Arts & Entertainment
Summer of ‘69
Gay-helmed ‘Paperboy’ fails to gel despite strong cast
Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron in new film ‘The Paperboy.’ The sordid tale opens today in the D.C. area. (Photo courtesy of the Karpel Group)
“The Paperboy” has an impressive pedigree.
It’s directed by Lee Daniels, the openly gay director who made a striking debut with “Precious.” It’s based on an award-winning novel by Pete Dexter. It stars Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, Macy Gray, Nicole Kidman and John Cusack. But unfortunately, despite this great promise and a strong start, this steamy tale of sex and violence, which opens today at Landmark E Street Cinemas in the D.C. area and at the Angelika Mosaic in Fairfax, Va., loses steam partway through.
Set in 1969, “The Paperboy” tells the story of two brothers who return to their hometown in rural northern Florida. Zac Efron plays Jack Jensen, a collegiate swimmer who has been kicked off the team and expelled from college. His father, the staunchly traditional publisher of the local paper (a great performance by a gruff Scott Glenn), puts him to work as a paperboy. Matthew McConaughey plays Ward Jensen, a hot-shot reporter for a Miami newspaper who returns home with his ambitious writing partner Yardley Acheman (David Oyelowo) to investigate a claim of wrongful imprisonment.
The convict in question is Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack) who has been jailed for killing an abusive sheriff. Pleading his case is the sultry Charlotte Bless (Nicole Kidman), a death row groupie who has become engaged to Van Wetter even though they have never met. She has assembled boxes of evidence calling the prosecution’s case into question. Smelling a juicy story, the newsmen pursue leads through the squalid swamp shacks of Van Wetter’s relatives and the equally sordid offices of corrupt lawyers and law men.
The movie is well steeped in the traditions of the Southern Gothic: lies, sexual tension, racism, politics, hypocrisy, psychosis, hidden secrets, brutal violence and twisted family histories. The plot, of course, is full of twists and turns, including an unexpected revelation about a character’s sexual orientation and unorthodox sexual tastes. The film vividly recreates the look and feel of lurid period potboilers. Cinematographer Roberto Schaefer uses an intense saturated color palette to perfectly capture the stifling settings and sweltering temperatures. Composer Mario Grigorov effectively combines period music with original compositions to capture the shifting moods and alliances.
The cast throw themselves into the tawdry characters with admirable conviction. Zac Efron proves that he has made the transition from Disney star to Hollywood actor (although his fans will be pleased to know that he spends much of the movie shirtless and is frequently seen in his underwear). He displays Jack’s intense loyalties, inchoate anger, smoldering lust and casual cruelties with admirable restraint, especially given the emotional excesses of the story. John Cusack is chilling as the convicted killer who may be much cannier than he looks.
Nicole Kidman radiates sexual energy and an aching need as the vampy Charlotte, a siren who gets caught in her own snare. She looks great in the period styles and brings surprising depth to what could be a one-dimensional character. Her fearless performance includes some of the film’s already infamous scenes: dancing in the rain with Efron, applying the traditional cure for a jellyfish sting to him and bringing Cusack to a jailhouse orgasm from the other side of the room.
Macy Gray is somewhat less successful as Anita Chester, the Jensen family maid, but the fault lies with the direction and writing. The thankless role never quite escapes the well-worn Hollywood shorthand of the maternal black maid. Further, Anita awkwardly and unnecessarily serves as the movie’s narrator, telling the story from a confusing variety of perspectives. At one point, she is being interviewed by a journalist; at other times, she simply adds colorful commentary to the action; at other times, she controls the action of the movie, telling the audience, for example, that they don’t need to see any more of an unfolding sex scene as the camera cuts away.
The unsteady pacing, uncertain direction and uneven writing (the screenplay is by Daniels and Dexter) sadly rob the film of much of its potential impact. Fans of the genre and fans of the talented cast will be amply rewarded, but this is definitely not a film for all audiences.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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]).
Tuesday, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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