Urbania

Rating:
Summary: Melancholy without being depressing...
Review: I loved this film. It combines effective editing, intriguing indie-type cinematography and slick nonlinear storytelling with a very touching, melancholy script to create a well-formed movie about intolerance, love, loss and revenge. Urbania reaches moments of real tension (not just shock appeal) during its two hours, and everything works toward an ending that, while not as shocking as say "The Sixth Sense," works its own sort of magic on the viewer.

Dan Futterman gives a powerful performance as Charlie, a man stalking the streets of New York, yearning for a love he has lost. A special treat is Alan Cumming, who makes a brief but powerful performance as his ailing friend Brett.

In short, the movie creates an urban world of melancholy, intolerance and revenge without slipping into depressing or gory territory. There are moments of humor, but a lot of what happens deals with darker parts of humanity, so the movie isn't for everyone.

The DVD itself is a little short on extras, but what's there is interesting. Plus, it's priced to own; it was worth every penny!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Filmmaking. A heartfelt masterpiece
Review: This film took my breath away. Rarely have I been able to laugh and cry while watching a film. This film is a complete original! Although it's ostensibly the story of a gay man trying to come to terms with a traumatic experience, it is ultimately the story of redemption and love that will touch everybody. I also admired the film for its bravery. It doesn't shy away from showing us things that are less than nice. I must say that Dan Futterman's performance is superb. I only know him from his TV show Judging Amy and while he does a great job there, her gets a chance to really shine here. If more people had seen this movie he would have been an Oscar nominee!I missed this film in the theaters but got to see the DVD version which has great extras on it like a feature with Jan Brunvand (the urban legends expert) and a great audio commentary with the directors and the actors. If you missed this, I urge you to get a copy today!

Rating:
Summary: Sadness, alienation and urban mythology
Review: URBANIA (2000): Haunted by a recent tragedy, a young gay man (Dan Futterman) encounters various wild characters during a single night in New York whilst pursuing a stranger (Samuel Ball) whose life is inextricably bound with his own.

If you can make it through an annoyingly fragmented opening montage during which debut director/co-writer Jon Shear (a former actor) establishes both the characters and the various strands that will eventually constitute the bulk of the narrative, there's much to admire in this subdued study of sadness, alienation and urban mythology, loosely based on the stageplay 'Urban Folk Tales' by co-writer Daniel Reitz. Futterman (THE BIRDCAGE) is superb as a man torn apart at the seams by grief, seeking closure through his pursuit of a rough stranger (Ball), for reasons which are only made clear toward the end of the movie. The 'gay' element is introduced casually, about 18 minutes into the picture, and Matt Keeslar (Johnathon Schaech's gorgeous co-star in Gregg Araki's SPLENDOR) plays Futterman's boyfriend with loving grace - their scenes together are warm, tender and sexy. A fine supporting cast adds new twists to familiar scenarios: Alan Cumming is dignified as a former party animal now dying from an AIDS-related illness; Ball plays a thug with repressed gay tendencies, igniting real emotional sparks with Futterman during their final confrontation; and there are memorable extended cameos from the likes of Lothaire Bluteau (JESUS OF MONTREAL), Josh Hamilton (ALIVE) and Paige Turco (TV's "The Agency"). The climax foregoes melodrama for low-key catharsis, but Futterman's tragedy is emphasized by a brittle script and Shear's tightly-controlled direction, and the results are quietly engaging. Quirky, dramatic and heartfelt, URBANIA is an unusual entry in recent gay cinema, and worth a look.

The movie runs 104m 53s on Trimark's region 1 DVD, and is letterboxed at approx. 1.85:1 (anamorphically enhanced, though you wouldn't know it from the packaging). Photographed in Super 16 and blown up to 35mm for theatrical release, the image is OK, though a little grainy in places. Released to theaters with a Dolby Digital soundtrack, the DVD features a Dolby 5.1 mix which is mostly unobtrusive, yet fully immersive when necessary. Extras include an entertaining audio commentary involving Shear, Futterman, Cumming and co-star Gabriel Olds, along with a trailer and a number of deleted scenes. English subtitles and closed captions are provided.

NB. Samuel Ball played the mugger whose life is changed forever during a late night encounter with Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) in 'Downtown Crossing', a memorable stand-alone episode of TV's "Dawson's Creek" which first aired in 2002. And look fast during URBANIA for a brief cameo by Christopher Bradley, the hunky co-star of David DeCoteau's LEATHER JACKET LOVE STORY.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: One of the most overlooked gems I have ever seen, this movie and the acting deserve all the awards for excellence. Futterman is wonderful in his lead role. I could not tear myself away from this sexy, engrossing, highly stylized window into the life and imaginings of a very attractive young man, tormented with responsibility, longing, lust, and revenge...

