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.
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