The Dying Gaul (2005)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Craig Lucas

Writer (WGA):

Craig Lucas (screenplay)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

A grief-stricken screenwriter unknowingly enters a three-way relationship with a woman and her film executive husband - to chilling results.

Plot Keywords:

Screenwriter | Marriage | Death | Married Couple | Gay Interest

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Patricia Clarkson	...	Elaine Tishop
Campbell Scott	...	Jeffrey Tishop
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Robert Sandrich
Ryan Miller	...	Max Tishop
Faith Jefferies	...	Debbon Tishop
Robin Bartlett	...	Bella
Ebon Moss-Bachrach	...	Olaf
Kelli O'Hara	...	Liz
Dee Dee Flores	...	Emad
Elizabeth Marvel	...	Kelli Cartonis
Don Johanson	...	Male Guest
Bill Camp	...	Malcolm Cartonis
Linda Emond	...	Dr. Marta Foss

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content and language.

Runtime:

USA:101 min | Canada:95 min (Ontario)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:R | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Australia:MA | Singapore:R21 (cut)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Rebel Park Pictures

Trivia:

The film is dedicated to writer/director Craig Lucas's best friend, playwright Tony Kushner.

Quotes:

Jeffrey: Most Americans...
[his phone rings]
Jeffrey: Let's hold all my calls, please, Liz.
[to Robert]
Jeffrey: ...hate gay people. If they hear it's about gay people, they won't go.

Movie Connections:

References Philadelphia (1993)

Say It Isn't So

I would be hard pressed to name a trio of actors that I could be more excited to see than the stars of his film. Been rooting for Clarkson for years; we all know Sarsgaard is Oscar material in the years to come; Scott is (to me) even better than his dad. So I was waiting for this, via Craig Lucas, for a long time.

My cousin had warned me (we are both gay) that the play delivered a memorable first half (in a positive way) and just as memorable second half (in how bad it was). Clearly the screenplay did nothing to change this, alas.

The three leads were, no surprise, just excellent, and seeing them was well worth the time and cost. Oh PeterS, get back to work we need more of you! But dear Mr Lucas, when characters behave in ways that show no logic, it feels like a cheat.

Fascinating idea, beautiful setting, some splendid dialogue and then disaster sets. I say "6" and wish everyone involved great success in the years to come.