We caught up with porn star Izan Loren to find out what life is like for a porn star in today’s industry.
CREDIT: Izan Loren/Twitter
MP: So how did you get into porn?
IZ: At 12-years-old, porn was my dream. The first time I worked was in a scene, alone, for Blakemason. He was not afraid, but I was nervous. The result was wonderful and I left wanting to work more.
MP: Have you told your family?
IZ: My sister and some of my best friends knew before I started to act as a porn actor and have always supported me. After starting and shooting scenes, most of my friends have heard.There have been people who criticise and others who give me encouragement and support to continue. My parents were a bit trickier. I had to explain more deeply the concept of porn. They have come to accept it and now support me.
MP: Is it hard to find romantic partners as sex is such an intimate part of the human experience, how do you balance the act versus the deeper connection?
IZ: It’s hard to find a guy who understands my work, and not engaged in the world of porn. A guy who works at a hotel, a bank, or in a supermarket, will possibly find it harder to understand my work. We must differentiate sex from love. Whoever wants to be with me, will have to respect my work because it is part of me. When I record a scene, I’m acting.
MP: Have you ever dated another porn star?
IZ: Now being tucked in the porn world, it is normal to meet more actors and is more likely to have a boyfriend who is an actor. And no, I have no boyfriend now.
MP: Are there things you’ve learnt doing porn that you’ve included in your personal life?
IZ: There are things that I have done for the first time shooting a scene, and others and put into practice in my personal life. Every day you learn something new, a new fetish…
MP: How do bottoms prepare themselves before a film?
IZ: I’m more active. I take care of normal care, work always gives us enemas to cleanse us inside and little more. I do not do things out of the ordinary.
MP: Do you receive bizarre messages from fans? What is the weirdest message/request you’ve received from a fan?
IZ: I think the weirdest message I received was from a boy from Spain, who paid me for only sucking his feet. Others have sex with others while watching.
MP: Do you sleep with your fans?
IZ: I have not slept with fans, or guys I’ve met that night. Many porn stars use their status to become “escorts” or have wish lists on Amazon. Right now I’m just porn actor. The escort being not part of my future plans.
MP: What would you say to people who want to get into porn?
IZ: I’d tell you if it’s your dream to fight for it. It is very easy to get into porn, and there are many ways to do it. If the person is worth it, you will be caught quickly.
MP: What’s the best/worst thing about doing porn?
IZ: Rolling with someone who smells bad (laughs).
MP: What do you think is the future of porn?
IZ: If I knew what would be the future of porn, I’d produce. Really porn has not seen many changes.
MP: What’s the average day of a porn star?
IZ: Go to the gym, hanging out with friends, shopping (I love buying clothes!), Partying, going to Spain to see my family and my friends.
MP: After all the sex and fame and thrill… what’s next?
IZ: I like living in the moment. Porn does not last a lifetime, so also saving for tomorrow to mount a business.
MP: Who has been your favourite scene partner and why? Is there anything that you
won’t do in porn?
IZ: There are two co-favourite scene because I really enjoyed them, they are great. Called Ashton Brad and Scott Williams for Boynapped. I would never fist. It’s something that I respect, but I do not like.
MP: What’s the average salary per scene/per film?
IZ: It depends on several factors. How big is the producer? And it depends on whether you have exclusivity with a producer. Each contract is different.
Matt Peake catches up with UK porn star, Sebastian Evans to chat about life as a gay porn star.
CREDIT: Sebastian Evans/ Twitter
MP: So how did you get into porn?
SE: I got into porn by going to applytomodel.com cos I needed some money. I didn’t do any auditions I was booked on my photos alone.
My first job was a solo for Hard Brit Lads. I was f**king sh**ting myself but I did it and had a great time and have since worked for them again.
MP: Is it hard to find romantic partners as sex is such an intimate part of the human experience, how do you balance the act versus the deeper connection? What are your thoughts about sex and relationships?
SE: I’m not really a relationship person at the moment. So I have never had to think about doing porn while in a relationship. I can envision myself being in a relationship one day but at the moment I’m far too busy enjoying myself, my body and casual sex! (laughs).
MP: Are there things you’ve learnt doing porn that you’ve included in your personal life? Do partners expect you to be ‘experts’ of sex?
SE: I guess I’ve picked up some positions doing porn but I also actively look for new things to try during sex myself. I’m often Googling new positions I can try in my private life. I wouldn’t say there’s an expectation for me to be amazing but I have had guys say to me that they’re nervous to f**k me cos they might not match up, which is crazy!
MP: Do you ever bottom?
SE: I always bottom and I ONLY bottom. I’m not interested in topping whatsoever. I douche obviously. And no, we do not get paid more.
