For a film made in the mid-90s, by a straight white man in his early 20s, Chasing Amy is startingly smart and sensitive, filled with more relatable moments than anyone would care to admit. Sure, by today’s standards, its exploration of sexuality is questionable at best and cringe-worthy at worst, but it’s also an honest depiction of how an era (and some people still) confront this reality. And for all the important issues it tries to address, like homophobia, racism, and toxic masculinity, it’s also at its core a confectionary romcom. If When Harry Met Sally asks, “Can women and men be friends?”, then Chasing Amy complicates it with a question of its own: “Can a lesbian and a guy who falls in love too quickly be friends?” You may or may not arrive at an answer by the film’s end, but you’ll find much to like in its earnestness and thoughtfulness.
"Amusing and appealing."
— Todd McCarthy
Holden and Banky are comic book artists. Everything is going good for them until they meet Alyssa, also a comic book artist. Holden falls for her, but his hopes are crushed when he finds out she's a lesbian.
When Holden (Ben Affleck) finds the girl of his dreams in Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams), he’s dismayed to learn that she’s a lesbian. Still, the two strike a strong friendship, much to the chagrin of Holden’s creative partner and lifelong best friend Banky (Jason Lee).
Everyone including (and especially) director Kevin Smith would probably lose their minds over the concept of bisexuality, huh?
Is it really a pre-stardom Ben Affleck flick if Matt Damon and Casey Affleck don’t make a cameo?
Berlin
1 nomination
Golden Globes
1 nomination
Spirit Awards
2 wins, 1 nomination
Sundance
1 nomination
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
LAFCA
1 nomination
