I've just seen this film, 15 years after the event. It begins with the usual tedious clichés of gay-themed films: scene queens, bad drag and dull hunks. Once we get to see the young hero, a beautiful young actor by the name of Sean Tataryn, the plot evolves well. He falls for leather jacketed Christopher Bradley and the show goes from there. I see that one reviewer (who clearly needs glasses) thought the young man ugly. Dear God, he was one of the loveliest kids I've ever seen on the screen, more, he could act, turning in a sensitive and touching performance. I am truly sorry his career didn't develop.The film is a few beats better than most gay-themed films, and it was Sean who lifted it for me from a 4 to a 6.
17 Reviews
Nice 1990s gay flick
thg01109312 December 2021
"Leather Jacket Love Story" tells a story about an aspiring teenager who leaves home and falls in love with a hunky grown man who is 11 years older than him. Their relationship is, unfortunately, rather toxic. It's hard not to remind us of "Call Me By Your Name", and I must say I enjoy this low-budget production much more than the overrated Hollywood hit which everyone has been crazy about. They handle the age gap better and all the characters are way more likeable.
However, with such a promising premise, the story is quite rush and under-developed; I wish it were longer. What's worse is that the film is in black and white. Why must they do that???
Anyway, this movie is my new guilty pleasure and maybe I should dive into pre-2000s queer cinema to find more overlooked gems.
However, with such a promising premise, the story is quite rush and under-developed; I wish it were longer. What's worse is that the film is in black and white. Why must they do that???
Anyway, this movie is my new guilty pleasure and maybe I should dive into pre-2000s queer cinema to find more overlooked gems.
Gorgeous guys - well endowed.
guil1214 November 2001
See this movie if only for the hunks that appear in it. Written by Rondo Mieczkowski and directed by David DeCoteau, the story isn't really that much. Young wasp kid, Kyle, played by cutie Sean Tataryn, who lives to write poetry, moves into Silver Lake to find another life experience. He does just that by meeting Mike, a biker hunk, played by Christopher Bradley. They get it on right away and sparks fly on the screen when these two let loose. Bradley isn't lacking where it counts, believe me. And Tataryn is a close second. It totally turned me on. But then our hero is an innocent young boy believing in first love being the only love. While the biker is an experienced rover with eyes for many. However, Kyle gets under his skin, in more ways than one. And soon we see that there is a heaven after all. Supporting actors all seem okay in their roles. The three campy drag queens have some funny lines and play it to the hilt. There is the older queen and his [girl] friend at the Cafe who reads his work [very badly] with a touch of melodrama. And Kyle's friend that eventually leads him to the baths where we have some very hot scenes, including our hero being ravished by not two but four naked guys at the same time. There isn't a spot on his adorable body that gets overlooked. And let us not forget the stripper at the club that unveils his most spectacular assets. Oh my! But love wins out the night Kyle finally gets to read his poem. Of course, it's all about Mike. I give this movie high ratings because it's great fun and would be a nice icebreaker on a late first date.
Ample sex and nudity (yay!), but not much else...
Libretio26 May 2005
LEATHER JACKET LOVE STORY
Aspect ratio: 1.37:1
Sound format: Stereo
(Black and white)
An aspiring young poet (Sean Tataryn) relocates from the Valley to LA's Silver Lake district where he's distracted by drag queens, sex clubs, gay bashers and a hunky older stud (Christopher Bradley) with whom he falls in love.
