Balanced View Of Gay Culture Without Outrageous... (Press, 6 March 1989)

"Parting Glances," a film written and directed by Bill Sherwood, emerges as one of the first to present a balanced view of gay culture in 1989, steering clear of outrageous stereotypes. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan's Upper West Side, the film explores the lives of three-dimensional characters facing universal challenges. The narrative primarily follows Michael and Robert, played by Richard Ganoung and John Bolger, respectively, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship during Robert's impending departure for Africa, which is tied to his work at a global health organisation. The storyline unfolds over a 24-hour period, during which the young lovers confront their feelings amidst the reality of their friend, Nick, portrayed by Steve Buscemi, who is dying from AIDS. Conversations between Michael and Robert reveal both the strains of their relationship and Robert's emotional struggles regarding commitment and facing the loss of their friend. Sherwood effectively uses these interactions to depict the spectrum of responses to Nick’s condition from their social circle, providing a lens through which their characters are explored. While the subject matter includes the serious themes of illness and mortality, Sherwood manages to infuse humour and a sense of optimism throughout the film, particularly in its lighter moments such as dinner scenes and a farewell party. The dialogue reflects the sardonic wit characteristic of the Manhattan gay community and resonates with broader human experiences. Phrases used in the film, like “Pregnant with death from a disease transmitted through love — a Liebestod,” illustrate the poignant yet relatable nature of the characters' struggles. The film contributes to the evolving portrayal of gay life in cinema, moving away from previous portrayals that often emphasised tragedy or spectacle. In the past, Hollywood tended to shy away from openly addressing homosexuality. However, with the rise of gay awareness since the 1970s, films began to emerge that portrayed gay relationships more authentically. Despite this progress, films like "Parting Glances" have been rare in treating the subject matter in a straightforward, nuanced manner, similar to past films such as "Making Love" and "Desert Hearts." "Parting Glances" ultimately redefines the narrative surrounding gay culture, offering a fresh perspective that embraces human emotions and connections without sensationalism. This makes it more accessible and relatable to a broader audience, marking a significant moment in the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in film. With its focus on relatable characters confronting love, loss, and the complexities of modern life, Sherwood’s film stands out as a pioneering contribution to the genre.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand