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| Movie Review: Chris & Don: A Love Story Alternate Title: My Fair Laddie
Story: It seemed appropriate
that on the day California acknowledged gay marriage I see a documentary
about the 35 year relationship between writer Christopher Isherwood
and portrait artist Don Bachardy. Before you click
away, you already know Isherwood's work - as it transformed to the big
screen, in the form of mega-hit, Cabaret. Isherwood met Bachardy on a California beach in 1952. Their 30 year
age difference did not effect their love (think Henry Higgins and Eliza
Doolittle). Bachardy was only 18 when their relationship bloomed. He
was a star struck kid and Isherwood knew just about everyone in Hollywood.
It was a match made in heaven that lasted and grew for 35 years. During
the years that homosexuals had to hide their life styles, these two
lived openly for all to see. Documentarians Guido Santi and Tina Mascara
tenderly carpet this love story. We see the disparate background history
of both men and also witness their blossoming love story through terrific
file footage and a few talking heads, including Leslie Caron
and John Boorman. How could this relationship last?
With encouragement and daily support Isherwood saw Bachardy through
art school, his first exhibit and eventual success. Their individual
gifts allowed these artists to express their love through words and
visual art. If you like love stories, interesting biographies and simply just good
film making, go see this small, lovely film. View the trailer here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=LjG9iyW-vyI
Acting: It is documentary - so it is not applicable. Predilection: I like documentaries
Critters: Interesting that Isherwood did not want
pets because he felt that a home with pets takes love away from the
human relationship. Yet, they transform their feelings into animal characters
through their correspondence, which is illustrated on the big screen.
Isherwood is a horse and Bachardy is a cat.
Food: No food at all.
Sex Spectrum: Alluded to - but not seen.
Blatant Product Placement: None - it s a documentary.
Soundtrack: Lovely
Opening Titles: An opening sequence that situates
you into the place you are about to head.
Visual Art: Wonderful portraits by Bachardy.
Theater Audience: A packed house filled with a very
West Village crowd at the Quad Cinema. We did note that many of the
audience had canes (as did my pal). Weather: Lovely beach weather.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: 0
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine but supporting
a small film like this is always a good idea.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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