For the writer/director's first effort at creating a work of fiction, "Defying Gravity" is quite good. While one might quibble about too many plot coincidences, shots of actors held a little too long, or music that attempts to cover up some weaknesses, the film does tell an interesting story and uses good actors to do it. This is better than average film making. Gay coming out films are difficult to bring off for either a gay or a straight audience. This one succeeds very well in holding the interest of both audiences. I look forward to seeing more work by this film maker.
48 Reviews
Look beyond the low budget production values and sometimes really bad acting
Figaro1420 July 2006
There's a gem of a script here. Clearly the filmmaker is working on a ultra low budget. Many of the supporting cast deliver their lines as if they are in a high school play -- they are painfully wooden. However the idea behind the film is an important one and the film will touch you on multiple levels. I somehow wish this script could get fine tuned and remade as a major production. I feel the film as a lot to say about the pressures of college life -- especially that of living in a frat house on a big ten campus and having to lead a double life.
Some of the material for the story appears to have been inspired by the Matthew Shepard story and the film feels extremely relevant.
In spite of the low budget nature of the film, see this picture!
Some of the material for the story appears to have been inspired by the Matthew Shepard story and the film feels extremely relevant.
In spite of the low budget nature of the film, see this picture!
Vanilla...
majikstl24 May 2004
Griff's a frat boy. So is Pete. Griff and Pete are lovers. Griff still wants to be seen as straight; so does Pete, though Pete is on the verge of coming out. Griff doesn't like being pressured. But when Pete is injured in a gay bashing, Griff is forced to decide on which side of the fence he must ultimately stand.
DEFYING GRAVITY is like one of those moralistic religious shows they used to show on Sunday mornings, mini-soap operas like "Insight" where average people found themselves facing difficult choices. Only in GRAVITY, religion is avoided and gay sex has been added. It is sincere. It is sweetly, naively philosophical in its morality. It is likable, but it is simplistic. It is about a man who wants to do the right thing, but has to muster up the moral courage to sacrifice his comfortable life in order to do it. DEFYING GRAVITY is vanilla, both sexually and dramatically. As Griff and Pete, Daniel Chilson and Don Handfield are boy-next-door handsome and kid brother cute. Their sex is PG rated. They are given a mutual best friend (Niklaus Lange) who is unmistakably straight to let us know that it is all right to be gay friendly. Griff's coming to terms with his sexuality is aided by a lesbian acquaintance (Linna Carter) who is black, to better identify being gay with being marginalized. It is all a bit too predictable.
Yet, the film is sincere and it is well acted, especially by Chilson who underplays his part with the right amount of repressed, middle-class indecisiveness. And the film's most honest revelation is noting that most great changes in life come after slow deliberation and soul searching.
DEFYING GRAVITY is feather weight, though it hardly defies gravity. But as it comfortably sets there taking up space, it is pleasant and inoffensive and delivers it message with utmost politeness. That may make it seem inconsequential, but since most gay films wallow in angry ranting or outrageous camp, GRAVITY's low-key thoughtfulness makes it a little bit different and a little bit special.
DEFYING GRAVITY is like one of those moralistic religious shows they used to show on Sunday mornings, mini-soap operas like "Insight" where average people found themselves facing difficult choices. Only in GRAVITY, religion is avoided and gay sex has been added. It is sincere. It is sweetly, naively philosophical in its morality. It is likable, but it is simplistic. It is about a man who wants to do the right thing, but has to muster up the moral courage to sacrifice his comfortable life in order to do it. DEFYING GRAVITY is vanilla, both sexually and dramatically. As Griff and Pete, Daniel Chilson and Don Handfield are boy-next-door handsome and kid brother cute. Their sex is PG rated. They are given a mutual best friend (Niklaus Lange) who is unmistakably straight to let us know that it is all right to be gay friendly. Griff's coming to terms with his sexuality is aided by a lesbian acquaintance (Linna Carter) who is black, to better identify being gay with being marginalized. It is all a bit too predictable.
Yet, the film is sincere and it is well acted, especially by Chilson who underplays his part with the right amount of repressed, middle-class indecisiveness. And the film's most honest revelation is noting that most great changes in life come after slow deliberation and soul searching.