MP: Do you sleep with your fans?
SE: I probably would sleep with a fan if they paid me as I do escort too.
MP: Do you worry about STIs? Do you think bareback porn is contributing to rising rates of HIV in young gay men?
SE: I get tested regularly so I don’t worry about STIs no. I don’t think BB porn contributes to rises in HIV infection as everyone has their own mind and are able to make choices themselves.
MP: What would you say to people who want to get into porn?
SE: If someone wants to get into porn and they have the right look for the type of porn they want to do then I’d say go for it.
MP: What’s the best/worst thing about doing porn?
SE: The best thing about porn for me was the confidence boost. I don’t think I’ve encountered anything negative yet.
MP: What do you think is the future of porn?
SE: The future of porn is probably BB (bareback). As the threat of HIV diminishes and it no longer threatens life as it once did, BB will become even more popular and mainstream.
MP: What’s the average day of a porn star?
SE: The average day of a porn star is the same as most people’s lives I imagine. My life hasn’t changed at all.
MP: After all the sex and fame and thrill… what’s next?
SE: I don’t really think of porn as a career. So I don’t think about the future. It’s just a bit of fun and a way to make money. If it all stopped tomorrow I seriously wouldn’t give a s**t. I’m a hairdresser and that is my career.
MP: Who has been your favourite scene partner and why?
SE: My favourite scene partner was Sam Porter. We had amazing chemistry and I’ve been lucky enough to work with him twice. I get hard with him just being in the same room as me. Haha. My favourite scene I’ve been in was the one me and him did for Hard Brit Lads. Because it was with Sam and because my body looks sick in that one! (laughs)
MP: What’s the average salary per scene/per film?
SE: Average salary per scene I’d say is £200.
MP: How would you describe your sexuality?
SE: I’d describe my sexuality as gay. I would also describe myself as a late bloomer. My teens and twenties were virtually sexless. Since entering my thirties and moving to Manchester I’m only now exploring my sexuality to the fullest and I’m f**king loving it, and so is my ass!
Matt Peake speaks to porn star Michael Lachlan about life as a porn star…
CREDIT: Twitter/Michael Lachlan
MP: Have you told your family?
ML: I haven’t told my family, I have told my close friends and when asked by other friends I say yes to their question. I haven’t had any negative feedback from my friends. They know me as their friend: fun, easy going carefree person who gets along with anyone so no, no judgement. Most people are more intrigued and full of questions more than anything.
MP: Is it hard to find romantic partners as sex is such an intimate part of the human experience, how do you balance the act versus the deeper connection?
ML: When I started I was in a relationship and had been for two years at that point. Since then we have broken up for unrelated reasons, I know he still watches it and finds it hot. We still had great intimate sex with each other. Doing porn doesn’t affect that side of things like you mentioned porn is an act, sexual intimacy you experience with a partner or someone you may be ‘hooking up’ with is not an act it’s a feeling based on emotions between the two people. My thoughts on sex and relationships are you need to work
harder at it as the year’s progress with your partner. If you love him/ her then you work together and progress together and try new things and should always be open to your partner’s thoughts and suggestions without judgement on it. Not saying you need to follow through with the requests or fantasies but you should definitely hear them out and work on it together. Relationships take work and open communication is the key to staying together long term.
MP: Are there things you’ve learnt doing porn that you’ve included in your personal life? Do partners expect you to be ‘experts’ of sex?
ML: Yes – Don’t judge a book by its cover. Everyone I have worked with including the production team are such great friendly people. The porn industry is much more friendly than the modelling industry. Don’t judge a person on someone else’s opinion of that person. So it really taught me to not judge a person on what they do but more on how they act and how they treat you. Yes, people do expect you to be good and to know more tricks in the bedroom.
MP: Do bottoms really get paid more than tops?
ML: No bottoms do not get paid more than tops. I don’t see why they would. The top has to put in a lot of effort and a lot of cardio into a sex scene it is actually very tiring.
MP: Do you bottom?
ML: I bottom yes, I top too. Most of my scenes are versatile scenes where I do both. I use to shave, but for the last two years, I’ve been getting my crack waxed every 4-6 weeks. I watch what I eat. Mexican is the worst bottom food #justsayin. So yeah stick away from that stuff if you can. Eat clean healthy food, plenty of protein and you’ll find it’s much easier for you as a bottom to ‘prepare’ shall we say.
MP: Do you sleep with your fans? Would you sleep with a fan if they paid you?
ML: Depends on what you class as a fan. Guys that have seen my work and enjoyed I wouldn’t class as a fan so yes to these guys. But
guys that follow me on Twitter and are interested in what I’m doing next, where am I going to next, what parties will I attend and that sort of thing. No.
