Torch Song Trilogy
|
List Price: Our Price: $11.87 You Save: $8.10 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $11.00 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Torch Song Trilogy
Movie Review: A three-act life
Summary: 5 Stars
While this film is somewhat dated now, it does a very interesting job at showing gay relationships in emotional complexity -- the world of the drag queen, the world of those who are not quite out, and the problems faced by couples in terms of basic everyday human relationships.Arnold (Harvey Fierstein) is the central character, a drag-queen/playwright who is never quite accepted by his family (the mother, played by Anne Bancroft, is wonderfully performed). He goes through a three-act story (Trilogy) showing his first encounters with Ed (Brian Kerwin), the not-quite-out school teacher; his long-term relationship with Alan (played by a very nervous looking Matthew Broderick) which ends in tragedy, and finally the adopted son/mother/reacquaintance with Ed.
The one-liners are rattled off with ease, and the scenes are developed in fairly predictable yet well crafted ways. This is a film derived from a stage play that, for the most part, predates the AIDS crisis, so this is not mentioned at all in the film. It does deal with discrimination and violence in peripheral ways, but this isn't central to the story, except for the inter-family relationships, primarily with Arnold and his mother.
A great film!
Movie Review: Harvey Fierstein - Genius
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever since seeing him accept the Tony for his adaptation of "La Cage" I have had a tremendous admiration for the sheer creative genius of Harvey Fierstein. But "Torch song Trilogy" has got to be the icing on the cake; the cream on the top of Mt. Everest; the spark that set off Guy Fawlks Day on the 5th of November in London!
And as if the tale wasn't enough, that fantastic narration by Mr. Fierstein at the end of the film was just by far and away the best "special feature" I have ever had the pleasure of hearing! (Normally I avoid listening to a narrative over a movie I have only just watched!!)
And although I think the late and great Anne Bankroft was superb as the mother, I confess I would like to have seen Estelle Getty in the performance extolled by the author.
As a totally "square" viewer of this performance, I would hazzard a guess that in another 50 years or so "Torch Song" will have reached the level of film classics. The death scene of Matthew Broderick in the story was simply devastating!
For sheer entertainment and creative competence, my vote would have to go to Mr. Fierstein.
Movie Review: Torch song Trilogy after 17 years
Summary: 5 Stars
Its 2005 and only recently have I managed to catch the Torch Song Trilogy that was made in 1988. But since 1988, many gay oriented theme movies have popped up ranging from going through AIDs(Philadelphia) plus a more positive approach towards coming of age story (from Edge of Seventeen to Get Real to Beautiful Thing).
Not to mention the French coming out with really raunchy coming out gay pieces like Wild Reeds and Come Undone.
Thus, when I decided to watch this 1988 movie(due to boredom), I was a bit more reserved and wasn't expecting so much from the outcome due to the fact that there has been many movies since its time.
Alas, after watching it for almost 2 hours, I have to admit - IT was GOOD! I could not say that it was good for its time back in 88 since I was eight back then. But now after watching so many gay movies, this is one good piece of writing and film adaptation! Superb
I am sure if you wish to know more about the greatness of the movie the other reviewers will have much to say. A must watch!
Movie Review: Widescreen and Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
There seemed to be some confusion about the screen ratio for Torch Song Trilogy. I had sveral emails back and forth with Amazon to try and clarify (without success) I took a chance and re-ordered and I'm delighted to say the DVD arrived with an excellent widescreen anarmorphic transfe. On the back cover it states 'Presented in a format preserving the 1:85.1 aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition. Enhanced for widescreen TVs' The print quality looks excellent and the sound options include a 5.1 remix and DTS option plus the original stereo surround. Also included is a entertaining and informative commentary form Harvey Fierstein himself (well what else did you expect it to be?!)This DVD release is long overdue and thankfully appears to have been given the love and care it deserves. Apparently Harvey had been going on endlessly to New Line about a DVD release - thank goodness they finally listened! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Movie Review: GREAT comming out movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
I Watched this movie for the frist time in 1991 when I came out. I loved this movie and found it here on amazon. This is a great movie because the subject matter is so intense at times and hilarious at some points too. This movie kinda helped me deal with some of the issues covered in the movie, like his rocky relationship with his Mom. My Dad and I had a similar relationship but it was a little more escalated. If you are thinking of comming out, WATCH THIS FLICK!!! It is also great to share with your family, that is if all of you are comfortable viewing this type of movie. There is no nudity and does not have any scenes depicting drug use. That is part of why I think this is a great movie because gays are not portrayed as addicts or sexual predators. It's ending will make you tear up a bit and a young Matthew Broderick did an excellent job in this movie. Buy this flick. You won't be sorry!!!