Parting Glances (1986)

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Director:

Bill Sherwood

Writer:

Bill Sherwood (writer)

Release Date:

19 February 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Music | Romance

Plot:

As Michael and Robert, a gay couple in New York, prepare for Robert's departure for a two-year work assignment in Africa...

Plot Keywords:

Gay | Africa | Friend | AIDS | Piano Player

Cast

Richard Ganoung	...	Michael
John Bolger	...	Robert
Steve Buscemi	...	Nick
Adam Nathan	...	Peter
Kathy Kinney	...	Joan
Patrick Tull	...	Cecil
Yolande Bavan	...	Betty
Andre Morgan	...	Terry
Richard Wall	...	Douglas
Jim Selfe	...	Douglas's sidekick
Kristin Moneagle	...	Sarah
John Siemens	...	Dave
Bob Koherr	...	Sam (as Bob Kohrherr)
Theodore Ganger	...	Klaus
Nada	...	Liselotte

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | German | Polish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Fire Island, Long Island, New York, USA

Company:

Rondo Productions

Quotes:

Betty: You know what Proust said?
Michael: That rich folks have more fun?
Betty: He said that in a relationship...
Michael: Proust did never say relationship.
Betty: I'm translating. In a relationship there's always one who kisses and one who is kissed.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in A Decade Under the Influence (2003)

Soundtrack:

Die Zauberflöte

An Irresistible, Charming, Heartfelt Movie

In the years since it was first released, "Parting Glances" has acquired a loyal following. Few movies dealing in a gay social context are as appealing, unpretentious, or--best of all--as emotionally genuine.

Bill Sherwood's little film doesn't feature any big-name glamorous stars. The most recognizable names are Steve Buscemi (in fact, the spine of the DVD package reads "Steve Buscemi in Parting Glances") and Kathy Kinney, who has become known to millions for her hilarious character on "The Drew Carey Show." Kinney and especially Buscemi are excellent here. Most of the other actors are just fine. One thing that makes the film work so well is its use of performers who are not all movie-star beautiful. John Bolger plays a character who is supposed to be handsome, and he certainly fits the bill, as does Adam Nathan playing the intelligent twink from the record store.

This movie has at its core an honesty that draws in the viewer and makes him/her feel like part of the proceedings. There is plenty of gentle humor and a few big laughs. There is also one deeply moving scene the sticks in the mind afterward like a revelation about the connection between people. Sherwood was a musician and there are many interesting and creative selections to be heard in the soundtrack (featuring Mahler and Brahms). A couple of Central Park locations are used to good effect as well.

Picture and sound on the DVD are as good as can be expected of a low-budget, independent film. "Extras" include text-only information about the making of the film. An interview with Buscemi, Kinney or any others would have been good. An irresistibly charming and heartfelt film