Defying Gravity (1997)

I must say, I love the continuity in this film. Others have said that it should be shortened a bit, because writer/director John Keitel feels compelled to tie up every loose end. But that is what I love about this film. When a character is sitting on a hillside looking at a view, the director actually shows you the view! So many much more expensive movies fail to provide the viewer this simple courtesy. The view shot is just a physical example, but there is emotional continuity in the film as well. Defying Gravity has given me a great deal of pleasure. I wish John Keitel would direct more. He seems more interested in editing which I am sure he is great at. I noticed he edited Latter Days, another favorite.

I first saw this film on DVD I borrowed from a friend, I enjoyed it so much I had to buy it myself the very next day.Essentially a love-story with twists and turns, it's set in a Frat-house.(so I believe its called....I'm British and we don't have those..) A sort of student household I suppose we'd call it.The main lead is Griff, he's got a secret boyfriend, the other guys in the house don't realise he's gay, and then something happens which threatens his little secret...I admit I shed a few tears during the film especially towards the conclusion, it's quite moving for a romantic like me. Griff, played by dishy Daniel Chilson, and his sweet co-star Pete (Don Handfield) are very easy on the eye and make a nice couple. Some of the Frat Brothers' acting skills lean towards the naive, even clunky, but it all adds to the charm in the end.My DVD copy is PAL and appears to be digitally converted from an NTSC film scan, this gives slightly disappointing quality in the same vein as a UK 'Friends' disc, eg slightly blurred movement and soft focus.

Being a person that does not use the term 'WHATEVER' repeatedly, I can offer that I found the movie enjoyable. I do not find it far fetched that parents and friends can accept gay family and friends in their lives, while most frats are not so accepting, even in California.I think the subject of being gay, and in a frat, is an important issue. Guys at that age are still trying to grow into their sexuality, and may gays males at that point have not learn to accept their own sexually. Believe me, I know. As a matter of fact this is an important issue, because it not uncommon for those not accepting of their sexually, to take out their discomfort on others (i.e., gay bashing).The movie has some touching moments, attractive actors, and I thought it was worth the 90 minute investment of my time. During the move not once did I have an urge to throw the remote, but then again, I have never been accused of being a drama queen.

I have finally seen Defying Gravity, and I have found the story line to be very good. It is hard to make life altering decisions like that. On the other hand the found the acting to be poor. Other then that it was a great movie and I would watch it again. It was nice to see that "Griff's" Friend stuck by him, even though he always knew. He was just waiting for Griff to tell him. It is hard to find friends like that....now that is a TRUE friend. I will be checking out for simular movies, that have the same/basic story line. If anyone knows of any that you would recommend, please don't hesitate to forward them off. Thank You, Take Care And Have A Good One....I hope to get some feedback...TazNS