Vito (2011)

The story of Vito Russo, founding father of the gay liberation movement, author of "The Celluloid Closet," and vociferous AIDS activist in the 1980s.

Director:

Jeffrey Schwarz

Stars:

Phyllis Antonellis, Richard Barrios, Richard Berkowitz

2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Phyllis Antonellis	...	Herself
Richard Barrios	...	Himself
Richard Berkowitz	...	Himself
Lenny Bloom	...	Himself
Jay Blotcher	...	Himself
Reverend Malcolm Boyd	...	Himself
Joseph Brewer	...	Himself
Lee Brewster	...	Himself (archive footage)
Tom Brokaw	...	Himself (archive footage)
Marcus A. Conant	...	Himself (archive footage)
Bette Davis	...	(archive footage)
Nancy Davis	...	Herself (archive footage)
Doris Day	...	(archive footage)
Michael Denneny	...	Himself
Mama Jean DeVente	...	Herself (archive footage)

Storyline

In the aftermath of Stonewall, a newly politicized Vito Russo found his voice as a gay activist and critic of LGBT representation in the media. He went on to write "The Celluloid Closet," the first book to critique Hollywood's portrayals of gays on screen. During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Vito became a passionate advocate for justice via the newly formed ACT UP, before his death in 1990.

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Plot Keywords:

gay | 1980s | aids | celluloid closet | gay liberation | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 October 2011 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Automat Pictures, Making it Big

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Color:

Black and White Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Mädchen in Uniform (1931)
Clips featured.

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Soundtracks

"Friends"
Written by Buzzy Linhart and Mark Klingman
Performed by Bette Midler

User Reviews

Good and informative biography doc on a man who stood and fought for what he believed with courage!

Just recently watched this HBO doc called "Vito" and I must say it was touching as it was informative and educational to show how one man a gay one in Vito Russo stood up and fought for his rights along with thousands of other gays during the 1980's at the height of the AIDS dawn. His story showed courage as it was personally touching to anyone it proves that anyone should fight for what they believe in.

Interesting is seeing how Vito started film night with his gay buddies as he showed films that were classic and they involved gay characters! His doc even would go on to the art houses and gay cinema. And Vito's outspoken words against right wing political and Christian groups during the 80's was touching showing that he was the voice of courage during the dawn of the AIDS crisis. This man will be remembered as a leader and a voice of courage for the gay community as really anyone can take his inspiration his image and words of courage and freedom rights still rings long after his 1990 death!