You are cordially invited to
* *
*Sunday High, 29 November 2009*
'Shortbus' and 'Breakfast on Pluto'
*Two recent films on finding love, fulfilment.*
*Shortbus (2006)*
101mins, English
*Synopsis:* Numerous New York City-dwellers come to the exclusive club
Shortbus to work out problems in their sexual relationships. Rob and Sophia
are a happily married couple, except for the fact that she has never
experienced sexual climax. This irony follows her to work, because she is a
couples counselor who frequently has to deal with the sexual issues other
couples have. Two of her patients are Jamie and James, a gay couple who have
been monogamous for five years and counting. James wants to bring other men
in to the relationship, and his own history with depression may hint at an
ulterior motive. Ceth may be the perfect addition to their family, but
Caleb, a voyeur from across the street, may have his own ideas about that.
Sophia visits Severin, a dominatrix with secrets of her own to reveal.
*A review:* ...The superb cast of characters of John Cameron Mitchell's [of
"Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame"] "Shortbus" powerfully draws the viewer in
to each of the characters' lives and problems.... Yes, the on-screen sex is
real. And there's lots of it. But rather than displaying sexually explicit
scenes for the sake of cheap titillation, "Shortbus" is provocative with an
actual purpose.... "Shortbus" deals with all manners of human relations. Not
stressing one form over another, it shows how sex, friendship and love
continually intermingle. Because one's comfort level with their sexuality
mirrors how one relates in all other relationships, showing the raw and
carnal aspect of each character so explicitly works beautifully to
accurately convey their motivations and struggles.
...Whether dealing with sexual oppression, struggling with sexual desires
deemed socially deviant, seeking redemption for having already been there
and done that, or feeling generally unaccepted for being who you are, the
redemption value in this film is tenderly perceptible. "Shortbus" lets us
know that gay, straight, bi, transgender, whatever – we all just want to
feel accepted.
.
*Breakfast on Pluto (2005)*
128 mins, English
Synopsis: A foundling lad, Patrick "Kitten" Braden, comes of age in the
1970s. He leaves his Irish town, in part to look for his mother and in part
because his
transgender nature is beyond the town's understanding. He's taken in by a
rock band, falls for the lead singer, has brushes with the IRA, is arrested
by the London police, works in a peep show, and poses as a survey researcher
for the phone company. Throughout, his nationality and his nature put him at
great risk. In his search for his mother, he makes surprising discoveries of
friendship and family. But, will he survive?
*Reviews:*
This film is fabulous -- and has nothing to do with the solar system.
Cillian Murphy is AMAZING in his complicated role as a trans-sexual man
growing up in Ireland in the 1970's and his quest to find what he wants in
his life.... Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brandon Gleeson are far more than
excellent in supporting roles. This film is dependent on its star (Mr.
Murphy) and he shines. The themes in this film are universal. Even while the
story is sad and the situation the main character - Kitten - finds herself
in are very sad, it somehow always becomes funny. The interaction between
Kitten and the people around her is fascinating, funny and true-to-life....
Don't want to spoil anything about the plot but if anyone has read the book
DO NOT expect the same situations or ending.... If you strip away the
complicated details of this trans-sexual Irish male and his travels during
the 70's you can find the root, universal story of a young person looking
for love.
---------------------------
....What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three
dimensional movie in the hands of a good director like Neil
Jordan.... Cillian Murphy imbues Patrick "Kitten" with growing dignity as
he/she matures through the film, and at the end she has become a
self-assured woman, who has 'found' family, her mother and father, and a
meaning in life.
The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the
prejudice directed against "Paddy" is appalling, reminiscent of "In the Name
of the Father." It is not for the faint-hearted, be aware! Costumes and
music of the late 60's / early 70's are both equally impressive. There is an
excellent soundtrack.
*(All info sourced from IMDB.com)*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Time:* 5.00 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. One intermission during which light
refreshments will be served.
*Venue:* The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit
Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola
Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai.
*Getting there:* It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from
Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same
routes also operate from Kurla (West) station.
*Space courtesy:* The Humsafar Trust.
Note: Programme subject to change without notice in unavoidable
circumstances.
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