DEFYING GRAVITY is feather weight, though it hardly defies gravity. But as it comfortably sets there taking up space, it is pleasant and inoffensive and delivers it message with utmost politeness. That may make it seem inconsequential, but since most gay films wallow in angry ranting or outrageous camp, GRAVITY's low-key thoughtfulness makes it a little bit different and a little bit special.
Defying Expectations -- and Packing a Punch
redoubtable6 September 2002
Once in a while you run into a movie that packs a wallop not because it is flawless, but in spite of, indeed almost because of, its flaws. I found the first 20 minutes or so of `Defying Gravity' very hard to sit through, and was still uncomfortable halfway through the film. The depiction of frat life seemed all too convincing; how could we have any sympathy for a main character who would buy into such cheesy `male camaraderie' at its most off-putting? (There is a coarse common term for these frat boys and their behavior, but I'll avoid using it here.) Even when the action moved beyond the suffocating atmosphere of the frat house and the tailgate party -- the evocation of said atmosphere being the first sign, perhaps, that writer-director John Keitel knew what he was doing after all -- I had the uneasy feeling I was watching yet another well-intentioned paint-by-numbers Afterschool Special about coming out, especially when the inevitable clichéd gay-bashing (right down to the baseball bats) took place.
But that is precisely when `Defying Gravity' begins to take an unexpected turn, gathering momentum when you least expect it. Once Griff has to face the reality of the consequences of his hiding, this film starts to soar. That's not because the plot ceases to be fairly predictable; it doesn't. What lifts this above most other movies, and certainly many gay-themed flicks, is how squarely and unapologetically it addresses and depicts love in its many forms. There's the true love of friendship between the closeted Griff and the straight, trying-to-understand Todd. (Why is any gay-themed movie with sympathetic straight characters derided as fantasy? Hello! understanding straight friends and family really do happen in `real life.' Talk about self-hatred ) There's a brief, but extremely potent, display of parental love (kudos to Kevin P. Wright as Pete's father). And above all, there's the belated but knockout realization of the love between Griff and Pete, in the final hospital scene and the beautiful little coda the most powerful emotional payoff I've seen onscreen in quite a while. In terms of conviction, it all puts the more recent, vastly overrated "Big Eden," for instance, totally in the shade.
Clearly Mr. Keitel deserves credit for turning this movie around the way he does. And then there's the cast. Nicklaus Lange's finely tuned performance makes Todd a real person, not a buddy wish fulfillment. Don Handfield as Pete has a smaller role than one might anticipate but, crucial to the film's impact, he underplays this more grounded character to perfection. "Defying Gravity" ultimately rests, however, on the shoulders of Daniel Chilson as Griff, and boy does he come through: I see something very different here from those who commented on supposedly amateurish acting. Chilson can do more with his face particularly his endearing, slightly off-kilter smile than many much more highly touted performers. Watch the extraordinarily nuanced play of emotions across that face when Pete's housemate tells Griff `he really cares about you,' and in the aforementioned final two scenes between Griff and Pete. That's what film acting is all about. Bravo, Daniel! When will we see you onscreen again?
But that is precisely when `Defying Gravity' begins to take an unexpected turn, gathering momentum when you least expect it. Once Griff has to face the reality of the consequences of his hiding, this film starts to soar. That's not because the plot ceases to be fairly predictable; it doesn't. What lifts this above most other movies, and certainly many gay-themed flicks, is how squarely and unapologetically it addresses and depicts love in its many forms. There's the true love of friendship between the closeted Griff and the straight, trying-to-understand Todd. (Why is any gay-themed movie with sympathetic straight characters derided as fantasy? Hello! understanding straight friends and family really do happen in `real life.' Talk about self-hatred ) There's a brief, but extremely potent, display of parental love (kudos to Kevin P. Wright as Pete's father). And above all, there's the belated but knockout realization of the love between Griff and Pete, in the final hospital scene and the beautiful little coda the most powerful emotional payoff I've seen onscreen in quite a while. In terms of conviction, it all puts the more recent, vastly overrated "Big Eden," for instance, totally in the shade.
