisher. Miami journalist Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) comes home to prove the innocence of death row inmate Hillary Van Welter (John Cusack). Ward’s investigation reveals of tangled web of sexual tension, mixed motives and shadowy facts.
The cast is rounded out by Nicole Kidman as vampy death-row groupie Charlotte Bless, David Oyelowo as Ward’s hotshot writing partner Yardley Acheman, and Macy Gray as Anita, the family maid. The film’s producers hint that a central plot twist involves a character’s emerging sexuality, but are tight-lipped about which character comes out. They do, however, confirm the tabloid rumors that Zac Efron dances in his underwear and frequently appears shirtless. It opens Oct. 5.
On a lighter note, “For a Good Time, Call …,” helmed by openly gay director Jamie Travis, is a comic look at two Manhattan women who get involved in the phone sex industry. Estranged college friends Katie Steele (Ari Graynor) and Lauren Powell (Lauren Miller, who also co-wrote the script with Katie Anne Nayton) are reintroduced by their gay mutual friend Jesse (Justin Long) when both face a housing emergency.
Katie is initially shocked when she overhears her new roommate talking to one of her clients, but quickly sees dollar signs. The two establish their own company, and are quickly raking in the cash as they resume their friendship — and possibly more. The film includes cameos by Seth Rogan, Ken Marino and Kevin Smith as three clients. It’s in theaters now.
“Keep the Lights On” is a drama about a closeted lawyer (Zachary Booth) and a documentary filmmaker (Thure Lindhardt) and their mercurial relationship. It opens Sept. 21 in D.C. at West End Cinema.
“Diana Vreeland: the Eye Has to Travel” is a documentary about the former Vogue editor. It opens Sept. 21.
And speaking of documentaries, details are still be worked out, but former Log Cabin president-turned-documentarian Patrick Sammon is finalizing details for a screening of his first film about the life of Alan Turing (called “Codebreaker”), the gay World War II-era legend. It’s tentatively slated for an October opening and a November wider release in 20-30 U.S. cities.
Other LGBT releases expected this fall include:
- “Pitch Perfect,” a battle-of-the-sexes comedy about the rivalry between two college a cappella singing groups (Oct. 5).
- “Bear City 2,” a sequel to the popular movie that takes the cast of bears and chasers from their New York City lairs to the wilds of Provincetown. It will be screened as part of Reel Affirmations in D.C. on Nov. 4.
- “Gayby,” about the problems that ensue when frustrated single Jenn asks her gay best friend Matt to help her conceive a child the old-fashioned way. It’s also in Reel Affirmations. Look for it Nov. 3.
Speaking of Reel Affirmations, D.C.’s annual international LGBT film festival, the 21st festival is scheduled for Nov. 1-4 and the selection committee is currently hard at work finalizing the schedule. In the meantime, RA XTRA offers monthly film screenings. September’s screening, a double feature of “Cloudburst” and “Men To Kiss,” will be held on Sept. 20 at the Carnegie Institute for Science.
“Cloudburst” is a romantic road movie about two lesbians (played by Oscar winners Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker) who flee their nursing home in Maine and drive to Nova Scotia in an attempt to be legally married. “Men To Kiss” is about Ernst and Tobias, a gay couple in Berlin whose lives are upset when Ernst’s old friend Uta draws them into her schemes.
The Chesapeake Film Festival in nearby Easton and Oxford, Md., is Sept. 21-23 and includes two LGBT-themed films — “Trans” and “Queen of Country” (both screening Sept. 22 at the Academy Art Museum). Visit chesapeakefilmfestival.com for details.
The D.C. Shorts Film Festival continues through this weekend. It, too, has LGBT content in several films. Visit dcshorts.com for details.
The fall film season comes to a spectacular close with the much-anticipated release of the cinematic adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Les Miserables” (Dec. 14). Based on the classic Victor Hugo novel with music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Alain Boublil and screenplay by William Nicholson, the epic movie traces the decades-long battle between escaped convict Jean Valjean and obsessed police inspector Javert. The all-star cast includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter.
Celebrity News
Perez Hilton’s live breakdown reveals social media mental health crisis
Blogger hospitalized after harming himself online
Fans were shocked to witness former celebrity blogger Mario Lavandeira, aka Perez Hilton’s, epic crashout on social media. While on TikTok Live, he was harming himself with what appears to be a metal chef-grade spreader. There was blood, gore, and a cry for help that broke the internet.
