Big Eden

'Eden' is right...for this rustic, fictional Montana town is a gay-embracing garden paradise. And why not? Movies are for dreamers and in this dream of a movie we get to witness a basically straight-laced, flag-waving midwestern town embrace homosexuality like never before. In fact, the town is more openly accepting of the gay lifestyle than the rather emotionally repressed romantic trio who are at the core of the piece. And therein lies its simple bouquet of a message. The only one who usually gets in the way of you being yourself...is yourself.

A lovely cross between Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks fluff and "Northern Exposure" quirkiness, "Big Eden" insists on keeping it merry and informal, confident in knowing that its casual, natural stance on the whole gay element actually gives it universal appeal.

Arye Gross fills in for Meg here as Henry Hart, a former citizen of "Big Eden" who many years ago moved to the Big City to 'be himself'. The prodigal son, still single, reluctantly returns home following the illness of a beloved relative and is surprisingly met with open arms. The rather chummy, eccentric inhabitants, in fact, hatch matchmaking plans to hopefully dissuade him from leaving.

Tim DeKay plays the muscular, clean-cut Dean, a former school chum and longtime crush of Henry's who has returned to his roots following a failed marriage and is now a doting single parent with two kids in tow. Henry is hoping to spark the dormant but still smouldering feelings they once shared. Eric Schweig plays another classmate, Pike, a strong, silent, highly sensitive Native-American who has longed for the unsuspecting Henry since their early school days.

The story keeps its limited sights on the amusing entanglements of the trio, never allowing itself to get overly serious or preachy. Things may end up a bit too tidy and neat, but, again, the beauty of the piece is in its "gay is normal" approach and almost 60s-like wholesomeness.

The performances are nothing spectacular to write home about, but nevertheless quite winning and thoroughly entertaining. Arye Gross (former of "Ellen") is a pleasant centerpiece, as a man searching not only for love, but for himself and his place in life. DeKay is equally charming as Henry's object of desire though his sexual confusion (or acceptance) seems puzzling coming from such a liberal-minded town. Schweig, looking like he belongs in a production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" instead of a gay love story, overplays the unbearably shy, intensely quiet type at first, but eventually relaxes into his role as he begins to make his feelings known.

The mirthful supporting cast is littered with fresh takes on old stereotypes, none more so than the wonderful Nan ("Goodbye Columbus") Martin as the brazenly intrusive Widow Thayer, whose bold, Yenta-styled matchmaking methods are never less than delightful. Louise Fletcher and, particularly, George Coe give wise, restrained performances that lend a touch of class to the silly antics and superficial tendencies of the story. Veanne Cox too provides a bit of amusing sass as Henry's endearing 'Big City' partner and friend.

"Big Eden" settles in as one of the more 'feel good' movies of the year. I think even Doris Day would give it her stamp of approval. A welcome time-filler indeed.

‘Big Eden' is a excellent film and gets better on repeated viewings. Arye Gross is just superb as the painter who goes back to his roots to care for his dying grandfather. He also goes back to unrequited love but eventually finds a love he did not know existed. The film is beautifully shot making the most of the rural surroundings and the characters are all fully rounded, so much so, that by the end of the movie you will know and care for them all. It also contains much humour and a perfectly integrated musical score. Of course it is a fantasy world where everybody cares for and accepts other people for what they are, but it is a world we should all be striving to make real.

Everything has already been said about this film in the adjoining comments, so I'll make a few personal observations.

I'm not about to apologize for liking this film, or make any excuses for its content. Frankly, who's to say such a town can't exist? My origins are in the Deep South, and believe it or not, I've seen communities like this one. Perhaps it is "stereotypical" to think that such a town CANNOT be real. Sure, hatred exists everywhere. I've personally been the victim of a nasty hate crime, but I've also been fortunate enough to visit small communities that embrace everyone, gay or straight. I have every reason to be bitter, but I choose not to be a martyr.

As others have said, I welcome this film as a gay love story that avoids the pitfalls of torpid melodrama and morbid angst. Many have accurately compared this film to the TV series "Northern Exposure." It really is a sweet little film (and I normally avoid that word).

How interesting that ALL of my cynical gay friends love this film. Surprisingly, I only learned of it this year. Ebert totally missed the boat on this one.

An artist living in NYC returns home to Big Eden, a rural area of Montana, to care for his ailing grandfather. The artist gets reacquainted with people from his past, including an old high school friend. Romantic complications ensue.

This is not a film for viewers looking for lots of fast paced action and excitement. It's more of a character study that focuses on the lives of warm-hearted, ordinary people who are caring and sensitive. People spend a lot of time cooking and eating. (I don't recall a film in which there was so much food). More idealistic than realistic, the film's underlying contemporary message is a welcome change from the usual Hollywood gloom and doom theme. On the other hand, some of the relationships between characters are not obvious, which renders a slightly muddled story.

Overall, "Big Eden" is a well-made movie with good production design, adroit cinematography (that captures a beautiful landscape), and fine acting. And, I like the Tex-Mex music, though to someone like me who lives in Texas, the music seems a little out of place ... so to speak. But maybe not.

One of the best things about "Big Eden" is the inclusion of Nan Martin as an elderly gadabout. With her deep-throated voice and her animated expressions, she stands out as a unique, and thoroughly entertaining, actress. Would love to see her in more films.

Only in a fictional town ... sigh! This film is very well-written and has a superb cast. It's so warm, in a realistic, homespun kind of way. The true joy in viewing this film is that it is not stereotypical or predictable, and it doesn't trivialize. It speaks to the heart.

This film also flows very well, with no weak or flat spots in the storyline. It draws the viewer in more as a participant. Bravo!