Clearly Mr. Keitel deserves credit for turning this movie around the way he does. And then there's the cast. Nicklaus Lange's finely tuned performance makes Todd a real person, not a buddy wish fulfillment. Don Handfield as Pete has a smaller role than one might anticipate but, crucial to the film's impact, he underplays this more grounded character to perfection. "Defying Gravity" ultimately rests, however, on the shoulders of Daniel Chilson as Griff, and boy does he come through: I see something very different here from those who commented on supposedly amateurish acting. Chilson can do more with his face particularly his endearing, slightly off-kilter smile than many much more highly touted performers. Watch the extraordinarily nuanced play of emotions across that face when Pete's housemate tells Griff `he really cares about you,' and in the aforementioned final two scenes between Griff and Pete. That's what film acting is all about. Bravo, Daniel! When will we see you onscreen again?
Excellent story, so so acting - it all evens out
Sainsdy10 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Lets just get the negatives out of the way. The acting wasn't that great. Yes the actors were "pretty" but they needed to have another look at the script instead of the mirror. I just loved the story line, the plot, it was really well thought out. I read it was based on experiences of real life so its not so surprising it all came together well. Another user commented on gay themed European films versus US. I tend to agree. European films make you think and the acting is generally better. US films rely too much on the "pretty" side of things. You may get some question marks popping up in your head thought-out the course of this film. There were stages I couldn't really get a feeling for what the character was going through, what they were feeling and thinking, it was then left up to the script to fill in the blanks. First half of the film was OK, it started slipping about 3/4 the way through but made up for it at the end with the hospital scene and the kiss which I was waiting for, for quite some time. Couldn't help but walk away feeling good about it, so thumbs up. Worth watching, just wish I was the director and made a few scenes more "alive".
Love is Never Having to Say I'm Sorry I Watched This Movie
B2427 July 2004
Sometimes you just have to forgive all the faults and glitches and go with the flow. I liked this film in spite of its low-budget feel and empty moments, because there is a difference between profound emotion and cheap sentiment, and the script of Defying Gravity reflects the former. In spades.
Another pitfall avoided by this writer and director is that of going over the top in caricaturing his leads or allowing the story to become preposterous. The parts dealing with college fraternity life are spot on, including subtexts. (I know this for a fact.) If anything, the more extreme moments of drama are underplayed rather than the opposite.
So there is a little political correctness involved -- so what? The moment that Griff turns to Todd on that mountaintop and confesses his feelings for Pete, everything of lesser import in this story vanishes. What remains a mystery is how an actor like Daniel Chilson who shows such promise in this role did not go on to much greater accomplishment.
The heart and soul of any straightforward love story is its reflection of the highest and best motivation humanly possible as regards one person's feelings for another. Everything base and immoral is swept aside in a tide of total devotion and deep introspection, hence the notion of defying gravity.
I do not know whether this film was made for television or general release. I wish I had stumbled across it sooner. It is a simple, unsophisticated, unpretentious gem.
Another pitfall avoided by this writer and director is that of going over the top in caricaturing his leads or allowing the story to become preposterous. The parts dealing with college fraternity life are spot on, including subtexts. (I know this for a fact.) If anything, the more extreme moments of drama are underplayed rather than the opposite.
So there is a little political correctness involved -- so what? The moment that Griff turns to Todd on that mountaintop and confesses his feelings for Pete, everything of lesser import in this story vanishes. What remains a mystery is how an actor like Daniel Chilson who shows such promise in this role did not go on to much greater accomplishment.
The heart and soul of any straightforward love story is its reflection of the highest and best motivation humanly possible as regards one person's feelings for another. Everything base and immoral is swept aside in a tide of total devotion and deep introspection, hence the notion of defying gravity.
I do not know whether this film was made for television or general release. I wish I had stumbled across it sooner. It is a simple, unsophisticated, unpretentious gem.
hmmmmmm
sfchapman30 January 2006
I actually liked this film. It had a good direction and a welcome approach to an important topic. The angst of youth is bad enough, but mixed in with confusions of sexuality can be very difficult.
But... the acting was quite appalling and the script poor. It is not surprising that a few of the lead characters never made another film, but the lead guy had that "something".
Its such a shame, because I wanted to enjoy this film and had been looking for it cheap on Ebay for about a year.