MP: Do you think porn fuels a form of prostitution within the industry?
ML: Most definitely not. It’s acting. If Hollywood actors do a sex scene does that mean they are lowering themselves to prostitution within the industry? Just because there is penetration in porn compared to movies doesn’t put it in a category of prostitution. It’s still acting, and if it looks like it should be in that category then aren’t the actors doing a great job in making you believe that this is amazing sex happening in front of your eyes. Queue orgasm face.
MP: Do you worry about STIs? Do you think bareback porn is contributing to rising rates of HIV in young gay men?
ML: STI’s in filming? No, because the models I work with have to present current test results and they won’t film if they can’t present them. Bareback porn helping contribute to the rise in HIV? The Very debatable topic this could go on for hours. My personal view is no and I’m judging that based on my own personality. I am not easily influenced, I’m not a monkey see monkey do type of person. Come legal age to have sex I believe people are old enough to make their own decisions and choices in life and their sex life. Sexual education is more to blame from schools.
Teenage pregnancy rates have declined because teenagers are taught at school about safe sex and the effects on a young person’s life should they fall pregnant. I was never taught anything about HIV, I had to research it myself which is terrible because people that don’t research it don’t know enough about it which can go two of which ways. One being they are naive to it and don’t realise quite how it is caught and how it can affect you. Second is not knowing enough about it making them so scared of it and the people that are HIV positive. Education or lack there in a growing population of homosexuality is the contribution to the rising numbers.
MP: Do you use any pills to enhance your career?
ML: Yes, of course, we take pills to help us get hard and stay hard during filming. Some scenes can take 3 hours some can take 5 hours. We have to do all the still images and promotional images that day also for DVD covers etc. So yeah we need something to sustain an erection while taking photos and no sexual stimulation is happening. We aren’t magicians. Though some guys can fit a lot up their ‘sleeve’.
MP: How do fans react to you in the street? Do you find that a lot of people chat you up?
ML: In the street. Normally a double take and a whisper to their mate. People will chat to me if I’m alone in a shop or something. At a club quite often I get guys subtly come up to me and say in my ear “I’ve seen your porn, it was hot”. As I said earlier guys reactions to it is they love it and wish they had the balls to do it themselves. Those are the words they use themselves.
MP: Why do you think porn is so popular?
ML: Everyone likes sex right. I couldn’t get off to a gardening show I don’t know about you.. 😉
MP: What would you say to people who want to get into porn?
ML: Be sensible. Look after yourself. Be your own person. Voice your opinion. Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Don’t do it if you don’t want people to find out because they will.
MP: What’s the best/worst thing about doing porn?
ML: Travelling the world for free (in a way) is the best part for me. The worst part is always having to maintain a good body.
MP: What do you think is the future of porn?
ML: Hmm the future of porn is a hard one (no pun intended). There’s more free stuff out there these days so it is slowly losing the financial wealth it once had.
MP: After all the sex and fame and thrill… what’s next?
ML: My porn career is just kicking off and growing fast. I’ve recently returned to it after being made redundant from my job in real estate after a year. So I’ve returned to make a few films to get some money in and it’s been a better experience emotionally and financially than I expected so I’m riding the wave and hope to return back to real estate at some point later. Age I don’t think is an issue. The silver fox is in right now. A sexy muscular 40 something is very hot normally teamed up with a guy 25 – 35 years of age.
MP: Who has been your favourite scene partner and why?
ML: The last three scenes I filmed with Lucas Entertainment were SO hot and I loved working with all three guys. Dylan Janes. Logan Rogue and his husband Tomas Brand. These films are out now.
We sent writer Matt Peake to speak with porn star Josh Milk on what it’s like to be in gay porn and what the future of gay porn will be like.
CREDIT: Josh Milk / Twitter
MP: Can you explain the experience of your first job?
JM: I got into the porn by chance. I was lucky. A well-known friend of mine who just started in the business had a shoot in a porn film but his partner failed, and then asked me to join him and I did accept immediately. My first experience was absolutely great to me since I did it with a very close friend of mine.
MP: Is it hard to find romantic partners as sex is such an intimate part of the human experience, how do you balance the act versus the deeper connection? What are your thoughts about sex and relationships?
JM: From my point of view it is not difficult to find a romantic partner or boyfriend no matter of the profession I dedicate myself. To me, it is more important the feelings and respect of your partner to go through the relationship. Business is business, and out of it is personal decision. When I am doing porn I am working and do not have affection, feeling or love. With my partner sex is completely different, I do express my feelings and totally different.
