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Parting Glances (1986)

Parting Glances (1986)

7.3

An honest, domestic depiction of AIDS and the Manhattan gay community

Movie

United States of America
English
Comedy, Drama
1986

TLDR

It’s heartbreaking how this was the only film Bill Sherwood ever made.

What it's about

Michael and Robert, a gay couple living in Brooklyn, have one last day together before Robert leaves for Africa for work. At Robert’s going-away party, Michael has to deal with his boyfriend’s imminent absence, while also dealing with unresolved feelings for his ex-lover Nick, who has AIDS.

The take

As a comedy made in the 80’s all about a gay couple, viewers not familiar with this indie film might expect something tragic, raunchy, or insensitive, but Parting Glances is surprisingly understated. The main relationship is refreshingly treated with the same domesticity as a straight couple would, and the main conflict isn’t concerned with acceptance– after all, Michael and Robert were already accepted by their urban Manhattan community. In writing this, first-time director Bill Sherwood is able to focus on the upcoming long-distance relationship, Michael realizing Robert wants the distance, while Robert feels uncertain over Michael’s feelings for his ex dying from AIDS. The film doesn’t shy away from the touching, but even with the difficult pain of losing parts of the community, it’s still straightforward, unsentimental, and so funny with the witty repartee between the well-written characters. Parting Glances is a true gem.

What stands out

Steve Buscemi. This was his first major movie role, and what a role to have! Apart from his unique look, he’s able to have the biting sarcasm one could only have when faced with death while the mainstream couldn’t care less, but he also has the vulnerability that underlies his cool demeanor.

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