There are better "coming of age" gay films such as Preque Rien. But if you come across a video or DVD of Defing Gravity in a bargain bin - it's worth a couple of quid.
But... the acting was quite appalling and the script poor. It is not surprising that a few of the lead characters never made another film, but the lead guy had that "something".
Its such a shame, because I wanted to enjoy this film and had been looking for it cheap on Ebay for about a year.
There are better "coming of age" gay films such as Preque Rien. But if you come across a video or DVD of Defing Gravity in a bargain bin - it's worth a couple of quid.
Humorless-One scene short of a tragic gay cliche...
adamgraham22 September 2000
If you like cinematic cliches, this is the film for you. Poor acting, worse writing, and juvenile direction make this one of the worst gay-themed films I have ever seen --soft-porn included. In fact, it was actually like a porno that failed to deliver any gratifying sex scenes.
Griff and Pete, members of a fraternity at USC, are having an secret affair. One of them is closeted, the other isn't...you can guess how the rest of the story unfolds.
Films like 'Beautiful Thing' and 'Lillies' helped define the genre of modern gay cinema, while 'Defying Gravity' is like the letch at the bar who won't stop ogling you: it just keeps getting uglier and more annoying. Don't waste your time or your money on this sorry excuse for a movie.
Griff and Pete, members of a fraternity at USC, are having an secret affair. One of them is closeted, the other isn't...you can guess how the rest of the story unfolds.
Films like 'Beautiful Thing' and 'Lillies' helped define the genre of modern gay cinema, while 'Defying Gravity' is like the letch at the bar who won't stop ogling you: it just keeps getting uglier and more annoying. Don't waste your time or your money on this sorry excuse for a movie.
A wonderful film...
TobyS25 October 2001
Defying Gravity is a wonderful film. It's both humorous, as well as heartbreaking, and is a film that I look forward to watching again.
Griff (Daniel Chilson) is an all American super jock frat boy. He plays hoops with a Nerf ball in his dorm room, and parties it up while flirting with the girls at football tailgating parties. Griff, however, is also carrying on a sexual relationship with Pete (Don Handfield) behind everybody's back.
After being witness to a gay bashing that leaves Pete seriously injured, Griff is forced to deal with his own sexuality, as well as the conflict of outing himself in order to bring Pete's attackers to justice. Say nothing, and he lets down somebody he realizes truly loves him, and wants more than just sex. Come forward, and he'll have to face his frat brothers, as well as himself and the feelings he's discovering he has towards Pete.
Both Beautiful Thing and Get Real dealt with "coming out" in a syrupy sort of way. This isn't to say those films are bad; Quite the contrary. They are both excellent films that I have seen and own. What I'm getting at is that it's nice to see a film that forgoes the syrup and plays it in less of a fairy tale way.
Given the fact that this was the first role for many involved, some of the acting shows strain, and ends up looking amateurish, but that didn't bother me as much as it usually would, and in fact, I think it made the performances seem all the more real. The relationship between Griff and his best friend Todd (Niklaus Lange) is both convincing and sweet. Todd is truly trying to understand and support Griff, even when he has no idea what his friend is going though. The only major drawback I can pick out is that the relationship between Griff and Denetra (Linna Carter) isn't fully explored, and I was left with wanting to see more.
Defying Gravity is not a glossy smooth production like either of the films I mentioned above, but that's not a fault, and shouldn't be considered one. Occasionally uneven acting aside, this is a wonderful film that truly has heart and I hope everybody will give it a chance.
My grade: A
Griff (Daniel Chilson) is an all American super jock frat boy. He plays hoops with a Nerf ball in his dorm room, and parties it up while flirting with the girls at football tailgating parties. Griff, however, is also carrying on a sexual relationship with Pete (Don Handfield) behind everybody's back.
After being witness to a gay bashing that leaves Pete seriously injured, Griff is forced to deal with his own sexuality, as well as the conflict of outing himself in order to bring Pete's attackers to justice. Say nothing, and he lets down somebody he realizes truly loves him, and wants more than just sex. Come forward, and he'll have to face his frat brothers, as well as himself and the feelings he's discovering he has towards Pete.
