Bay Area Reporter :: Movies News

Cynthia Carr's 'Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar'

April 16, 2024 | by Mark William Norby

Cynthia Carr's biography "Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar" astonishing at every turn, deeply excavates the Darling archive in order to bring a pioneering trans woman into the spotlight of 1970s New York.

'Ahead of the Curve' - inspiring tribute to Franco Stevens and Curve Magazine

by Laura Moreno
Apr 13, 2024

The documentary film "Ahead of the Curve," directed by Jen Rainin and Rivkah Beth Medow, tells the long-awaited real-life story of Franco Stevens and her groundbreaking career as founding publisher of Curve Magazine.

'Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All' - music documentary's much closer to fine

by Gregg Shapiro
Apr 2, 2024

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are the subjects of a marvelous and long overdue documentary, "Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All" which, including their "Barbie" boost, new album and tour, adds up to more music enjoyment for their fans.

'Makeup' - portrait of an oddball friendship with a drag twist

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Apr 2, 2024

"Makeup" is a buddy film for the 21st century. A tale of an unlikely friendship between two very different people, one of whom has a secret, "Makeup" is a film which raises a number of interesting questions about gender roles.

'Cocktails with George and Martha'- Philip Gefter's book on Edward Albee's acrimonious play and film

by Brian Bromberger
Mar 25, 2024

Philip Gefter's new book, "Cocktails with George and Martha," an analysis of both the play and the 1966 Hollywood film, uses this now classic drama to explore how recent movies have depicted marriage.

Julio Torres makes it easy to love 'Problemista'

by Gregg Shapiro
Mar 23, 2024

It should come as no surprise that gay writer and actor Julio Torres' film directorial debut "Problemista" (A24) would not only be quirky and original but also deeply moving, while subtly making a political statement.

'Glitter & Doom' - jukebox musical film's gay romance

by Gregg Shapiro
Mar 17, 2024

"Glitter & Doom" tells the intricate tale of titular characters Glitter and Doom played by newcomers Alex Diaz and Alan Cammish, respectively, making their film debuts. The film features songs by Indigo Girls.

Lil Nas X's 'Long Live Montero' - documentary follows the musician's life and tour

by Brian Bromberger
Mar 12, 2024

"Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero," details the gay singer-songwriter's first-ever headlining U.S. tour. The occasionally compelling film follows him performing on stage during his tour, but also behind-the-scenes as he adjusts to fame.

'Carol Doda Topless at the Condor' - new doc recalls the '60s trailblazing stripper

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Mar 12, 2024

"The only way to get into show business was to show my business," says the late Carol Doda in "Carol Doda Topless at the Condor," a new feature length documentary by Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker.

'Frida' magical new documentary on the life of artist Frida Kahlo

by Laura Moreno
Mar 4, 2024

The incredible true story of 20th-century Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, "Frida" is told from the artist's own perspective. The film is based on primary sources including Kahlo's illustrated diaries, essays and interviews.

'Drifter' — Pat Rocco's 1974 bisexual hustler film rereleased

by Gregg Shapiro
Feb 27, 2024

Newly available on Blu-ray and including special features such as four of Pat Rocco's short films, as well as audio commentary by film historian Finley Freibert, the classically low-budget "Drifter" may finally find an audience.

'Drive-Away Dolls' — queer comical road trip has drive

by Kyle Amato
Feb 20, 2024

Written by Ethan Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke, "Drive-Away Dolls" is reminiscent of the gonzo "Raising Arizona" or "The Hudsucker Proxy," with an unabashedly queer sentiment.

'Michael' — early gay film was ahead of its time

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Feb 20, 2024

Originally released in 1924, Carl Theodor Dreyer's "Michael" was a film that was quite different from what audiences of the time were used to. "Michael" is about a gay artist who loses his young male lover to a gold-digging woman.

'I.S.S.' - In space no one can hear you scream

by Gregg Shapiro
Feb 13, 2024

Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Nick Shafir's screenplay is set in the near (and not totally improbable) future. "I.S.S." takes place aboard the International Space Station research facility.

'Hundreds of Beavers' — slapstick comedy's snowy silliness

by Jim Provenzano
Feb 13, 2024

Set in the wintry Wisconsin wilderness, "Hundreds of Beavers" recalls the early silent film comedies of Buster Keaton with a hint of Wile E. Coyote. Amid its national tour, the wacky film screens at the Balboa Theatre beginning February 23.

Arts & Culture :: Movies

Cynthia Carr's 'Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar'

'Ahead of the Curve' - inspiring tribute to Franco Stevens and Curve Magazine

'Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All' - music documentary's much closer to fine

'Makeup' - portrait of an oddball friendship with a drag twist

'Cocktails with George and Martha'- Philip Gefter's book on Edward Albee's acrimonious play and film

Julio Torres makes it easy to love 'Problemista'

'Glitter & Doom' - jukebox musical film's gay romance

Lil Nas X's 'Long Live Montero' - documentary follows the musician's life and tour

'Carol Doda Topless at the Condor' - new doc recalls the '60s trailblazing stripper

'Frida' magical new documentary on the life of artist Frida Kahlo

'Drifter' — Pat Rocco's 1974 bisexual hustler film rereleased

'Drive-Away Dolls' — queer comical road trip has drive

'Michael' — early gay film was ahead of its time

'I.S.S.' - In space no one can hear you scream

'Hundreds of Beavers' — slapstick comedy's snowy silliness

Popular Stories in Arts

'Ahead of the Curve' - inspiring tribute to Franco Stevens and Curve Magazine

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