Leaving Metropolis (2002)

SPOILERS The best thing about this film is the eroticism of the love scenes, in particular the reality of them with the handsome Mr Corazza. The one with the two guys naked together before the artist's girlfriend walks in is nice to watch. The movie concerns a rather dislikeable artist who needs a job to stimulate his creativity and takes a position as a waiter in a small cafe/restaurant in Winnipeg. The husband and wife team welcome his ideas and treat him as a friend, but the artist, who seems constantly indifferent to the husband, has actually fallen in love with him and fantasises about him through his paintings. The husband likes the artist and is moved to see his portraits so beautifully executed. The two men start an affair which has sad repercussions, particularly for the husband, who is a good man brought down by an artist who seems intent on breaking up the guy's marriage (and then doesn't even want him afterwards) The wife is left running her cafe alone, the husband takes a trip somewhere we do not know and the artist is left alone with the ashes of his dear friend, trans-sexual Shannon. The two threads that run through the film are incongruous- the constant references to Superman (since I believe this came from the title of the stage-play) and the AIDS story. The actor who played Shannon played her well, but it did not fit the rest of the film which could have been a whole lot lighter and instructive had it not gone done the usual route of gay suffering and death - a fine start to a film leading to a depressing ending. Overall, Vince Corazzo stood out, I was irritated by Josh (the artist) but that's just a personal thing.

From the description in the television guide, I wasn't sure if I'd like this one. But, thanks to 'Here!' channel, I got to see it uninterrupted and found it to be a super film ... a very insightful story of very believable characters by an extremely talented, perfectly-cast, fascinating group of actors(none of whom I have ever seen before, but hope to see often). Of course, the brilliant author/director had 'something to do with it'. I found each character to be fully drawn and could identify with each of them ... something I don't see often in films.I want to see more about these people. Thank you all for sharing with us.Please, folks, do not hesitate to dive into this one with both feet and your whole heart.

I was just really able to appreciate this film. Sure there were some lines that I didn't like and and I was a little unclear about some plot aspects and I wished we could have seen what happens to the characters after the film ended. But overall, I really loved the message of the film and the originality of it. This is a film about love, sexuality, and relationships. It was really beautiful. Most of what I must praise highest is the acting. Every single person was casted perfectly for what their unique talents offered. Corazza's is a VERY believable and truthful actor. His acting lends himself to innocence and sympathy -- just what Matt needed. Taylor was brilliant. She exudes power and assurance. And she played every one of her very difficult lines absolutely perfectly. She was perfection. Allison was surprising convincing and excellent. I say surprising because for a man dressed in woman's clothing, this is the first movie where I actually LIKED the character and this character was believable and not a stupid stereotype. Shannon was real person for me. Boyd was absolutely excellent. She seems to be the most experienced and a clear veteran of the art. They were so lucky to get her for this. She's a world-class actress. This had excellent ensemble acting.This film was just really enjoyable. I really found the writer's (Fraser) commentary to be especially interesting. This film was daring, original, and well-directed. A little unbelievable at points, but enjoyable none the less.

I guess we are all VERY different-at least when it comes to our opinion of the acting. I think the premise was good, very real (my partner and I were both straight-married when we met), the location is unique, the supporting cast interesting, the acting.... terrible! The main actor's skill may be fine for stage where melodrama is a good thing, here, I couldn't stop wondering who slept with whom to get this part. The wife was a bad actress most of the time, the rest of the cast were fine however. Just way to much drama and too little script development.I don't think we need happy endings and this movie lacked meat, but if you can get over the acting, which I couldn't, it is a fair movie to watch, then to forget.