Both Beautiful Thing and Get Real dealt with "coming out" in a syrupy sort of way. This isn't to say those films are bad; Quite the contrary. They are both excellent films that I have seen and own. What I'm getting at is that it's nice to see a film that forgoes the syrup and plays it in less of a fairy tale way.
Given the fact that this was the first role for many involved, some of the acting shows strain, and ends up looking amateurish, but that didn't bother me as much as it usually would, and in fact, I think it made the performances seem all the more real. The relationship between Griff and his best friend Todd (Niklaus Lange) is both convincing and sweet. Todd is truly trying to understand and support Griff, even when he has no idea what his friend is going though. The only major drawback I can pick out is that the relationship between Griff and Denetra (Linna Carter) isn't fully explored, and I was left with wanting to see more.
Defying Gravity is not a glossy smooth production like either of the films I mentioned above, but that's not a fault, and shouldn't be considered one. Occasionally uneven acting aside, this is a wonderful film that truly has heart and I hope everybody will give it a chance.
My grade: A
Good Story...Bad Delivery
savageghost28 November 2002
The premise behind Defying Gravity is to show how one particular gay male deals with his coming out. The story is fairly well written, however Daniel Chilson (Griff) does not portray his character in a believable fashion. The movie is set on a college campus in Southern California. Griff, who lives in a frat house, is involved with another male, Don Handfield (Pete) from the house who has recently moved out. Griff has not "come out" so to speak, and has trouble dealing with Pete's desire to be open about their relationship. After Pete gets attacked, Griff goes through the emotional stages of coming to terms with his real feelings for Pete. Daniel Chilson does not portray this well, although I feel the direction of the film is to blame as well. Shots are often held too long, with Griff often repeating a statement for dramatic effect. All this does is make the performance less believable. I must say that the other characters, Pete, Todd (Niklaus Lange) are played quite well. Even with the bad lead character, the movie is still enjoyable and serves as a lesson that coming out is not always easy.
A taste of nascent gay cinema...
Coralknight16 October 2017
...but a BAD taste. In my humble opinion, I believe it was Will and Grace that thrust gay culture, characters and overall relevance into American society. Yes, there were some very wonderful and meaningful low-budget gay-themed movies before that show aired-- but "Defying Gravity" simply is not one of them. This film is more of a gay man's fantasy; meeting a "hot" guy (in this case the West Hollywood stereotype), getting acceptance from one's peers and coming to terms with one's own life challenges. Sounds reasonable enough...only the (over) acting and overall script are severely lacking. Throw in the typical and formulaic "gay bashing" to ruin everyone's happy plans and well...yeah, no. For some REALLY good 1990s pre-"Will and Grace" films, I would suggest "The Sum of Us", "The Lost Language of the Cranes", "Beautiful Thing" and several others...but not this.
A "Puppy Dog" film
dave_mill30 December 2004
When I saw this film the first time I had an uncontrollable urge to smile to myself and go "agghhh" rather like granny when she looks at a particularly embarrassing baby photo of me. The film has many flaws but I watch it over and over again. The plot is well developed although quite predictable as it progresses. This is however not a thriller. There is some quite good acting from Nicklaus Lange and Don Handfield. Daniel Chilson looks right for the part and tries his best. He is however on a few occasions fairly wooden and ill at ease. I can well understand that his film acting experience had been (still is?) a little low level.
The film is professionally produced with good production values.
The script was OK. It dealt with plot development well but some of the dialogue was appalling. Do intelligent people talk this way in America? Some of the characters were ghastly stereotypes of gay people. The camp pink shirted activist was I think cast for effect but he made my toes curl! I know these are flaws but don't let that put you off. This is a "feel good" film and rather made me think of "Beautiful Thing" (time shifted slightly and moved to America). I recommend it to all
The film is professionally produced with good production values.
