Here’s our Top Ten List of Fab Films to Fill a Christmas Stocking to suit any (movie) buff boyfriend from Amazon that will still arrive by the 25th if you have still not bought a Christmas gift for ‘him indoors’?
1) LA FOLIE D’AMOUR: THE XAVIER DOLAN COLLECTION.
A box set of three of the award winning movies from Canadian Wunderkind (still only 25 years old). These astonishing, glorious films explore themes that are always deeply personal: fundamental questions of sexual identity and the boundaries of love, the testing of friendship, the obsessive nature of desire, and sexual awakening.
2) THE WIZARD OF OZ: SING-ALONG VERSION.
To mark the 75th Anniversary of the release of this wonderful classic, Warner Brothers has released this new Blu-ray that encourages you to be Dorothy in your own home.
3) BOYS ON FILM 12 – CONFESSION.
UK film distributor Peccadillo Pictures much acclaimed series of gay short films has a new 12th Edition called CONFESSIONS. Like all the previous collections this shockingly-good compilation of movies from mainly first-time filmmakers around the world features different stories about the lives of young gay men. As the title indicates the theme of this latest collection is about exposing private lives and uncovering secrets and presenting a choice or whether to keep hiding or to confess?
4) THE NORMAL HEART.
Unquestionably one of the best gay films to hit our screens this year, Ryan Murphy’s powerful adaption of Larry Kramer’s celebrated play about the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic is an unmissable and compelling part of our history.
5) THE EROTIC FILMS OF PETER DE ROME.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s British-born New Yorker and unsung hero of gay underground filmmaking Peter de Rome produced a number of explicit, painstakingly crafted Super 8 films each of which took the viewer on an immersive sexual journey. In 1973, eight of these films were brought together as The Erotic Films of Peter de Rome producing one of the finest cinematic examples of the intersection of artistry and eroticism. Now released on DVD for the first time, these extraordinary films are accompanied by a new BFI documentary.
6) THE LAST MATCH.
A heartbreaking and touching wee drama that is completely engaging as it so accurately portrays the price that young men have to pay when they discover their sexuality in such an un-accepting and intolerant culture like Cuba.
7) THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL.
A wonderful drama/comedy about a group of older impoverished Brits who seek an alternative cheaper retirement in a charming but dilapidated hotel in Mumbai with a star studded cast that includes both Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.
8) EASTSIDERS.
An edgy and intense dramatic comedy that shows a slice of contemporary gay life in LA, which refreshingly does not just focus on his characters sexual orientations as its major plot point. Highly enjoyable.
9) FIVE DANCES.
Alan Brown’s latest movie has one of the most accurate titles that pulls no punches and is exactly what it promises i.e five dances. Held together by the strands of a wisp of a tenuous plot, it is however still a sweet and sensual coming-out-tale thanks to the presence of a charming young dancer who proves he is quite a mean actor too, despite his inexperience. You don’t have to be a contemporary dance fan to love this one, but if you are, it does help.
10) JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK.
The late great gay icon allowed the filmmakers unfettered access to her for a whole year and the result is an extraordinary frank and compelling documentary when we see the real Joan up front and personal. This one should be everybody’s stocking this Christmas