Police from Miami-Dade County were called to the scene; he has been hospitalized. The fact that this traumatic incident was broadcast on TikTok brought up the topic of moderation. Hilton’s account has since been banned from TikTok, but by now the cat is out of the bag, and the clip is circulating online.
It’s hard not to reflect on how Hilton both represents a major turning point in Internet culture, and this incident may be a warning of its potential end. A statement on his blog from his representatives confirms that his family was on the scene minutes before the incident but quickly fled to protect his children and niece from any future trauma.
Hilton’s agent, Dante Rusciolelli, told Us Weekly in a statement. “Our focus remains on Perez’s health, recovery, and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time … We respectfully ask that everyone continue to honor his privacy while he receives the care he needs.”
A recurring theme on social media is that Hilton, at the height of his fame and media reach, would not respect the privacy of any celebrity. After all, he was one of the regular outlets covering Britney Spears’s famous shaved-head meltdown and part of the “Leave Britney Alone” mythos.
A bit of background
Before Hilton, there were celebrities famous for being famous like Angelyne and Paris Hilton. However, some may say he was the first to monetize it. From his laptop at a coffee shop, he galvanized the Internet by skewering celebrities.
Nothing was off limits. He outed celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Clay Aiken, and Lance Bass. He spoiled the finale of season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and he posted celebrity nudes, including up-skirt photos of teen starlets like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan, the same young women he also cyber-bullied.
Times have changed, and despite his many attempts to rehab his image, including having children, publicly apologizing, and even finding God, nothing brought him back to the public eye. He was recently hospitalized for sepsis and claims to have reflected on his behavior in the past.
This incident really shines a light on the intersection of mental health and fame in this country. In a post-Kardashian world, being a celebrity is not about talent or professional accolades. It has become about how you can increase your follower count. Whether it is stretching out Marilyn Monroe’s dress, becoming a Black Nazi like Kanye West, or even becoming President, it’s about how you can shock, awe, and find your base.
Los Angeles is a city that lives and dies by television and movies, but social media has shifted how this business works. People are cast from large social media followings. People who do manage to build a following face some of the darker aspects of fame. Whether it’s Chappell Roan’s beef with paparazzi and fans, or Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie having to ask for privacy and respect for their humanity, even if you reach the level of fame, it’s not all roses.
Add to this the fact that this is all tied to social media. Your fame is quantified by the number of followers, likes, and page views, while people are found in a negative feedback loop of dopamine addiction, clout chasing, and pushing themselves further to find more followers.
On Aug. 1, Floridian influencer Whitney Lynn was thrown off a flight claiming spiritual warfare when she was disrupting the flight by proselytizing. Was she doing this for social media follows? The Internet is now rampant with people causing scenes in planes, staging pranks and scenarios, and violating people’s privacy all in the pursuit of attention.
Hopefully Hilton finds the help he needs. This entire incident has called into question the entirety of internet culture. Who is responsible for the trauma that people inflict on other people? At what point do we intercede in Internet use before people have no other recourse but to harm themselves on live? And at what point does the toxic energy we put onto the net bounce back to us?
Similar to Hilton, Wendy Williams faced her own crisis, and maybe she put it best: “I would ask you to respect our privacy, but please, I don’t respect people’s privacy; that’s why I do the Hot Topics. So turnabout is fair game.”
If you know anyone struggling with self-harm, text CONNECT to 741741 for free confidential support or dial 988 for the suicide and crisis helpline.
Mr. Henry’s Victorian Pub will host a gala celebrating its 60th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
There will be signature cocktails, beer and wine; plentiful throwback hors d’oeuvres, three live bands and a cocktail attire red carpet.
Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at mrhenrysdc.com.
Friday, August 7
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Balston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, August 8
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “RA Xtra: Manhood” at 1:30 p.m. “MANHOOD” follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make penis enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along the way, an OnlyFans star and a father of five put their bodies—and their insecurities—on the line. Blending dark humor with unexpected empathy, MANHOOD examines shame, addiction, and the fragile myths of American masculinity. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Sunday, August 9
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen at this unforgettable Drag Brunch. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 10
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, August 11
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, August 12
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, August 13
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
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