The script was OK. It dealt with plot development well but some of the dialogue was appalling. Do intelligent people talk this way in America? Some of the characters were ghastly stereotypes of gay people. The camp pink shirted activist was I think cast for effect but he made my toes curl! I know these are flaws but don't let that put you off. This is a "feel good" film and rather made me think of "Beautiful Thing" (time shifted slightly and moved to America). I recommend it to all
Defining inanity
paulcreeden19 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is perhaps one of the worst gay movies I have ever seen. Think of an afternoon TV movie made by Unitarians for adolescents in Idaho. It has everything. Bad acting, bad shooting, bad lighting, bad music, bad scripting, bad casting. Oh, one thing it doesn't have is any guts. I really found it hard to imagine who could have made this movie and why. The great ethical dilemma of the main character is whether or not he should divulge evidence as a witness to events leading up to his boyfriend's near-fatal gay bashing by fellow yuppoid frat boys in some West Coast Shangri-La college. He really has to struggle with his moral obligation for days while his boyfriend is in a coma in an ICU. Whoa, dude, like what a bummer! The accompanying teenage twink titillation in the form of a shower scene in the frat house is really creepy. It did not surprise me to find that the cast's subsequent filmographies are on the thin side. So, if you run out of everything to watch, you might want to try this one, or not.
Involving drama, good amateur cast
alanjj-32 August 1999
I went with low expectations, and came out really having enjoyed this movie. Griff and Pete, members of a fraternity at USC, are having an affair. Griff is closeted, and still lives at the frathouse. Pete has left the frathouse, and is on the verge of coming out. He want more from Griff than just sex. Griff is unwilling to have a real relationship (complete with dating, dining, acknowledging a partner), but does not give up on pursuing Pete. Pete even gets Griff to meet him at a gay coffeehouse. Then comes the gaybashing incident that changes everything.
The guys in this movie are handsome and believable. The frathouse scenes seem real--they let you understand the camaraderie that make people want to be part of frats, but at the same time deprive them of the room to be themselves. The gaybashing is an overused plot device, but it works to make this into a poignant movie about the dilemmas faced by gays who want to fit in, don't want to risk being open, yet need affection along with sex from another man.
The guys in this movie are handsome and believable. The frathouse scenes seem real--they let you understand the camaraderie that make people want to be part of frats, but at the same time deprive them of the room to be themselves. The gaybashing is an overused plot device, but it works to make this into a poignant movie about the dilemmas faced by gays who want to fit in, don't want to risk being open, yet need affection along with sex from another man.
Great Love Story!!
ashleyw2227 August 2005
The first time I saw this movie I loved it. It is a great love story. I was also glad to see that it wasn't based around the two characters having sex. Just about every gay movie I have seen thats all they want to talk about. I was happy to finally see a movie that is about much more than sex. Its about what some people are willing to do for love. When I saw it, it reminded me of the movie All Over the Guy. Except that in All Over the Guy the two characters are already out. And in Defying Gravity both the characters are still in the closet. One of them more than the other. I bought the movie and can't help but watch it over and over again. I recommend this movie to everyone.
Terrible Flick
salan062927 July 2005
I am not sure where to begin...the screenplay is convoluted, the performances overall are atrocious and the direction is confusing and base. The worst performance in this movie, by far, is that of Daniel Chilson. The fact that he was cast is further proof of director Keitel's ineptness. Yes, Chilson is lovely to look at but beyond that every "acting" moment is PAINFUL; and never once believable. The only redeeming factor in this movie is the performance of Don Handfield as Pete Bradley. Understated, pensive, and honest, Handfield is the clear standout in this cast. Thank goodness I find no other acting credits for Chilson! P.U.
Excellent Movie!
bartolomr00630 September 2006
The movie captured many different outlooks on how homosexuality is feared because of ignorance, unacceptance, peer pressure, and the pride of being in love (to show this love in public.) The movie clearly captured the struggles of three best friends, in which, two have fallen in love with each other, and had struggles with accepting the relationship. I loved how the move went "through the motions" of falling in love, keeping the relationship a secret, how others knew, but didn't want to say anything, the parent's acceptance, and the many struggles to keep the relationship alive and strong. I recommend this movie to everyone! Without a doubt, this is one of the BEST "Coming Out" movies I've seen!
Not that great.
bellhollow9 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has several opportunities to make a splash. There is a gay bashing. There is the closet gay who refuses to talk about his relationship yet wants to open up to a black female class mate. I feel like the story should have explored more with the closet lesbian and not so much on the back slapping antics of young men talking about how much sex they got the night before. The one really horrible item to this movie is that the lead actor was by far the worst actor in the movie. Everyone else was actually very, very good. I could not feel his anger when he found out who the bashers were, which I felt should have been the most pivotal point of the show. His frustration at being gay was sometimes there, sometimes not. I just felt like something ended up on the cutting room floor.
