Bay Area Reporter :: Movies News

She Survived! Lifetime celebrates the life of disco diva Gloria Gaynor

February 4, 2025 | by David-Elijah Nahmod

Lifetime celebrates disco diva Gloria Gaynor in both a touching documentary and a dramatic narrative film about her life and struggles to 'survive.'

'Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion' Documentary recalls the talented dress designer's fashion revolution

by Adam Sandel
Jan 28, 2025

We need a stronger word than "fabulous" to describe the legacy of costume designer Bob Mackie, whose creations and career are celebrated in Matthew Miele's documentary "Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion," now available to rent or buy on Prime and YouTube.

Drag Me to the Cinema: queer film fest screens in Emeryville

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jan 26, 2025

On Saturday, February 8, event producer Robby Kendall will offer Drag Me to the Cinema, the town's first day long queer film festival at Emeryville's Bay Street Cinema. Kendall promises to bring the community together for a joyful experience.

'I'm Still Here' - Relevant, heartfelt drama on dictatorship's malevolence

by Brian Bromberger
Jan 20, 2025

Shortlisted as Brazil's nominee in the Oscar Best International Feature category, this intense, personal, political film, is directed by veteran Walter Salles, and based on true events that occurred in 1971.

'The Last Showgirl' - Pamela Anderson's Vegas tour de force

by Brian Bromberger
Jan 14, 2025

What stays in Vegas? 57-year-old model, sex symbol, reality star, diva punchline Pamela Anderson delivers a performance of a lifetime in director Gia Coppola's "The Last Showgirl."

Pedro Almodóvar's 'The Last Dream' - a wild ride into the recesses of his mind

by Laura Moreno
Jan 13, 2025

"The Last Dream" by Pedro Almodóvar is a collection of 12 short stories, considered a "fragmentary autobiography" that shares the acclaimed gay film director's literary prowess.

'Masc II: Mascs Plus Muchachas' - celebrating a subculture through cinema

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jan 12, 2025

From January 17 until February 23 BAMPFA, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archives, will present "Masc II: Mascs Plus Muchachas," a film festival which will celebrate the culture of masculine assigned female at birth people.

'The Room Next Door' - Pedro Almodóvar's latest film's stylistically austere

by Brian Bromberger
Jan 4, 2025

Considered Spain's greatest living film director, and one of the world's foremost queer auteurs, Pedro Almodóvar has made his first full-length English language film, the assisted dying-themed "The Room Next Door."

'Much Ado About Dying' - unflinching look at a gay elder's final days

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Dec 29, 2024

Simon Chambers' documentary "Much Ado About Dying" has some funny moments, but mostly it's a gut-wrenching portrait of a gay man's final days. The subject of the film is Chambers' uncle David Gale, a long-retired actor and teacher in his eighties.

'Babygirl' - Nicole Kidman's dive into creepy compulsions

by Gregg Shapiro
Dec 23, 2024

Done with holiday cheer? "Babygirl" is depressing blend of sexual compulsion, infidelity, inappropriate workplace behavior, abuse of power, degradation, and heterosexual horror, starring Nicole Kidman.

'The People's Joker' - Queer superhero parody blasts genres and genders

by Joshua Polanski
Dec 22, 2024

"The People's Joker," a superhero parody cinematic anomaly, revolves around a transwoman, Joker the Harlequin (Vera Drew, who also directs), as she looks to penetrate the Gotham media scene as a stand-up comedian. Strange hilarity ensues.

Critical condition: Ian McKellen is 'The Critic'

by Gregg Shapiro
Dec 21, 2024

Out actor Sir Ian McKellen is the titular character in "The Critic," now available on DVD, the feared and reviled drama critic for The Daily Chronicle, a "right-wing rag" in early 1930s London.

Sizzling cinema - Best LGBTQ films of 2024

by Brian Bromberger
Dec 17, 2024

As far as 2024's LGBTQ films, it's been a slightly above average year, with streaming platforms, indie projects, and international cinema the source of almost all queer movies, including narrative features than documentaries. Here are our top ten.

'Sally!' - Documentary honors the lesbian activist's life

by Evelyn C. White
Dec 13, 2024

The new documentary about longtime lesbian activist Sally Gearhart will get a special screening in Berkeley. The film charts Gearhart's work with Harvey Milk and some delivered omissions that are being rectified.

'Billy Cross: A Gay Man's Story' - new documentary to have special screening

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Dec 10, 2024

On December 15, "Billy Cross: A Gay Man's Story," a new documentary in which a gay man shares his life story, will screen at the Delancey Street Screening Room. Cross has quite a story to tell. He holds nothing back as he speaks.

Arts & Culture :: Movies