MP: Have you ever dated another porn star?
JM: Absolutely not. I never date with other porn stars.
MP: Are there things you’ve learnt doing porn that you’ve included in your personal life? Do partners expect you to be ‘experts’ of sex?
JM: Before the porn business, my sexual life was completely satisfactory and then I have not discovered anything that I already knew before. Most people think that as a porn actor you have to be a sex machine, and I find it crazy. You can be a porn actor and have no idea how to f**k privately and the contrary too.
MP: Do you receive bizarre messages from fans? What is the weirdest message/ request you’ve received from a fan?
JM: Yes, I receive a lot of messages, from those that are in love with me or from those that want me as a boyfriend. The rest of the proposition they can pay me!
MP: Do you sleep with your fans? Would you sleep with a fan if they paid you?
JM: Of course I do sleep with my fans if I get paid. I do not offer my porn side when I am escorting, although some do not find the difference.
MP: Do you worry about STIs? Do you think bareback porn is contributing to rising rates of HIV in young gay men?
JM: I am very worried about STIs as everybody is. Nobody fancies having diseases. With respect to bareback, the answer is yes and no. Each time I shoot bareback porn all partners have to show analytical tests to make sure we all are negative. But of course, there is always a risk.
MP: What’s the best/ worst thing about doing porn?
JM: The best is that you get to know many new people, and the worst is that sometimes the shooting lasts too many hours.
MP: What do you think is the future of porn?
JM: The future… let me think… Oh yes, the cum shots will splash through 3D (laughs).
MP: What’s the average day of a porn star?
JM: When I am shooting I spend time with partners, directors, camera men, etc. When the shoot is finished I am again Jose and do not behave as Josh. My average day is to do cleaning house, shopping at supermarkets, preparing food, going to gym, visiting friends, etc.
MP: What other plans have you got in place for the future? JM: The best thing about porn, if you do not get bored too soon, is that you can change your role from twink, daddy to BDSM.
In the near future, my plans are to go on in this business. But who knows what life throws at you.
MP: How would you describe your sexuality?
JM: Open minded.
MP: What are your opinions on porn?
JM: Porn should be back to the 80s for creating a new star system. Nowadays you can’t earn enough money for living.
Have you ever thought of the Power Rangers as an X-rated or adult show? No? Well then maybe you wanna move to Russia, where the bar has been set at an all-time low.
Russian officials have slapped an 18 certificate on the Power Rangers film because it now includes a lesbian/questioning/bisexual/curious character played by Becky G.
The rating was introduced after one of Russia’s most vociferously anti-gay politicians, Vitaly Milonov, lobbied for the film to be given the highest rating by WDSSPR, the Russian distributor of the film. Milonov even argued that the film should be shown in Russia because it promoted “perverted sexual relations”.
New York native, McGovern is part of LGBT technology history. As each new advancement made it possible for gay voices to be heard he’s been at the forefront of it. From taking advantage of a newly introduced iTunes to Podcasting to Vlogging. We sent MARK GOGGIN to find out what the original gay pimp is doing now.
Credit: YouTube/HeyQueen / Supplied
I caught up with the Gay Pimp Jonny McGovern and he spilt the T about his show Hey Qween, his musical past and what Dolce & Gabbana can kiss…
MG: First off, congratulations on the success of Hey Qween! Where did the idea originate?
JMG: The idea for Hey Qween started after I finished shooting Whoa, Dude! which was the first show I did with The Stream studios (co-producers of Hey Qween) that celebrated the best intentionally and unintentionally homoerotic content from around the Internet, kind of like The Soup. They asked me what I wanted to do next, and I had an idea for a talk show. The only thing that I really knew about it was that I wanted to call it Hey Qween, I would sit down with a guest and I would say “Hey Qween,” and they would say “Hey Qween,” back and we would have a conversation. That was it, almost like Charlie Rose a very basic interview show. But when it hit me like a lightening bolt to include Lady Red Couture in the mix, it all came together. I knew that if I had her there she would be like my drag Ed McMahon sidekick and we could kiki at the beginning of every show.
MG: Your relationship with Lady Red Couture is hilarious. How did you meet?
JMG: I first saw Lady Red perform at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood where she was part of the Goddess revue hosted by Calpernia Addams and Lady Red stole the show. She did a big gospel number where she wore church robes and started testifying and would run to the back of the club and disappear and then run out of a totally different door. I was in drag love. I asked her to be part of my Dickmatized video where she played around the way banjee girl. Then I wrote the song Rich White Woman for her and I thought she was so fun and so charismatic that when I started Hey Qween I thought she would be the perfect match. Though we didn’t know each other that well when we started Hey Qween we are now best friends and spend all the time together and always have a ton of fun. It’s been like a dream working with her, she is a superstar.