Patience is rewarded as gay frat house drama unfolds
Bronx-230 July 1999
This is a gay film that doesn't feel like a typical gay film in that absolutely nothing seems contrived, particularly the people and the setting.
Never having been a frat boy myself, I was surprised how I warmed to the friendship displayed between frat brothers here. The bond between "Griff" and buddy Todd seems real and unforced, just as does the friction between the already out Pete and the closeted Griff who just isn't into the gay scene. After Pete is badly gay-bashed in a dark alley, Griff, who may have seen the vehicle of the perpetrators, but who has to out himself to everyone in order to see them caught, has some real soul-searching to do.
Daniel Chilton is more than convincing as conflicted Griff, and Niklaus Lange (Todd) and Todd's girlfriend Heather (Lesley Tesh) make a good looking, in-love-for-real couple who help show Griff where his heart really is, and where it isn't. The chance meeting and bonding that occurs between Griff and Denetra (Linna Carter), an equally closeted black woman, takes things in an interesting direction. The film has a well made look to it even if the aspect ratio is virtually square.
When Griff finally admits to Todd, "I've never been so sure of anything in my life," you really want to cheer. The pot takes a while to boil here, but the results are something to savor.
Never having been a frat boy myself, I was surprised how I warmed to the friendship displayed between frat brothers here. The bond between "Griff" and buddy Todd seems real and unforced, just as does the friction between the already out Pete and the closeted Griff who just isn't into the gay scene. After Pete is badly gay-bashed in a dark alley, Griff, who may have seen the vehicle of the perpetrators, but who has to out himself to everyone in order to see them caught, has some real soul-searching to do.
Daniel Chilton is more than convincing as conflicted Griff, and Niklaus Lange (Todd) and Todd's girlfriend Heather (Lesley Tesh) make a good looking, in-love-for-real couple who help show Griff where his heart really is, and where it isn't. The chance meeting and bonding that occurs between Griff and Denetra (Linna Carter), an equally closeted black woman, takes things in an interesting direction. The film has a well made look to it even if the aspect ratio is virtually square.
When Griff finally admits to Todd, "I've never been so sure of anything in my life," you really want to cheer. The pot takes a while to boil here, but the results are something to savor.
Out of reality.
Hunky Stud30 March 2001
This movie tried to cover as many subjects as possible. However, it is so unreal.
First of all, why did the main character's boy-friend go in a "not through street" after they had an argument late at night? It makes no sense for him to go into that alley. He could have just got into his own car or walked towards his home.
Second, this movie is filmed at Southern California. Nevertheless, it did not show any single Asian male in that particular fraternity. Look around all the colleges in southern california, there are always at least one or two Asian members in any fraternity. All the males in that fraternity are whites. That is out of reality.
Third, why did this particular fraternity members beat up someone that they all know, even if it happened in a dark area!
Forth, one of his fraternity member simply is too nice to be true. His friend actually spent a night with him under the moonlight. That is not a church, we know that they are fraternity brothers. But I don't see that it is possible.
At last, if the main character does not want to be considered as gay, then it is just not understandable why he appeared to be distrait all the time.
It was supposed to happen in the current time, but this movie just has too many mistakes. It is below average.
First of all, why did the main character's boy-friend go in a "not through street" after they had an argument late at night? It makes no sense for him to go into that alley. He could have just got into his own car or walked towards his home.
Second, this movie is filmed at Southern California. Nevertheless, it did not show any single Asian male in that particular fraternity. Look around all the colleges in southern california, there are always at least one or two Asian members in any fraternity. All the males in that fraternity are whites. That is out of reality.
Third, why did this particular fraternity members beat up someone that they all know, even if it happened in a dark area!
Forth, one of his fraternity member simply is too nice to be true. His friend actually spent a night with him under the moonlight. That is not a church, we know that they are fraternity brothers. But I don't see that it is possible.
At last, if the main character does not want to be considered as gay, then it is just not understandable why he appeared to be distrait all the time.