Inspired by Jean-Luc Godard's MASCULIN-FEMININ (1966), David DeCoteau's ultra-low-budget drama is something of an acquired taste. After toiling in the lower echelons of the exploitation movie business (BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND, TEST TUBE TEENS FROM THE YEAR 3000, etc.), DeCoteau commissioned screenwriter/poet Rondo Mieczkowski to write the gay drama he had always dreamed of directing, and it took a year for the project to finally come together. But all good intentions are scuppered by threadbare production values (it was shot in 16mm black and white on a $60,000 budget) and a reckless shooting schedule (10 days), all of which is wholly characteristic of DeCoteau's directing 'style'. Furthermore, the central romance isn't remotely believable, because - at the risk of sounding crude and disrespectful - Tataryn isn't attractive enough to warrant all the attention (he was chosen for no other reason than his willingness to perform the nudity and sex scenes!), and he plays the character as little more than a socially awkward débutante, completely at odds with Bradley's experienced older guy, with whom he appears to have little in common. Howard Wexler's low-tech cinematography struggles to maintain the fairy tale ambiance suggested by Mieczowski's ambitious script, and as usual, DeCoteau allows too many dialogue scenes to continue well beyond the limits of endurance. Hilariously, the director has chided critics who trashed his 'feel-good' approach in favor of the 'heavy dramas' which he himself seems to dislike, refusing to countenance the idea that some viewers simply weren't taken by his amateurish scribble of a movie!
There are minor compensations: Mieczkowski's script may be dramatically uninspired, but his dialogue is smart and colorful, and he manages to prick the bubble of pomposity which informs his company of eccentric Silver Lake characters. Similarly, the cast is a mixed bag of newcomers and cult favorites: Bradley is an experienced actor ("Urbania", "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss", etc.) and director of animated shorts (BACKSTAGE WITH LITTLE LORENZO), and he has the kind of dazzling good looks which can stop any movie dead in its tracks (his full frontal nude scenes here are genuinely impressive!). Exploitation fans will be surprised to see Nicholas Worth (THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT) stealing the show as an ultra-theatrical gay poet - his poem-readings are a hoot! - while fashion model Geoffrey Moody makes his only screen appearance to date as Tataryn's best friend, a sluttish pretty boy with a penchant for rough sex. Indeed, Moody would have been an ideal choice for the lead role (he performs an enthusiastic sex scene around the film's midway point), were it not for his aversion to full frontal nudity, though this could have been accommodated without compromising the film's erotic potency. Joe Dallesandro was considered for a major supporting role, but he couldn't be found in time! Also starring Andy Warhol/John Waters favorite Mink Stole (PINK FLAMINGOS, DESPERATE LIVING) and veteran gay activist Morris Kight. Watch out for a truly memorable stripper (Dennis Larkin), and a hilarious cameo from Bob Prest as an irreverent doctor who pierces nipples and other body parts for a living!
Aspect ratio: 1.37:1
Sound format: Stereo
(Black and white)
An aspiring young poet (Sean Tataryn) relocates from the Valley to LA's Silver Lake district where he's distracted by drag queens, sex clubs, gay bashers and a hunky older stud (Christopher Bradley) with whom he falls in love.
Inspired by Jean-Luc Godard's MASCULIN-FEMININ (1966), David DeCoteau's ultra-low-budget drama is something of an acquired taste. After toiling in the lower echelons of the exploitation movie business (BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND, TEST TUBE TEENS FROM THE YEAR 3000, etc.), DeCoteau commissioned screenwriter/poet Rondo Mieczkowski to write the gay drama he had always dreamed of directing, and it took a year for the project to finally come together. But all good intentions are scuppered by threadbare production values (it was shot in 16mm black and white on a $60,000 budget) and a reckless shooting schedule (10 days), all of which is wholly characteristic of DeCoteau's directing 'style'. Furthermore, the central romance isn't remotely believable, because - at the risk of sounding crude and disrespectful - Tataryn isn't attractive enough to warrant all the attention (he was chosen for no other reason than his willingness to perform the nudity and sex scenes!), and he plays the character as little more than a socially awkward débutante, completely at odds with Bradley's experienced older guy, with whom he appears to have little in common. Howard Wexler's low-tech cinematography struggles to maintain the fairy tale ambiance suggested by Mieczowski's ambitious script, and as usual, DeCoteau allows too many dialogue scenes to continue well beyond the limits of endurance. Hilariously, the director has chided critics who trashed his 'feel-good' approach in favor of the 'heavy dramas' which he himself seems to dislike, refusing to countenance the idea that some viewers simply weren't taken by his amateurish scribble of a movie!
