Reviewing Movies

Note the ‘u’ in valour. Originating as a stage play set in a Beachfront Home in New York State this is a Canadian production filmed in Quebec. Eight longtime gay friends meet for summer weekends at the home of Gregory, a dance choreographer—hence the attic dance studio. Bringing along his latest fling, a randy Latino dancer, is a dance accompanist played by an actor who also portraits his identical twin who is dying of AIDS. Rounding out the octet are a pair of lawyers who arrive with Gregory’s blind paramour and finally the gnomish second AIDS sufferer of the group currently unattached.

The home, a sprawling Nineteenth Century Mansion with carved marble fireplaces, original wallpapers, and wrap-around verandas is surrounded by gardens and lawns. The bags of groceries that adorn the old-style kitchen in an early scene would run to four figures today, we do not see the station wagon that must have brought them home. Gregory is a gracious accepting host, tolerant of his guest’s moods and peccadilloes.

There are scenes of casual nudity but no overt acts of gay sex displayed on camera. As befitting a stage play of its time the language is quite sedate. Set in the eighties when little was known of the causes and treatment of AIDS KS lesions make an appearance. The characters display no fears of having AIDS sufferers in their midst. In fact although they may have heated arguments their long-term friendship always prevails. Blind David’s reaction on the death of his sister seems over histrionic more suited to the stage than to film. Various characters provide direct commentary and the plot is dialogue driven as befits a stage production.