MG: Is she EVER going to sign up to Drag Race? She’d kill it!
JMG: Yes! That is our dream. We did work on an incredible audition tape for her for Drag Race season 8 and it has been submitted, so may the best woman win! I know she would kill it.
MG: Talking of Drag Race, some great contestants have graced your couch. Who was your favourite to interview? Or at least who were you most excited about meeting?
MG: RuPaul herself. I’ve been a fan since I was a teenager and though I got to interview him on the phone once for my podcast we had never really gotten a chance to sit down and talk in real life. The show was so fun, and he was so open and inspiring that it was truly a dream come true. As far as the other queens I’ve enjoyed all of them. Our most popular episode was Willam – he’s always a hoot and he bought his own pizza. We also really enjoyed Alaska who came in an amazing garbage bag couture dress. They’re all a lot of fun and come ready to kill. Trixie Mattel was also a highlight for our season premiere because she was so funny and honest.
MG: Did anyone turn out to be a bit of a letdown?
JMG: No. I think everyone has always been great. Some interviews are harder to edit than others, some people are more ready to spill the T, other people I need to warm up into being comfortable. That sometimes leads to a harder editing job to make the conversation seem as lively and spontaneous as it needs to be. But most of the Drag Race girls come prepared to have fun and we just have a kiki.
MG: Hey Qween! Series 3 is currently underway. How’s it going?
JMG: It premiered two weeks ago with Trixie Mattel and our latest episode is with Latrice Royale. Next week the legendary Coco Peru comes on, followed by Mathu Andersen, followed by more and more amazing guests! We’ve been working with The Stream who is an incredibly supportive studio and they have given us our own channel Hey Qween TV. Season 3 is bigger than ever and we are having a ton of fun.
MG: You suggested upping the gay ante this series and were helped out by the fans to raise the budget. Did you get enough to support your new ideas?
JMG: Yes we ended up raising almost $13,000 from the fans, which was incredible! We have been able to use it to not only make Hey Qween better but to expand the brand into a whole bunch of other shows that I know our audience is going to love.
MG: Have you bagged any celebrities for season 3 that you’ve wanted to interview for ages? Who would your dream guest be?
JMG: Mathu Andersen was definitely a dream guest since he’s been creating the RuPaul look the last 20 years. He’s such an incredible artist and mysterious elusive enigma that I was excited to chat with him. My dream guest is one of the surviving cast members from Paris Is Burning, Junior Labeija who was the MC in all of the ballroom scenes. We would love to have him on, he is one of the most iconic figures from that film and to get to talk to him about his experiences and his incredible charisma would make for a legendary Hey Qween how. Of course, I would also love to interview Kevin Aviance who is my number one favourite drag queen in the world. Martha Wash who is the voice behind Everybody Dance Now from C+C Music Factory, Black Box and tons of others. I’d also love to interview Miss J from America’s Next Top Model. The list goes on and on.
MG: I definitely think you should consider bringing Hey Qween! to the UK, make it some sort of club tour! Will the season 3 budget stretch to that – possibly?
JMG: We would love to come to the UK! I love London, I went as a teenager several times but I have not gotten to come back as a fully-grown homo. We actually would love to see Hey Qween come on real TV in the UK. I feel that the audience over there and the networks might be more open to putting our show on real TV because you have excellent taste and are less scared of drag and stuff like that than American networks. So hopefully someone in the UK, a producer, will read this and you can send us over. If RuPaul’s Drag Race UK happens maybe we could do a simultaneous Hey Qween season at the same time – that would be dreamy honey.
MG: Outside of Hey Qween you’ve produced some great music and comedy under the persona The Gay Pimp. Are you dropping any new music soon?
JMG: I had been doing The Gay Pimp stuff for ten years and as much as I love it, I wanted to be able to evolve and do stuff where I wasn’t trying to be the same person I was ten years ago. I am able to reflect who I am and what I do now. So I’ve taken a little break from that but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped making videos! I have the final video single from my Gayest Of All Time album coming out in the next couple of months. It’s full of sexy guys with Lady Red and some lady back up singers. It’s really fun so that should be coming pretty soon.
MG: Who inspires you as a musician?