It was supposed to happen in the current time, but this movie just has too many mistakes. It is below average.
The pain of defying who you are
mermatt5 January 2001
This is an interesting little film that deals with the two greatest fears of any gay person -- coming out and getting bashed.
Amidst the macho ritual of a college fraternity, Griff has to change pronouns so that he can hide the fact that he is gay and his date is a "he" instead of a "she." The title seems to mean that defying the reality of being yourself is as hard as defying gravity. Notice the symbolic material such as being up a tree and going down a road that is "Not a through street."
Griff is frustrated because he must endure listening to his straight friends tells about their romantic adventures. Pete is frustrated because Griff won't allow anyone to know that he and Pete are gay lovers. The pain they are both going through turns to crisis when Pete is gay-bashed and Griff knows something about the crime but is afraid to tell what he knows because that would involve his coming out.
For an independent film that was quickly made, the story shows real depth. Despite some awkward dialogue and acting, the movie is worth seeing and is really quite touching.
Amidst the macho ritual of a college fraternity, Griff has to change pronouns so that he can hide the fact that he is gay and his date is a "he" instead of a "she." The title seems to mean that defying the reality of being yourself is as hard as defying gravity. Notice the symbolic material such as being up a tree and going down a road that is "Not a through street."
Griff is frustrated because he must endure listening to his straight friends tells about their romantic adventures. Pete is frustrated because Griff won't allow anyone to know that he and Pete are gay lovers. The pain they are both going through turns to crisis when Pete is gay-bashed and Griff knows something about the crime but is afraid to tell what he knows because that would involve his coming out.
For an independent film that was quickly made, the story shows real depth. Despite some awkward dialogue and acting, the movie is worth seeing and is really quite touching.
Surprisingly affecting
CBW-215 May 2008
I must say, I love the continuity in this film. Others have said that it should be shortened a bit, because writer/director John Keitel feels compelled to tie up every loose end. But that is what I love about this film. When a character is sitting on a hillside looking at a view, the director actually shows you the view! So many much more expensive movies fail to provide the viewer this simple courtesy. The view shot is just a physical example, but there is emotional continuity in the film as well. Defying Gravity has given me a great deal of pleasure. I wish John Keitel would direct more. He seems more interested in editing which I am sure he is great at. I noticed he edited Latter Days, another favorite.
Wow! How did this get made?
thumbless30 October 2000
Wow, I couldn't believe this film. All around bad. Stock characters, contrived situations, stiff acting, horrible script, awful direction and editing, and a very lame attempt at emotional manipulation. Characters change their emotional perspective for no reason and scenes which should have been deleted go on forever. You are also subjected to two very long music video moments where we are supposed to believe the characters are being introspective and metamorphosizing into fuller individuals...they're "growing." What is really happening is that the script doesn't justify their change; so the MTV deus ex machina is brought in. I must say, I applaud any film maker for getting a film done...especially a gay-themed film, but as a gay man I refuse to settle for something this weak or praise something just because it is gay-themed. Spend your time wisely. Go get "Lilies" or "Trick" or "My Beautiful Laundrette" or "Get Real." They may not all be art, but they have soul, a real story, truly dimensionl characters, charm, and a great deal of talent both in front of and behind the cameras.
A Touching Little Movie
kh9802113 September 2001
Okay, maybe this film is not cinema art, but somehow it really gets to me. I have never been in a college fraternity, and my own coming out years are way in the past. But somehow I find this film quite affecting. The performances are, perhaps, not as accomplished as we are used to seeing, yet the director uses his actors well. The story is touching and believable if not incredibly realistic (MOVIES ARE NOT REAL LIFE, FOLKS). Note on the DVD release: the sound is atrocious, but fiddling with my system I was able to achieve a listenable presentation. It's frustrating, to be sure, but I'm still glad that I own this title
Surprisingly Compelling
harry-7619 June 2001
Considering this tightly budgeted indie reportedly had a lean two week shooting schedule, the results are very impressive. The attractive cast does well and, providing one doesn't scrutinize the script and some of the acting too closely, the story maintains interest and has moments which are quite touching. "Defying Gravity" is an interesting "sleeper," revealing compelling social attitudes and relationships.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