There are minor compensations: Mieczkowski's script may be dramatically uninspired, but his dialogue is smart and colorful, and he manages to prick the bubble of pomposity which informs his company of eccentric Silver Lake characters. Similarly, the cast is a mixed bag of newcomers and cult favorites: Bradley is an experienced actor ("Urbania", "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss", etc.) and director of animated shorts (BACKSTAGE WITH LITTLE LORENZO), and he has the kind of dazzling good looks which can stop any movie dead in its tracks (his full frontal nude scenes here are genuinely impressive!). Exploitation fans will be surprised to see Nicholas Worth (THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT) stealing the show as an ultra-theatrical gay poet - his poem-readings are a hoot! - while fashion model Geoffrey Moody makes his only screen appearance to date as Tataryn's best friend, a sluttish pretty boy with a penchant for rough sex. Indeed, Moody would have been an ideal choice for the lead role (he performs an enthusiastic sex scene around the film's midway point), were it not for his aversion to full frontal nudity, though this could have been accommodated without compromising the film's erotic potency. Joe Dallesandro was considered for a major supporting role, but he couldn't be found in time! Also starring Andy Warhol/John Waters favorite Mink Stole (PINK FLAMINGOS, DESPERATE LIVING) and veteran gay activist Morris Kight. Watch out for a truly memorable stripper (Dennis Larkin), and a hilarious cameo from Bob Prest as an irreverent doctor who pierces nipples and other body parts for a living!
Gem of a B&W Film
carterpasha-746-41979931 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
When you consider this was made in 1997, it was a rather ground breaking film. I enjoyed the story, the cast, and consider it a little gem of a work. I particularly liked "Kyle" - strong acting from a young beginner. The sex scenes are still amazing, and probably shocking for the day (1997). Sorry for those who prefer colour, but the mood of the film is perfectly suited for the film. Thoroughly enjoyable film. Well written, and strong cast including "Kyle". I enjoy Independent Film, and this is no exception. A hidden gem. If you're looking for a very re:watchable film this works! It's a charming, warm film. And never mind about the B&W :)
Sexy Love Tale
philip-121 May 2001
This movie is a charming, very sexy love story between a cute blond valley boy and an older leather biker type. It's a simple story, endearingly told and well directed. Sean Tatyran and Chris Bradley are excellent. The black and white filming gives the movie a nice arty house/50's feel.
A rare film in which a gay relationship is treated with the same normality as a straight one.
A rare film in which a gay relationship is treated with the same normality as a straight one.
Sexy fluff, but surprisingly poignant!
gazebo9 July 2003
This is a very light, very fluffy movie. I enjoyed seeing the great bodies of all these guys and I thought the drag queens were very funny. What took me by surprise is the particularly good acting of the two leads who play Kyle and Mike. They were utterly convincing as two guys, one young and idealistic, the other older and a little cynical, who fall in love after a hot one night stand. Kyle is young and idealistic and believe in falling in love forever with just one person. Mike, who's dated alot, is cynical, but yet drawn to the sweetness of Kyle. There is a little tension along the way as Kyle is jealous when he sees that Mike has a roving eye. But in the end, true love wins out! I was extremely touched when the movie ended with these two beautiful men simply embracing each other with love in their faces. This is a really sweet movie for gays and for the others who'd like to believe in true love.
A nice gay romance
Wally-1819 November 1998
Kyle, an aspiring young (18) poet and knockout gorgeous falls for Mike who arrives with a friend on a motorcycle and wearing the leather jacket of the title. Kyle meets Mike in a cafe in Silver Lake. Their courtship/romance is sensitively portrayed while the director carries the viewer to the limit of tasteful eroticism. The others in the cast help to move the story along and provide opportunities for humor and philosophy.
The Black and White photography could be better. It seems uneven at times. Color may have been nice but this provides an opportunity for imagination to play a role.
The Black and White photography could be better. It seems uneven at times. Color may have been nice but this provides an opportunity for imagination to play a role.