Rating:
Summary: fantastic journey
Review: This movie affected me more than any other movie this year, though the last half hour of Dancer in the Dark was pretty awesome as well. Urbania (neat title that) is funny, scary, and moving. While it's sometimes difficult to know exactly what's going on, it ultimately fills in its secrets in a whoosh that made me want to cry and go "Wow" all at the same time. It's like the ending of Usual Suspects crossed with the emotional undertow of Sixth Sense, while always occupying an unsettling zone all its own. The unsettledness seems to be the point. We're in the mind of a man who's lost his anchor, his love, and with him, we're trying to get our bearings. The movie seemed to present the varied ways we can respond to a catastrophe: despair, revenge, redemption. I've read in the other reviews a tussle over whether this is an agenda movie. I think it's not, because with an agenda movie if you remove it's message, there's nothing left. Here, if you take out the homophobia and gay desire of the film, it's still a compelling ride into the mind of a character who's been victimized and wants to get back in the driver's seat. So, how can it be an agenda film? It's a multi-layered, visionary film about someone who's different from me, and I appreciated that. Though it made me a little uncomfortable at times, that didn't make me feel it wasn't made for me. It felt like it was testing my ability to see the world through someone else's eyes. I look forward to watching it again and how often can you say that?

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: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Edgy, perceptive and original
Review: "Urbania" is an intense and disturbing movie that takes place mainly during one freakish night on the streets of New York. What leads to the events that take place is shown in flashbacks. Its conclusion is quite powerful, especially for those like myself who don't quite figure out what's going on until near the end. A second viewing allows one to appreciate the clues contained throughout the film.

I can't say only so much about the plot without using spoilers. The protagonist, Charlie [Dan Futterman], is obviously very disturb by something that recently occurred. We see him in flashbacks with his lover, Chris [Matt Keeslar]. They seem to have a very loving relationship. In the present, we watch him call Chris several times and leave messages on Chris' answer machine. They seem to have broken up, but how and why? Or is it something more? We watch Charlie prowls the streets looking for something or someone. He charms, then shocks a young stud and his bimbo girlfriend. He goes to visit an old friend. In the flashbacks the friend is lively and vibrant. He gives wild parties. In the present, the friend is sick and alone. The encounter is tense and sad. Charlie befriends a bartender and gives him $50 to be on the lookout for an alcoholic, over the hill hustler [Samuel Ball]. What could he want with this sleazy character?

Dan Futterman gives an astonishing performance - edgy, tinged with a wealth of emotions from grief to rage. He is in every scene. Keeslar is suitably pretty and charming. Beyond his smiling face there is a decided sadness. Samuel Ball is frighteningly authentic as the hustler, one of those street-smart people whose aura is one of havoc and violence.

This is a gay-themed movie that breaks the mold. Charlie is a real character, not some by-the-numbers stereotype. He interacts with the straight world with a cynical ease. And, best of all, it's both a serious character study and a great psychological thriller, with far more in common with "The Sixth Sense" than "The Birdcage".

Director Jon Shear is a filmmaker to keep an eye on.

Rating:
Summary: jittery and nail-biting
Review: i really bit my nails for like a lot of this movie..it mixes a lot of things in here when he experience the life of Dan Flutterman's character, a gay man who just got out of a rough relationship with this guy..then he meets weird people, like Matt the bartender, played greatly by the awesome Josh Hamilton(Alive, The House Of Yes, The Bourne Identity), his gay friend, a creepy Alan Cumming(GoldenEye, Anniversary Party, Eyes Wide Shut) and many others...focuses a lot on homosexuality which Flutterman's character is and it gives it that atmosphere...some intense scenes like I said before, with some great ways to sprinkle the urban legends in. Matt Keslaar(The Last Days Of Disco, Pyshco Beach Party, Scream 3) also stars

Rating:
Summary: Urbania...ugh.
Review: This was a truly awful film. Everything from the pacing to the story, to the conclusion left me bored & aggrivated.
Also, i just don't buy Dan Futterman as gay. I just don't see it.
& i only bought it because Matt Keeslar is in it, but he ends up dying, so why bother?
& can someone please tell me why Alan Cumming was even in this film?
He had nothing to do with anything except be a link between Futterman & Keeslar, & an unimportant one @ that.
The fact that it got no press when it was released has not so much to do with the fact that it was a gay art film, but for the fact that it was down right unwatchable.
& on the cover it has some random quote reading, "The best movie out there period."
What-a-lie.