Celluloid ClosetĀ returns a little later than we expected but weāve got a real gay comedy classic for you this month. Our lastĀ Celluloid ClosetĀ instalment focused on the hilarious comedyĀ Straight-JacketĀ which told the tale of a closeted Hollywood actor at the height of his fame. This monthās film is the oft-revisited comedyAdam and SteveĀ which explores the funnier side of being gay and falling in love.
Adam (Craig Chester) first meets Steve (Malcolm Gets) when the two have a disastrous one-night-stand. Adam is an awkward teenage goth whilst Steve is a club dancer; already you can hear the alarm bells ringing. During their first encounter an incident happens that ensures they never see each other again. For those that havenāt seen the movie we wonāt give away the rather jaw-dropping incident that puts a quick end to Adam and Steveās relationship as teenagers, but we will say itās pretty hilarious (and gross). Donāt do drugs kids.
Fast forward to years later and Adam unknowingly reacquaints with Steve after stabbing his dog in the eye by accident. Steve is the doctor that treats the dog but neither of the men realise theyāve met each other before. Ā At the same time Adamās long-time friend Rhonda (Parker Posey) starts dating Steveās straight room-mate Michael (Chris Kattan). Will any of them realise that Adam and Steve know each other from years ago or will the relationships continue without a hitch. What do you think??
Adam and SteveĀ explores second chances in gay relationships whilst lamenting on the free-spirited and carefree attitude of teenagers.Ā At the time they meet itās a big deal for Adam whilst itās a casual one-night-stand for Steve. When the years roll forward Adam hasnāt moved on an awful lot from where he was as a teenager whilst Steveās life has changed quite drastically. What doesnāt disappear with time though is embarrassment and Steve canāt let go of the circumstances that he and Adam first met. Many years after the event, heās still mortified and desperate to prevent Adam from realising who he is.
Craig Chester and Malcolm Gets make a great on-screen duo. From the filmās opening scenes through to the climax, the pair spark off one another and thatās one of the things we love about the movie. The tongue-in-cheek approach to the story may not be to everyoneās taste but if you want some light comedy then youāll love this movie. Honestly audiences will love this movie regardless of sexuality and gender; the themes are universal and you can see that gay relationships arenāt all that different to straight ones. Who hasnāt had an embarrassing situation with a potential lover that they wish never happened?
If youāre looking for a movie that is a little light relief from the heavier side of gay cinema thenĀ Adam and SteveĀ will certainly do the trick. If youāre prepared to forgive a few stereotypes and clichĆ©s then youāll likely really enjoy it. If nothing else Parker Posey is a joy as Adamās wayward friend Rhonda and itās a great chance to see her in an early role before she became an international star.
Adam and Steve is available now on DVD through TLA Releasing.