Weirdly watchable
cekadah16 February 2020
This flick apparently had a donation budget, but Director: David DeCoteau and the cast of actor give honest felt performances. The plot is simple - young boy and hopeful poet meets an older dude. The older guy has never bothered to have a 'love relationship' but the young guy fires the spark and is inspired to create heartfelt poetry.
It's a hokey plot but it works in this late 1990's movie. And the sex is tame which added to the story.
It's a hokey plot but it works in this late 1990's movie. And the sex is tame which added to the story.
Rent it Tonite!
Alfonso-224 April 1999
A sweet may-december romance between an ugly young poet and sexy well-hung biker into kink and of course, leather.There is a lot of nudity with well-hung muscular men and some very ugly smart ass young guys too.Thank God for Older men.The movie moves in two directions at once,featuring the wild sex that the older man is used to...There is a stripper with a nice body and lots of Uh hum....reason to be proud of his body.Then there is the sappy poetry the young kyle writes.A nice turn by the drag queens as defenders of the community and Mink Stole as usual steals the show.
Size Queens Everywhere Will Love This One!
jamie-8130 December 1999
This story is very fantasy like, but well done. The male nudity, and hardcore sex scenes (and I do mean very explicit) will keep even the dummies who dont get this film very very interested. Campy, Crazy, and just plain Horny is the only way to describe this film. Also, Christopher Bradley is worth the $59.00 cost of this film alone.
A must see LGBT movie!
judeboomzmain19 April 2018
Nothing more than porn with a story
jkahern26 November 2003
I saw this film on whim at a gay pride festival in my city. I was anticipating some kind of tasteful gay romance/comedy or something inspiring to gays in love and relationships. Instead, my other half and I were subject to a poor plot and highly graphic x-rated material. Granted, I can appreciate a nude male body, but I think the message of finding love in the crazy world was muddled by all the 'eye candy'. The cinematography was very low budget, black-and-white, and very real. The actors were okay. The main character was nothing much to look at, and the other guy (his love interest) just seemed to old and experienced for that boy. Kyle's best friend in that mansion is just disgusting. There were some funny moments with the coffee house scenes and the drag queens. The worst scene, which made me ill to my stomach, was that brothel (or whatever it's called) with all the men in cages and on the stairs doing some freaky stuff!! I can't imagine what the non-gay community might think about us if they saw that, and it dosen't surprise me why some people have little or no respect for the gay community. The film seems to concentrate TOO MUCH on dated stereotypes of gay men (leather bars, drag queens, promiscuity) rather than on real world issues. For those who plan to watch the film, please realize that it does NOT represent the gay community as a whole, just certain parts. There ARE those who live normal lives and are in long term relationships, and act just like everyone else. Take it from me, this is probably not a movie to see with a long term lover. But if you're single, horny, and with your friends, then this movie serves its purpose!
TRUE TO LIFE
rfmaize1 July 2022
So if you are gay, you'll get it, COMPLETELY! If you're not, then realize the complexity of life as a young gay man falling in love. For a small budget production, I give it a great review for the acting and subject matter. I fell for each of the characters, relating to most of them. Outside of the subject drama with the subject matter, the film has a lot of humor. If you want to see (or relate) to what it's like to grow up gay, this paint an accurate picture. Also, appreciate the creativity in the production. Well done!
Clever, and very horny
Dave-30115 November 1998
Very clever little film. Loses a little by being black and white. "Kyle" isn't much to look at, unless you like them YOUNG looking; Mike's dreamy. Enough nudity to sustain interest beyond some pretty amateurish acting. Great first-date movie. Of course, it's a much better first date if both of you are boys.
They tried...
shuz11 March 1999
I have to admit, I have never been a big fan of romance films, gay or straight. This was what I would call a "cute" movie, the filmmakers did well on a low budget. It was just too predictable, as most romance films are. I rented it because I will watch anything Mink Stole is in. The three sassy drag queens were fantastic, and finally a movie with gratuitous male nudity!
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