JMG: When I was a kid I thought I wanted to be a RnB singer, but then I realised I was a 6’4” gay white man so that was probably going to be a difficult path! I kind of put it aside but when I started to do comedy, doing sort of comedy songs and using my musical skills like that, it really made sense. It is something that I have truly enjoyed and has let me play at being a pop star for many years. My biggest musical inspiration is my co-producer Adam Joseph who works with me on all of my records. He is a musical genius and anytime I have a seed of an idea he has such incredible musical knowledge that he is able to listen to my vision and create it seemingly instantaneously. He is incredible and if you’ve never heard him sing before he has many of his own albums, I call him the white soul hummingbird because he sounds exactly like your favourite black diva but he’s a little white man.
MG: What’s your number one go-to album?
JMG: I currently listen to lots of club music and trap music because I DJ at a party here called Saturday Night Slut in West Hollywood every week. When I’m just listening myself, old Aretha Franklin records from the late 60s and all through the 70s, Martha Wash’s solo album, DJ sets by Junior Vasquez from the 90s and Prince’s Sign ‘O’ The Times is probably one of my favourite all-time records.
MG: We heard The Gay Pimp was started because of a homophobic Eminem rant, is there any truth in that?
JMG: Yes… (the)Eminem (album) had come out and though it seemed at first like he was kind of like a modern guy and maybe wasn’t going to be homophobic, as the album rolled out we saw that he was kind of having a lot of homophobic stuff. He was throwing fag around and I felt that the media was giving him a pass on it. I figured the best way to protest would be to write a musical. When you’re an artist you got to protest with your art. So we wrote a hilarious little show called The Wrong Fag To F**k With The Gay Pimp vs Eminem, which was a parody musical where Gay Pimp was this pop star in an alternate universe who battled Eminem at the MTV Video Music Awards. Needless to say, it ended up with Eminem getting f***** up the butt by Gay Pimp – and hilarity ensued. The show became so popular; people started asking me to perform at nightclubs around town. It was the era of Britney and NSync, so I would go with backup dancers and drag queen cheerleaders and we would go to these tiny bars and perform these Gay Pimp songs as if we were doing a stadium show in these tiny little dive bars.
MG: With that in mind, do you think it is important as a gay male to stand up for LGBT issues? Do you get involved in LGBT debates – the Dolce & Gabbana debacle or Indiana’s recent outburst for example?
JMG: Yes I think it is extremely important for all of us to be aware of what is going on as far as civil rights for LGBT people in our countries and around the world. We can’t be ignoring how our brothers and sisters in other countries are being treated and we can’t just be satisfied with sitting around and letting big corporations and the right wing make decisions that affect us. So it’s very important for us all to speak out. As far as the Dolce & Gabbana debacle that makes me think they are completely out of touch and in a self-hating bubble of their own. For them to have any comment about what makes a family real – you can kiss my motherfu**ing ass, fu** yourselves Dolce & Gabbana.
MG: Thank you so much for your time. Where can we visit to get all of our Gay Pimp needs?
JMG: Make sure you subscribe to Hey Qween TV on YouTube – the Look At Huh aftershow, Hot T, He’s Fit and Judge Lady Red. Plus you can visit my blog everyday gayestofalltime.com for sexy gent pictures, new podcasts, Hey Qween updates and more dirty gay fun. Plus make sure to support me by buying my music on iTunes. Daddy needs to pay rent.
Credit: Merrick Morton/Universal Pictures International
Tom Ford’s highly anticipated second film, Nocturnal Animals, is both brilliant and confusing, no thanks to its three stories in one arc.
Amy Adams is art dealer Susan Morrow (Amy Adams) who lives high above the Hollywood Hills in a seemingly loveless marriage to her philandering husband Hutton (Armie Hammer). One day she receives a book called Nocturnal Animals written by her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal, in one of his best performances in years). It’s been 19 years since they broke up, well actually Susan broke it off with him, and she hadn’t heard or seen of him since then. So it’s bit unusual for her to receive a book from him, knowing that he’s been a struggling writer all his life. While her husband is away on one of his many business trips, she settles down to read the book. It’s then that Nocturnal Animals the book becomes a whole second movie, a second movie so brilliantly written, acted, and told that it should’ve been the movie that is Nocturnal Animals.
The book is a tale of revenge, rape and murder, brutal and in your face and it’s directed wholly at Susan. While it’s obvious it’s a work of fiction, it’s brutal and horrific. The book as we see play out tells the story of fictional character Tony (Gyllenhaal) with his wife Laura (Isla Fisher) along with what could be (or not) their daughter – this plot point is not very clear, driving in Texas when they’re menaced by a gang of rednecks led by Ray Marcus (Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a performance you will never forget which won him a Golden Globe Award). The menacing turns much much worse, but only towards the women, and it’s too much to give away here to explain what happens to them. Suffice it to say you will be on the edge of your seat while this story is unravelling. And Oscar-nominated Michael Shannon is the cop who is roped in to investigate the grizzly crime.
