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reviews_and_ramblings) wrote2009-01-19 09:32 am
reviews_and_ramblings) wrote2009-01-19 09:32 am
Beautiful Thing (1996) directed by Hettie Macdonald
Director: Hettie Macdonald Writers: Jonathan Harvey (written by)
Jonathan Harvey (play)
Release Date: 28 March 1996 (London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival)
7 September 1996 (Toronto Film Festival)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Tagline: An urban fairytale
Plot: A pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses. Once they decide that they're attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do.
This absolute winner, based on a stage play by Jonathan Harvey and adapted by him, is a kind of enchanted, urban slice-of-life tale about a gay teen, Jamie (Glen Berry), who is in love with the boy next door, Ste (Scott Neal). Hampering Jamie's progress on the romantic front is his fear that his mother (Linda Henry) will find out, as well as concern over complicating Ste's existing problems. Beautiful Thing is a relationship movie, to be sure, but that description doesn't really describe the buoyant tone of this British television production. Democratic in its inclusive regard for each character (whether camera-pretty or not), the film--well-directed by Hettie Macdonald--is full of surprises. Chief among them is the terrific personality of Jamie's mum, a strong and independent woman who truly worries over and adores her son. But this is a movie involved in a kind of happy dialogue with itself: the tunes of Mama Cass, for instance, play a part in both the story and overall ambience, while a strategic placement of the Rodgers and Hammerstein chestnut "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" during an act of love is fun and exciting. (Tom Keogh)
Awards: 1997 Chlotrudis Awards Nomination as Best Actress (Linda Henry) and Best Movie
1996 European Film Awards Nomination as Best Young Film (Hettie Macdonald)
1996 President Award as Best Script (Jonathan Harvey), Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival
1997 GLAAD Media Award as Outstanding Film (Limited Release)
1996 Grand Prix to Hettie Macdonald, Paris Film Festival
1996 International Jury Award - Honorable Mention to Hettie Macdonald, São Paulo International Film Festival
@IMDb
@Amazon: Beautiful Thing
@Netflix
@Wolfe Video
Cast (in credits order)
Glen Berry ... Jamie Gangel
Scott Neal ... Ste Pearce
Meera Syal ... Miss Chauhan
Martin Walsh ... Mr. Bennett
Steven M. Martin ... Ryan McBride
Andrew Fraser ... Jayson
John Savage ... Lenny
Julie Smith ... Gina
Linda Henry ... Sandra Gangel
Jeillo Edwards ... Rose
Tameka Empson ... Leah Russell
Anna Karen ... Marlene
Garry Cooper ... Ronnie Pearce
Ben Daniels ... Tony
Daniel Bowers ... Trevor Pearce
Terry Duggan ... Kevin
Sophie Stanton ... Louise
Ozdemir Mamodeally ... Slasher
John Benfield ... Rodney Barr
Davyd Harries ... Brewery Official
Beth Goddard ... Brewery Official
Marlene Sidaway ... Betty
Liane Ware ... Claire
Catherine Sanderson ... Kelly
Dave Lynn ... Drag Performer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jonathan Harvey ... Wheelchair Queen (uncredited)
Re: Beautiful Thing
The same thing happened in a book I read yesterday--it cut off abruptly after something happy occurred, and I thought "What now?"
Maybe sometimes it's better for us to be kept wondering? That's more like real life, in a way.
I like endings that tie up all the loose ends in movies and books, but that never seems to happen in real life.
I seem to be philosophical this morning, sorry! :)
Re: Beautiful Thing