bnorthup
10-09-2001, 12:13 PM
Big Eden (R)
At the Myrna Loy starting October 12
Two stars.
Crossing a Big Fork in the road: Gay love in Montana
The good news is that a movie made in Montana, featuring some local actors, is coming to the Myrna Loy. The bad news is that it’s not a very good movie.
While it’s tempting to praise “Big Eden” for its positive presentation of gay life, the movie's total disconnect with reality makes it more laughable than laudable.
Filmed somewhere in the Kalispell/Big Fork area, “Big Eden” tells the story of a New York artist who returns home to Montana to be with his dying grandfather. While he’s here, he falls in love with a quiet Native American man who works in a local store.
What might have been an intriguing gay love story set in a less-than-tolerant state turns into fantasy as the entire town starts playing match-maker to the gay couple. The old-timers sit around contemplating how to get the gay men together. Yeah, right. In Montana?
What’s missing, of course, the edge of hatred that would inevitably surround such a drama. It’s easy to imagine people who would tolerate or endorse a gay love affair, it’s impossible to imagine an entire Montana small town community being openly pro-gay.
Ultimately, of course, the movie ends up defeating its own purpose: because it’s so preposterously implausible, it does nothing to promote understanding of gay issues. It’s one large lost opportunity.
“Big Eden” does, however, feature some great Montana scenery – and some talented local actors. If that's enough for you, head for the Myrna Loy. Just don't expect a believable story.
END
At the Myrna Loy starting October 12
Two stars.
Crossing a Big Fork in the road: Gay love in Montana
The good news is that a movie made in Montana, featuring some local actors, is coming to the Myrna Loy. The bad news is that it’s not a very good movie.
While it’s tempting to praise “Big Eden” for its positive presentation of gay life, the movie's total disconnect with reality makes it more laughable than laudable.
Filmed somewhere in the Kalispell/Big Fork area, “Big Eden” tells the story of a New York artist who returns home to Montana to be with his dying grandfather. While he’s here, he falls in love with a quiet Native American man who works in a local store.
What might have been an intriguing gay love story set in a less-than-tolerant state turns into fantasy as the entire town starts playing match-maker to the gay couple. The old-timers sit around contemplating how to get the gay men together. Yeah, right. In Montana?
What’s missing, of course, the edge of hatred that would inevitably surround such a drama. It’s easy to imagine people who would tolerate or endorse a gay love affair, it’s impossible to imagine an entire Montana small town community being openly pro-gay.
Ultimately, of course, the movie ends up defeating its own purpose: because it’s so preposterously implausible, it does nothing to promote understanding of gay issues. It’s one large lost opportunity.
“Big Eden” does, however, feature some great Montana scenery – and some talented local actors. If that's enough for you, head for the Myrna Loy. Just don't expect a believable story.
END