Nocturnal Animals also replays the beginning of the relationship between Susan and Edward – how they met on a New York City sidewalk, then had a loving relationship, only for Susan to drop him (it’s not clear why she leaves him).
All of this is played out in just under two hours. Nocturnal Animals is a haunting romantic thriller with tension throughout, but it’s also a bit of a letdown after the brilliant A Single Man. Adams doesn’t have much to do except read the book in which the most exciting scenes of the film play out. A couple plot points are head scratching – a phone call Susan makes to her daughter – a real daughter or it she a hallucination due to Susan’s lack of sleep – (nocturnal), and Edward’s grudge for 19 long years – really? Nocturnal Animals is a movie that is so cruel and cynical, a story so much about disloyalty and especially about revenge, and it becomes very very violent and very very dark, and Ford dedicates it to his husband Richard and their son Zach. A bit narcissistic if you ask me.
Now available for Digital Download, Blu-Ray™ and DVD
From Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:
The Making of Nocturnal Animals – Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Ford, and other cast and filmmakers recount how they brought such a unique story to life including:
-Building the Story – Tom Ford and cast examine the central characters and how they fit into the story.
-The Look of Nocturnal Animals – Filmmakers and cast discuss how the cinematography and costumes give the film such a distinct and rich feel.
-The Filmmaker’s Eye: Tom Ford – See how Tom Ford’s attention to detail adds layers to the two interwoven stories at the center of the film.
The late Robin Williams is bank branch manager Nolan Mack. He’s literally just going through life’s motions – working at a bank, with a longtime wife (Kathy Baker) and a very sick father in the hospital. Then one late evening after visiting his father, he drives through a derelict part of town and almost runs over a young man, Leo (Roberto Aguire), who turns out to be a male prostitute. Williams gives a delicate performance as the lonely and subdued Nolan. He’s a man whose conflicted, despondent and depressed until Leo comes into his life. REVIEW: Tim Baros
Brokeback Mountain ★★★★★
After a short stint trying to re-craft the comic book blockbuster in his own image, Ang Lee returns, gloriously, to more familiar ground. Based on Annie Proulx’s celebrated short story, Brokeback Mountain is a grand epic, a heartbreaking love story of two Wyoming ranch hands who fall for each other. In Retrospect: As soon as it ends you’ll want to watch it again. Even if it meant putting yourself once more through the emotional wringer. REVIEW: Catherine Wray
The Danish Girl ★★★
Based on the book of the same name by David Ebershoff, ‘The Danish Girl’ tells the real life story of Einar Wegener (Redmayne) who never felt right as a man so transitioned into a woman, being one of the first known recipients ever of reassignment surgery. It was with the support of his wife and fellow painter Gerde Wegener (Alicia Vikander) that gave him the courage and hope that helped him through transition. REVIEW: Tim Baros
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original ★★★★
Camp as hell and forever stuck in a time warp, Richard O’Brien’s cult gothic-comic musical lures wide-eyed lovebirds Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) into the mansion-laboratory of fishnet-clad loon Dr Frank N Furter, played with obvious relish by Tim Curry. Can the hapless couple escape Frank and his freakish minions or will the ‘sweet’ transvestite have his wicked way with them? You can almost smell the antici…
Deadpool ★★★★
Special forces agent-turned-mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) undergoes what he believes to be life-saving surgery under the knife of a crazed scientist (Ed Skrein). However, the operation does not go as planned, leaving Wade hideously disfigured and embarking on a violent course of revenge. Dark, sexy and extremely engaging. Ryan Reynolds plays a sexually fluid superhero.
Think Alfa Romeo Spider and you instantly think of a gawky Dustin Hoffman and a sexy siren that is Anne Bancroft. The Spider, like Ms Bancroft aged gracefully with very little input from science or cosmetics. Here we take a look at a 1992 Spider that is some 25 years into the production run.
CREDIT: Stu Bird
Launched in 1966 the Pininfarina Duetto as it was then known was built on a very shortened Giulia chassis. While the Giulia exhibited some fine body architecture in its details, it was upright and square and built around a typical 3 box design saloon. It also spawned the very handsome Bertone penned GT coupe models and then came the pretty open top tourer.
It won praise from the motoring press. For its time it was sophisticated in its underpinnings and no matter what the engine size was, it liked to be driven hard. From the humble 1300cc to the very latest 2 litres with injection, it had the much enthused about twin cam from Alfa Romeo. All the UK could offer at the time were leaky MGB’s and shoddy build quality.
The Italians have always been good at getting sports cars just right the first time. And ‘the time’ is the essential downfall for them too. It was perfect. So perfect that Alfa Romeo decided to halt development almost immediately after it was launched and close the book on it.
