In 1973, the PBS series An American Family was the talk of the town. This very early example of the now-popular reality TV genre starred the Louds, an upper-middle-class family from Santa Barbara, CA. The 12-episode series was meant to follow the day-to-day lives of an "ordinary" American family, though in retrospect, it's highly unlikely that the Louds' huge, palm tree-dotted property was an accurate representation of how regular folks lived.
Neither the Louds nor viewers knew what they were getting themselves involved in. An American Family effectively destroyed the fantasy of American suburban life that shows like Leave it to Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Father Knows Best tried to present as "real" during the 1950s. The Louds were a family in turmoil. Bill, the father, was interested in every woman in town except his wife. Pat Loud, the Mom, knew it. In an episode that startled viewers, she asked Bill for a divorce, and told him to leave the house.
A scene perhaps even more disconcerting to 1973 audiences came earlier in the series. In the second episode, Pat visits her son Lance in New York City. Lance Loud is flamboyant, lives at the Chelsea Hotel, and hangs out with legendary Warhol drag queen Jackie Curtis. He doesn't give a hang who knows he's gay. Lance, who died of AIDS in 2001, is now credited as the first openly gay character on television, though he was not a character. He was a real person, being who he was. TV viewers were stunned but fascinated. The Louds became celebrities, and the subject of much criticism.
Now HBO offers Cinema Verite, a dramatization of the TV series' filming. As suggested by screenwriter David Seltzer, Family producer Craig Gilbert (James Gandolfini) is presented as a manipulative monster who comforts a lonely Pat Loud while urging her to air her dirty laundry on TV. Of course, only those who were there know what really happened, but Seltzer's musings make for good drama.
Diane Lane and Tim Robbins are superb as Pat and Bill Loud. Brief clips of the real-life Louds are occasionally glimpsed in Gilbert's editing room, and it's impressive how much the actors resemble the couple they play. As the Loud marriage crumbles, Lane and Robbins chew the scenery. Yet they never overplay their scenes.
Thomas Dekker steals his every on-camera moment as Lance. He throws himself into the role, and presents an admirable portrait of a young gay man who accepted himself long before others could accept him. "Lance is the most interesting one," observes a family member during their initial interview with Gilbert.
The early-1970s setting is effectively captured not only by authentic (if now sometimes campy) hair and costuming, but also by a lovely soundtrack. Original tracks by Mama Cass Elliot, Carole King and Ringo Starr will take viewers back to the long-gone early 1970s, when free love was encouraged, even if people weren't quite ready to talk about homosexuality.
Cinema Verite is a cautionary tale to those who dream of fame. Be careful what you wish for.
Cinema Verite will premiere on Sat., April 23, at 9 p.m. on HBO.