Rock Bottom: Gay Men and Meth
As Perry Halkitis, Ph.D., explains onscreen, the problem with meth is that many users find it to be “…the most ideal drug for gay men.” This unsettling documentary takes an intimate look at the lives of seven gay men hooked on the hypersexual drug. Some make it out of the addiction alive, one doesn’t. • 2006. Directed by Jay Corcoran. • From Outcast Films (www.outcast-films.com). — Review: Eric A.T. Dieckman
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The Bubble
In this hybrid of erotic comedy and political drama, three young Israelis share an apartment. The trio meets Ashraf, a gay Arab on the run. The three Israelites take him under their wing, give him the more Israeli-sounding appellation, Shimi, and attempt to pass him off as one of their own. But amidst the political turmoil of their home country, how long can their charade last? • 2006. Co-written and directed by Eytan Fox. Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles. • From Strand Releasing (www.strandreleasing.com).
— Preview: Eric A.T. Dieckman
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Death at a Funeral
English ensemble comedy at its funniest. Daniel’s father has passed on, leaving Daniel with the grim responsibility of arranging and hosting his funeral. Nothing seems to be going right when things get even worse. Dad’s secret gay lover, a dwarf named Peter (Peter Dinklage, The Station Agent) arrives unannounced with some very telling photos, and threats of blackmail. Huge laughs prevail throughout this bigger-than-life comedy about death. • 2007. Directed by Frank Oz. • From MGM Home Entertainment (www.mgm.com).
— Review: Eric A.T. Dieckman
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Eleven Men Out
The dramedy from Iceland shows what happens when one hunky soccer player decides to live life outside the lines. When a team’s most popular and sexiest soccer star admits he is gay, the sports world is turned upside down. Immediately suspended by the team, he forms a gang of other players who have come out. What happens next? The Eleven Men Out win game after game on their way to the championship. • 2005. Directed by Robert I. Douglas. • Available March 4 from Genius Products (www.geniusproducts.com) and here! Films (www.heretv.com).
— Preview: Suzie Lynde
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Surveillance 24/7
Adam has got his life just where he wants it: During the week he teaches at a private school; on the weekends he goes to London to dance, meet friends, and get laid. A casual encounter with a stranger, Jake, brings Adam to the attention of powerful unseen forces. They rob him of his job and follow his every move on surveillance cameras. He eventually discovers that Jake was planted on him as evidence of an affair with a gay member of the Royal family. When Jake is found dead, Adam is forced to go on the run and dig deep to find the truth. • 2007. Directed by Paul Oremland. • Available March 4 from Wolfe (www.wolfevideo.com, 1-800-GET-WOLFE).
— Preview: Suzie Lynde
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Midnight Express
With the Turkish government trying to crack down on drugs, terrorism, and crime, Billy Hayes (Brad Davis) has the misfortune of being caught at the border with a hashish stash. At first sentenced to four years and two months for drug possession, his prison term grows to 30 years when the prosecution’s appeal finds him guilty of smuggling. Things get worse when he is sent to a detention center for the mentally unstable after he bites off a warden’s tongue to prevent him from divulging his escape plans. Forced to struggle with daily violence, despair, and abuse, he finally reaches his breaking point and is willing to do almost anything to escape. Of note (other than Davis’ excellent performance): homoerotic shower scene. • 1978. Directed by Alan Parker. • Winner of two Academy Awards and six Golden Globes. • From Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (www.sonypictures.com).
— Preview: Troy Carrington
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TV ON DVD
The DL Chronicles: The Complete First Season
…Or as I like to call it, Awkward Gay Black Stories. Instead of fully investigating the network of black men that keep their gay lives secret, this snoozer approaches slapstick in repetitive “Hide under the bed! My wife is outside!” situations. For a better time, head straight to Logo’s addictively-bad Noah’s Arc. • 2007. • From Genius Products (www.geniusproducts.com) and here! Networks (www.heretv.com).
— Review: David Goldberg
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