There were some changes made over its 26-year production run. The stylised boat tail of the early ones was sheared off and made square for the series 2. Then following US regulations where the Spider was an important big seller for Alfa Romeo, it was endowed with big impact bumpers and a rubber spoiler that was literally stapled on it for the series 3. The final model as seen here was developed again out of regulations and fitted with fuel injection and those building girder bumpers were smoothed out. The rear end was also treated to another new look and in some ways looked more like a modern take on the boat tail.
The main criticism for the UK lover of Alfa Romeo was that the Spider was available only in left-hand drive. Again another classic “qualunque cosa” or ‘whatever’ from Milan. UK importers did, however, offer right-hand drive conversions on the series 4.
All this didn’t matter. It was an open-topped Alfa Romeo. There is something very passionate about Alfa Romeo and until you have owned one you never fully get to understand them. While they are not quite so thrown together as they were back in the 60s and 70s, they exude an unrivalled following.
Driving one today is a bit of a culture shock. This year sees the 50th year of the Spider. It’s hard to believe that it really is 50 years since it was exposed to the world. In this series 4 model, we are also granted power steering. Something I am told by owner Nigel that is essential. It certainly feels nicely weighted if a little indirect to gentle inputs. The Spider might have been a sports car five decades ago but like over cooked pasta it has gone a bit soggy on the edges when pushed to the limits.
The driving position is very Italian. Read any old reviews on anything from Italy and you often would read about the long-armed, short-legged driving position you needed to adopt. It isn’t that bad. Again the passion for an Alfa Romeo by its owners is that they will put up with it just because it’s an Alfa Romeo. And don’t be put off by the gearstick that protrudes high up from the dashboard. It looks unnatural though in practice it works a treat.
Treated as a weekend cruiser for pub excursions or showing off how wonderful your life is then the Spider makes sense. The 2 litre injected engine is eager though sadly because of the injection it loses the roar of the carburettors and the rasp in its exhaust note. It will keep up with modern traffic with a recorded maximum speed of 120mph. Not too shabby even by today’s standards.
Roof off motoring is what the Spider is all about. With the roof up it really is a bit ugly like someone knocked up the roof in a shed so you’ll always want to lower it as often as possible. Roof lowered and it comes alive. The rush of air around you on a balmy early autumn day brings out the giddy grin in your face that makes you more excited than that day you got offered your first dance on a balcony in Sitges by a handsome man in a linen suit and exotic cologne. It’s refreshing.
On the drive around town owner, Nigel did tell me off for changing up the gears too early. “Why are you in forth? Put it back into second and enjoy the sound” he said. Perhaps I was being a little mechanically sympathetic to someone else’s car but true to his word I did just that and lazy low down torque was replaced once again by the eagerness of the twin cam on tap and mechanical music.
Owner Nigel has had the car for around 8 years. In that time it has seen a repaint and the wheels have been replaced by retro looking originals from the earlier Spiders. They look fantastic. Wife Helen was less impressed with the hit the bank balance took for them. Some mechanical dramas have been averted thanks to a fantastic network of support for old Alfa Romeos. He still has work that he wants to do it but at the moment she’s a keeper and Italian car nut Nigel wouldn’t be without it.
I’d certainly have one. The pretty looks and Alfa Romeo engine are a pleasure to all the senses. Despite its visual faults, I’d have a series 3. I just happen to like a bit of tacked on ugliness and an underdog.
Best know for playing character Karen Walker on the Emmy Award-winning TV sitcom Will & Grace, Megan Mullally is coming over to the UK for two show with her new band mate Stephanie Hunt.
The new band Nancy And Beth, made up of both Mullally and Hunt, will perform two shows, one in Manchester and one in London. To give you a taste they’ve just released their new video ‘Please Mr. Jailer‘ taken from their upcoming new album ‘Nancy & Beth’.
“’Please Mr. Jailer’ ended up being a song that we would do a lot as an opener in our live shows,” explains Mullally about the song. Talking about their live shows, described as punk showbiz, Mullaly said “i think we’re getting ready to do a number with a hat and cane, that kind of thing, we already do a couple numbers with chairs – chairs being a classic, Bob Fosse-ish, showbizzy prop, but the punk element is that it’s just me and Stephanie and this funky band from Austin.”
Sydney has played the part of a devoted wife to her husband for years, but her world is shattered when she meets Jane and is instantly attracted to her. She is quickly overwhelmed with the intensity of her love for Jane and the lustful passion that they share. Now Sydney is faced with a choice between the forbidden love that she craves and the undying love of her husband.
