Hot New Flick: "PARIAH"

If you're not already aware of it, run out and rent "Pariah," an unbelievable
piece of cinema with outrageously good performances by all involved.

This is a movie about discovery of self set in a stark, urban backdrop
where secrecy and being low-key are as crucial to survival as how strong
you are.

I loved this film because it's an unflinching, honest story that showcases
characters we don't normally see on the Hollywood landscape.

It has gotten a lot of mentions as being 'similar' to "Precious" and I agree
(it's not like that's a bad thing to say about a film!)

This is a smaller budget, smaller scope film, very intimate and deep, filled
with raw emotions....it's an inner city setting with a school-aged young
black girl who's seeking to find herself and become strong....she is
experimenting with her sexuality and identity to get it right.....the family life
is abhorrant....a very talented unknown is the lead (Adepero Oduye) and
a powerhouse breakthrough performance for an actress formerly only
known for comedy roles (Kim Wayans.)

It is by an up-and-coming filmmaker (Dee Rees, also the writer,), and was
adpated from another work (This time the director's prior short of the same name.)
The work involves a dynamite ensemble, including Aasha Davis, Charles
Parnell, and Pernell Walker in incredibly gripping and transformative roles.)
So yeah...a couple of cojmparisons worth making..nothing wrong with that!

This film is a must-see for any LGBT person or supporter, as it highlights
a segment of our society that is very different from what we normally see in
the bright lights and big smiles of Tinsel Town gays and lesbians, especially
white ones.

Here's what's awesome, too; it's definitely available on netflix, but I got mine
right at the Blockbuster Express rental kiosk in small-town Georgia, which means
for folks with whom privacy is an issue, they still have access to this great film.
(I also noticed it was at a Red Box in the next town over, which in and of
itself is just a great achievement!)

If you're looking for a worthy cinema experience for the weekend, look
this one up and be amazed!

*****************************************************

Unnecessary Torture: We Hold The Key

I have seen so many people struggling with self-acceptance
over the years. The idea of living a complete life while wholly
accepting their sexuality and identity is a foreign concept to
many folks.


It is foolish to think that everyone will become an activist, or
be open about themselves across the world. Too many places
hold tightly to old ways and backwards, repressive notions.


And I don't think most activists do have that idea in their
head; a world where every LGBT person is out for the world
to see. I can't make the oppressiveness and hate change,
but I can try to help people choose to be free and comfy in
their own shoes, whatever their level of 'out-ness' may be.

To be comfortable in their own skins and love themselves.

In small towns, in religious families, in small countries, many
will never know the freedom of living their life completely for
themselves. Being a half-hearted part of a broken whole is
more significant to them than being a complete individual.
It takes time to break from the pack and live for self.


When I watched the movie J. Edgar this weekend, it broke my heart.


I was reminded of all the hurting people I've known over the
years who lived half a life, condemning themselves and turning
away from their feelings, in pointless attempts to please and
appease other people.

Leonardo DiCaprio's performance (pinpointing the truths of
Mr. Black's brilliant script) was phenomenal with the redirected
energies, culminating as they always seem to do, in self-destructive
behavior and extending the repressive hate to others.

There are all kinds of lives, all levels of self-acceptance, every
kind of gay person.


But self-love cannot ever be wrong, no matter how much it
scares other people....(most of whom, quite evidently it would
seem, are scared and angry from not loving themselves.)


Second class citizenship is not acceptable, even if many of us
have been shamed and trained to believe otherwise.

****************************************************