STARRING
Sean Hayes and Brad Rowe
Reviewed
by Blase DiStefano
|
|
GAY
goes traditional—well, somewhat. Gay Billy (Sean Hayes) falls for Sexually
Ambiguous Gabriel (Brad Rowe), but does Gabriel really love Billy? If it sounds
a tad bit familiar (sans the “Gay” and “Sexually Ambiguous”
parts), it's because director Tommy O'Haver “was inspired by William Wyler's
THE HEIRESS
for the structure: You can't tell if Montgomery Clift really loves Olivia de
Havilland,” he says, “and it's kept ambiguous until the end, as it
is with Billy and Gabriel.”
THE
STORY
has photographer Billy shooting a series of photos in which he recreates great
screen kisses from Hollywood's Golden Age with an all-male/drag cast. Soon after
he meets Gabriel, Billy convinces him to pose for the photo series. But now
he's gotta find out if Mr. Sexually Ambiguous is gay. The road to that conclusion
is a winding one, but what a helluva fun ride!
SEAN
HAYES
as Billy is a true find—he's talented, funny, natural, and undeniably precious.
Brad Rowe as Gabriel is, well, not exactly talented or funny or natural, but
he's as eye-catching as that other actor named Brad.
DIRECTOR
O'Haver delivers a mainstream idea in a not-so-mainstream film—the credits
alone are twisted (in a fun way) but worth the price of admission. Though the
budget was tight, the production is professional, with beautifully framed scenes
and gorgeous color.
DOES
Billy get kissed by Gabriel? The best way to find out is to see the film. Meanwhile,
read up on Sean Hayes, the guy who plays Billy, by clicking here.
["Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" played
in August1998
at Houston's Landmark River Oaks Theatre.]
[This review ran in OutSmart magazine, August 1998.]