Lez Keep It Real

I’m not a movie critic. In fact, I’ve only reviewed one movie in my writing career and that was Brokeback Mountain for obvious reasons. Last night, I watched Gray Matters with Heather Graham, Tom Cavanaugh and Bridget Moynahan - not your average cast for a GLBT themed movie.

I had heard, through the grapevine, that this was a cute well-written script and as equally well-acted. And while I did agree with the previous statement for the most part, there was one thing I couldn’t swallow. Heather Graham as a lesbian. Sure, she’s attractive. Sure, she’s engaging. But as a lesbian, she flunked miserably. Why is it that for a GLBT movie to make it in the mainstream, it has to be some cutesy little story with popular straight actors playing gay roles. And, why is it that every time there’s a lesbian character, she has to look like a model, have incredible fashions sense and be attracted to another girl who looks and acts the exact same way.

I’m ready for a lesbian movie with a tomboy character! There are plenty of lesbians out there who are boyish (just as there are who are femme), but we aren’t represented in movies or entertainment. How come?

I recently wrote a book called, The Crabapple Tree, (I’m in the process of getting it published, so keep your eyes out for it) which is geared toward young adults about a tomboyish 12-year-old coming to terms with her feelings of homosexuality and how it’s just another facet to the many complexities of growing up. I wrote it because these kinds of stories aren’t represented in GLBT books, movies or entertainment. And, it’s time that they were.

As you can see, I’m not that good of a movie critic. I go off on tangents sometimes and forget to focus on the movie at hand. Overall, I was entertained. Gray Matters is worth a rent for those of you who haven’t seen it. As quality GLBT movies are hard to come by, this one definitely had some quality performances. Alan Cumming and Helena (real name Rachel Shelley) from the L-Word both acted well in their guest roles.

Rent it. Watch it. Tell me what you think.

gray matters, heather graham, rachel shelley, alan cumming, the L word, Tom Cavanaugh, Bridget Moynahan, brokeback mountain