Arts & Culture :: Movies

Screen times: B.A.R. film coverage through 50 years, part 1

Screen times: B.A.R. film coverage through 50 years, part 1

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Mar 30, 2021

It wasn't until the third issue of the 'Bay Area Reporter' in 1971 that the rationale for having a film section was revealed by its first critic. 100s of film reviews since then have catalogued the rise of indie and mainstream cinematic LGBT depiction.

The Pretender: Fran Lebowitz' Netflix series excavates New York City

The Pretender: Fran Lebowitz' Netflix series excavates New York City

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Mar 23, 2021

There's an unintended poignancy to 'Pretend It's A City,' the new limited-series documentary on Netflix, showcasing author, public speaker, and humorist Fran Lebowitz. Filmed in 2019, it portrays a vibrant Manhattan chock full of people.

San Francisco gay filmmaker takes intimate look at sex

San Francisco gay filmmaker takes intimate look at sex

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Mar 17, 2021

Sex wasn't a topic of conversation for Alex Liu's Asian American, Roman Catholic family when he was growing up.

Aretha Franklin: Genius - National Geographic series dramatizes the life of The Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin: Genius - National Geographic series dramatizes the life of The Queen of Soul

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Mar 16, 2021

Singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin's life and career is dramatized in National Geographic's five-part series, which also serves as a testament to Franklin's talent and determination amid decades of civil rights inroads for Black culture and women in music.

Bay Area Reporter revives YouTube channel

Bay Area Reporter revives YouTube channel

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Mar 14, 2021

In the "better late than never" department, the Bay Area Reporter has revived its YouTube channel in preparation for its April 2021 50th anniversary. The BAR's channel currently consists of playlists, but will soon include original content.

'Your Name Engraved Herein' - Taiwan gay film's hits and misses

'Your Name Engraved Herein' - Taiwan gay film's hits and misses

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Mar 9, 2021

Patrick Liu's film 'Your Name Engraved Herein,' which just started streaming on Netflix this month, profiles a longterm romance between two teens, while reflecting on Taiwan's political changes that led to same-sex marriage legalization.

X marks his spot: autobiography of John Amero, porn pioneer

X marks his spot: autobiography of John Amero, porn pioneer

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Mar 3, 2021

In his newly published memoir, 'American Exxxtasy: My 30-Year Search for a Happy Ending,' gay filmmaker Amero recalls those bygone days with wit, humor and heart.

Sri Lanka queer drama: Shyam Selvadurai & Deepa Mehta's 'Funny Boy'

Sri Lanka queer drama: Shyam Selvadurai & Deepa Mehta's 'Funny Boy'

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Mar 2, 2021

Set in Colombo, Sri Lanka during the mid-1970s and early 1980s, 'Funny Boy,' based on Shyam Selvadurai's acclaimed novel, is timely for a variety of reasons.

Bill Eld's posthumous porn paean

Bill Eld's posthumous porn paean

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Feb 23, 2021

"Big" Bill Eld, one of gay cinema's first porn stars, didn't last long in the business, as director Toby Ross recounts in his ruminative odd 'docudrama.'

Ramadan rom-com: 'Breaking Fast's L.A. love story

Ramadan rom-com: 'Breaking Fast's L.A. love story

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 23, 2021

In Mike Mosallam's affectionate Ramadan rom-com 'Breaking Fast,' Mo (out actor Haaz Sleiman) is a devout, disciplined Muslim doctor who has reconciled his religious dedication with his queer sexuality.

Miami rhapsody: Regina King's powerful film adaptation of Kemp Powers' play

Miami rhapsody: Regina King's powerful film adaptation of Kemp Powers' play

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 16, 2021

'One Night in Miami...' is a fictional dramatization inspired by true events that bring together four men from different backgrounds whose contributions to Black culture continues to resonate to the present day.

'Two of Us': lesbian feature Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Film

'Two of Us': lesbian feature Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Film

  • by Victoria A. Brownworth
  • Feb 16, 2021

'Two of Us,' the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, is a deeply sensual tale of textured, long-standing love and desire between two women.

Gravity, rainbow: 'Falling,' Viggo Mortensen's writing-directorial debut

Gravity, rainbow: 'Falling,' Viggo Mortensen's writing-directorial debut

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Feb 9, 2021

'Falling,' written and directed in his debut by Viggo Mortensen, adds itself to a list of several current films involving elders and dementia, with an obscured gay angle. Despite its poetic visuals, it lacks full characterization.

Whitney Houston and her daughter remembered: new documentary explores the star's rise and tragic fall

Whitney Houston and her daughter remembered: new documentary explores the star's rise and tragic fall

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Feb 2, 2021

'Whitney & Bobbi Kristina: Didn't We Almost Have It All?' delves into more of the personal, human side of the legendary music icon Whitney Houston, her interpersonal relationships and the consequences of poor choices.