Urbania

Rating:
Summary: Reality Sets In -- the Deep Sadness of Urbania
Review: My first encounter with this movie was on the Independent Film Channel at 12 in the morning. I had no idea what it was about, who was in it -- nothing. 2 hours later, I was curled up in a ball crying my eyes out with feelings of intense sadness for the character(s) in Urbania. This movie has proved to me that film has the capability of changing one's perception of life.

Without going into further detail about why I was crying (that would ruin the movie, yes?) , I will say that this film revolves around the gay main character Charlie (Dan Futterman, in a wonderfully believable performance) and his search for inner peace after a horrific experience leaves him lonely and traumatized. The key to begin healing, Charlie believes, is finding the man "that will make it all better". This man, Dean, played by Samuel Ball, is a rugged, handsome, heterosexual male. Dean has a snake/heart tattoo and smokes his cigarettes with seductive ease.

The big question is:

"What would Charlie, a depressed young gay male, want with a character like Dean?"

That question gets answered in the final minutes of the movie, when everything is out in the open and HARSH reality sets in.

This movie is set in the dark shadows of New York City -- entirely at night, which gives the movie a creepier feel than it would have had it been set in complete daylight.

There are scenes in which urban legends are present -- in fact, this movie is encircled by a web of them -- the one night stand with AIDS, the woman who microwaved her dog in an effort to dry it.. they're all here. Their presence really has no point to the movie whatsoever, other than to show that sometimes even the most horrific urban legends are not nearly as terrible as real life can be.

Matt Keeslar plays a beautiful role as Charlie's boyfriend, who is only seen in the movie through Charlie's flashbacks. I can honestly say that I feel Chris is a sweet soul, and his relationship with Charlie is one of the kindest and most loving I have ever seen on film, rivaling even the greatest and most convincing heterosexual relationships.

Another actor in the movie worth mentioning is, the one and only Alan Cumming, who delivers a great performace once again (I can't tell you how much I love this guy -- ehh, but that's beside the point) Alan Cumming plays Charlie's AIDS stricken-friend Brett whom Charlie visits during his evening escapades.

The plot of the movie is not dependent on the sexuality of its caracters completely -- this film, in fact, DESTROYS all myths that gay men are all about casual sex, drugs, and clubs (as seen in Party Monster and Queer as Folk). It also DESTROYS all myths that gay men are superficial, blatantly feminine, and stupid (as seen in The Birdcage). URBANIA focuses on true love between two people, and the loss that comes with it, and the overwhelming feeling to have revenge -- feelings that are universal and not dependent on sexuality.

Urbania made my blood boil at the end. I was confronted with feelings of surprise, hate, sadness, anger, and awe. I would like to state up front that this movie HAS SCENES OF GRAPHIC, REAL, HATE-MOTIVATED VIOLENCE that, after viewing flashbacks and getting to know the characters, some may not be able to tolerate. I have watched this movie twice, and, upon the second viewing, I had to leave the room when the ending approached. Granted, Kill Bill is a very violent movie, but it also did not have the harsh reality that Urbania has.

If you are someone who is offended by gay men or homosexuality in general, then I'm sorry, although I wish you would give this movie a chance -- maybe it would change your perceptions a bit?

This movie is disturbing, but REAL (with the exceptions of the urban legends that crop up every now and then). The love is REAL, the pain is REAL, the emotion is REAL. And the saddest part is that all these feelings, all these actions are a part of every day life, and that some people have to live in Charlie's shoes.

I STRONGLY recommend this movie because it is well done, simply put. It is well done, and a beautiful, sad, story. I must warn you, though, that the situations in this movie are very, VERY deep and hard to take. They're tough pills to swallow, to say the least. If you're very sensitive like I am, you may have a problem with a few scenes. Even still, I urge everyone and anyone to watch it for its depth of reality. (And do not get frustrated if during your first viewing you do not understand everything -- like Fight Club, Memento, and Donnie Darko, the movie Urbania may have to be watched more than once)

Urbania is a powerful film that leaves an impact you won't forget. Check it out.

Rating:
Summary: Urbania...ugh.
Review: Urbania is the kind of film that, after watching it for the first time, you have to immediately see it again. The second viewing is essential not only to convince yourself that what you have just experienced is real, but to take in all the minute details that you would never have noticed the first time.
Dan Futterman turns in a skilled and subtle performance as a lost and troubled New Yorker on a journey of guilt, anger, redemption and, at times, frightening apathy. The script, editing and filmography are first rate. These things, as well as an amazing supporting cast (including Josh Hamilton and Alan Cumming in tailor-made roles) come together to give us a disturbing, emotional and very sincere look into the darkest parts of human existence in the face of the thing we call fate.
While the film is very dark, showing us a seedy side to life, it balances it's central heavy themes with light moments and even comedy that are integrated seamlessly into it's overall atmosphere. The best and worst that life has to offer are portrayed as being symbiotic. Even when we are happiest there is still strife, and life can turn on a dime. This film is about what we do, how we react, when life takes these sharp left turns.
A beautiful and haunting story of paradise destroyed and peace obtained from the rubble, Urbania is a must see for anyone who dares to live and love.

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: One of the best entries to the gay film canon. This film is one involving mystery within a series of mysteries and urban myths. The perfomances are beautiful. Futterman is amazing in this as he strolls the night tripping from one situation to another. It is scary, funny and heartbreaking. Highly recommended for both gay and straight audiences. If you liked "After Hours" you should enjoy this one.

Rating:
Summary: Quirky, Edgy and a favorite
Review: If you like your movies with edge - this is your film! Futterman's performance is disturbing and riveting, but it is the writing, editing and direction that are the real stars. If you are put off by movies that move freely back and forth through time, telling stories "out of order", than you will probably not like this film. But for those who can let go of the initial confusion and let the film take you on its journey without trying to figure everything out, the pay-off is wonderful.
There ending could have perhaps been stronger without one scene which seems surreal to an extent which doesn't mesh with the psychological tenor of the rest of the piece. As such it is a bit ambiguous and may even detract from the otherwise driving intensity leading up to a satisfying climax for the story. Still, this is one of the best independent, gay films I've ever seen. It can be watched more than once and the viewer will pick up new levels and subtleties missed during the first watch.
This film captures the dynamic of grief so profound as to push someone over the edge, without letting the film itself go over. The realism of one man's descent into near, but never quite total, madness is a wonderful ride.