Posted by jefty Not to start a big brouhaha but there is considerable evidence that a lot of people, then and now, think this was one very funny stage play and film..
on 11/5/2009, 10:14 am, in reply to "The Ritz"
98.24.29.141 | Message modified by user jefty 11/5/2009, 10:51 am
I think that so much of the gay lifestyle is ridiculed is unfortunate and that there are still those people can't accept a man's good character but rather make a judgement based on his sexual orientation; but that issue aside, your assessment of the film runs counterpoint to that of over 1000 IMDB'Rs who've rated the film an enviable 7.8 with several personal write-ups on it's comedic hilarity. The prime tenant of comedy is to take any subject and stretch it to it's ridiculous extreme...once the closet door is open, everything is fair game and this film is obviously burlesquing the whole bathhouse scene and gay life in general. There must be a germ of truth in there somewhere to make it so funny to so many audiences.
If one has ever witnessed a gay pride parade or rally, it's hard to deny there aren't certain individuals who exhibit more flamboyant behavior than others. And before the scourge of aids there were those whose reckless promiscuity (both homo and hetero) were beyond any reasonable bounds which a short time later would have such tragic consequences, consequences which regrettably continue today. (that's not saying there weren't far too many innocents taken by this horrific and ravaging disease which is equally tragic)
The character (Treat Williams I believe...it's 20+ years since I've seen the film) being chased by the mob (Carmine Vespucci. Jerry Stiller)) experiences doubt common to many men, that being the curious interest and self questioning about their own sexuality and that in itself is what's a lot of the film deals with...gay or straight...funny is funny. Let's not let political correctness and hindsight eradicate all vestiges of our collective sense of humor.
""Is the casino vault armored? No, it's made of wood! -" Bob Le Flambeau" -1956
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