Reel Critics

‘Better Than Chocolate’ whets the appetite

Prior to television, before there were ad campaigns, elaborate

trailers, entertainment shows and child-persuading, adult-aggravating

toys in “Happy Meals,” movie posters gave a mere glimpse of what to

expect. That was the time when a filmgoer arrived at the theater in

anticipation, just like the very first day of school when you walked into

the unknown. It is still the same today with lesser-publicized

independent films.

With an advertising poster depicting two nude women embracing, Trimark

Pictures doesn’t hide the fact that lesbianism is an aspect of their

latest romantic comedy, “Better than Chocolate.”

Perhaps Peggy Thompson, the writer, felt that a reluctant audience

would need a quick and forceful push in to the deep end. After you

recover from the initial culture shock of lesbian burlesque nightclubs

and erotic bookstores, the real heart of the movie starts to reveal

itself through its warm and unique characters.

Maggie (Karyn Dwyer) is a 19-year-old college dropout with aspirations

of becoming a writer. Currently choosing performance art over law school,

she spends her days working at the Ten Percent Book Store and her nights

at the local lesbian nightclub. Kim (Christina Cox), a nomadic artist

living in her psychedelic-painted van, roams from one woman’s festival to

another, until she meets Maggie.

Maggie’s secret world is about to be revealed when her unsuspecting

mother (Lila), a prim and proper type, freshly divorced, and hilariously

portrayed by Wendy Crewson (“Air Force One”), decides to pick up the

pieces and move in with Maggie.

Allowing Maggie and Kim’s relationship to develop gradually would have

enhanced the film. Within a few minutes of meeting they share a cup of

coffee, entangle in the back of the van, and move in together, but let’s

just write that one off to impetuous youth, where flirtations quickly

lead to sexual intimacy.

Saved by a strong supporting cast, you forget Maggie and Kim’s

impulsiveness and begin to accept each character individually and sans

sexuality. Each one is no longer labeled. Maggie is simply Maggie, a

young woman coming of age. Kim is simply Kim, a young woman seeking

connection. Judy is simply Judy or she will be after a few more

operations. And Lila is simply adorable.

Throughout history films have flirted with gay and lesbian

relationships, from little-known independent films to blockbusters that

received Academy Awards. Whether the sexuality was implied or explicit.

Whether the character was openly gay or struggling with his or her

identity. Drama or comedy. You might just be surprised at the films that

you’ve seen that have gay and lesbian characters or subplots.

More recent independent films, now on video, with gay and lesbian

portrayals that I recommend are “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss,” a comedy

about unrequited love produced by Newport Beach’s Irene Turner, daughter

of former Newport Beach mayor Clarence Turner; and “High Art,” a serious

drama on the macabre side.

In “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss,” Sean P. Hayes (Jack on “Will &

Grace”) portrays an up-and-coming photographer searching for a subject

worthy of a gallery showing. Along the way, he develops a crush on a

young model whose sexual propensity is unknown.

In “High Art,” Ally Sheedy plays a professional photographer coaxed

out of retirement by a fresh-faced photography magazine editor. Although

a bit on the macabre side with young lives wasted away by alcohol and

drugs, the characters’ relationships are allowed to evolve.

If you are uncomfortable or uncertain about whether to see “Better

than Chocolate,” not even under the cloak of darkness, during a matinee,

wait until it’s out on video. Hopefully I’ve intrigued you to expand your

horizons, to try something new, even if it’s in the comfort of your own

home.

Containing nudity and sexual content, “Better than Chocolate,” where a

flashing neon light, “Girls, Girls, Girls” takes on a whole new meaning,

is a sensually erotic hilarious romp.

JULIE LOWRANCE, 40, is a Costa Mesa resident who works at a Newport Beach

overnight aircraft advertising agency.