the decision to see this film made a relatively long time ago
on the pick list for nziff 2014 but scheduling issues precluded it
but fortunately it has now made general release five months later
confession though - me the straight guy had slight reservations
but very strong reviews suggesting it is a film for all film lovers
if opens with ben (john lithgow) and george (alfred molina) waking
then seen going about nervously dressing for an important occasion
depart from their small apartment and out on to the new york streets
all cabs full so they hoof it but gently - don't want to work up a sweat
i'm liking it - here their conversation is naturally lost in the street sounds
destination - an outdoor wedding - theirs - in front of families and friends
an intimate party back at their pad afterwards and a singalong under way
the 2 lads co-sharing piano and singing duties with bountiful affection
looking good - early impression - america does art-house very well here
the acting superb with both molina and lithgow endearing in their roles
george then seen as a dedicated music teacher at a catholic high school
but then sacked under orders from above following his public wedding
their perilous financial position exposed and so family are gathered
private music lessons (george) and artist income (ben) not enough
so a decision to sell their apartment and seek cheaper rental digs
quickly - they need temporary accommodation in the meantime
the only solution is for them to split into separate arrangements
ben moves in with nephew elliot his wife kate and his son joey
george takes up digs with ted and roberto - 2 gay new york cops
so far so good - all very natural feeling of life in the big smoke
more so as ben settles in - he shares a bedroom with young joey
a teenage boy with issues of his own and busy distracted parents
he directs, she writes - all of them kind as can be to interloper ben
but discomfort sets in as the 4 of them struggle with lack of space
similarly george is squirming with the constant stream of visitors
parties are a nightly event but he puts on a brave face and smiles
clever film - characters and situations all so realistic and familiar
the pace is slow to glacial but no doubt very much intentional
when ben and george meet socially we sense and feel their love
but a conclusion is required - ben takes a tumble down some stairs
george in a chance encounter at one of the parties snags an apartment
they seen in a great long shot in an alley at night discussing their future
a sense the film could end there - no - ben then seen entering the subway
maybe then - no - next scene and george now seen in the new apartment
a surprise visit from young joey - ben has died - a painting is produced
this done by ben of joey's friend on the rooftop of their home building
tears flow and joey then skates off to meet his new latino girlfriend
a sense of a transition from one (old) couple to a younger couple
and life goes on - in a city full of diverse ages, races, sexualities
a very, very good film - normal people with normal issues
and lesson taken - gay/straight - totally irrelevant - thanks
