Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss poster & wallpaper

Brad Rowe, Meredith Scott Lynn, Paul Bartel

First-time director Tommy O'Haver garnered a lot of critical acclaim for this contribution to the "new queer cinema." But he seems more clued in as to its weight than the reviewers. O'Haver rightly ca...( read more  read more... )lls Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss a Tommy O'Haver "trifle" in the credits and he's on the money in estimating what his film is worth. For sure, the movie has much going for it; it's wholeheartedly enjoyable and packed with the usual dynamic that saturates most gay-themed films: what does one do when that object of desire is heterosexual? In this case O'Haver at least gives his protagonist, Billy, played by Sean P. Hayes, another obsession besides the Brad Pitt-lookalike, prophetically named Gabriel, who is enigmatically acted by Brad Rowe. This is because Billy is a photographer, as addicted to finding the perfect picture as the perfect man. His world is formed by old movies: From Here to Eternity and Imitation of Life are his criteria and the flirty foreplay by which to gauge whether or not a love will have stamina and staying power. Of course, Billy is bound to be disappointed by gay-friendly Gabriel, who is struggling in his own way as much as Billy. Full of the usual mix of second-string players who inhabit the gay milieu (e.g., the best female friend who has man trouble of her own, and the older, secure pal who has secretly held Billy in his sights for some time), O'Haver's film breaks the mold by keeping to a dark note. It resembles a Pedro Almodovar spectacle initially with its saturated look and primary-color palette. But three-fourths through, Billy and his gang walk into the contemporary gay equivalent of a Gidget movie. The shift is surprising and even sometimes funny. Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss has a lot going for it, but it's still just a trifle, and not a milestone in the genre. --Paula Nechak

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59% liked it

2,249 ratings

Critics

63% liked it

19 critics

R, 93 min.

Directed by: Tommy O'Haver

Release Date: July 24, 1998

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DVD Release Date: December 22, 1998

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Stats: 107 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (107)

  • Camus123
    July 17, 2007
    Camus123
    If I could I might give this film 2.5 stars. I read one reviewer stating that this was not a "gay" film. I do not know how that statement could possibly be made. Not that it is in any way a problem, and yes the character does go through things that we can all relate to, but for c...( read more)rying out loud, Hayes starts the movie by saying, "Hi, I am a homosexual" and begins speaking to the trials and tribulations of being a homosexual in an overwhelmingly heterosexual world. So let us call it what it is...a movie about navigating the waters of gay life that even a heterosexual can relate to ok? This movie had some potential. Starving artist seeks love in all the wrong places. Finds possible love in a man who is unsure about his own sexuality. The notion of "being there" for someone when he comes out of the closet like a mentor (I have a friend who has stated that he wished he had someone to guide him when he came out). It also had some very brave scenes where one might see this film on stage rather than a screen. Where it falls short? The acting was terrible. So terrible that it overtook everything in the film. You never cared about any of the characters except Sean Hayes (because this is the only character who they built...and they didn't do the greatest job of that). His monologues about the self were done in such a monotone voice that I found myself drifting away as he spoke. It wasn't that they weren't interesting it was simply that he was stating them as if he were on downers rather than the dreamy, reminiscence that they were shooting for. Also, the constant interjection of 5+ minute drag queen love songs...they were fun to start, but they went on forever...kinda like I am doing now. I wanted to like this film. Really, I did, but I didn't. It had a chance to make something great out of itself, but did not get there. Rent it on a dare if you like, but I cannot say this film is one to recommend.
  • davodd
    June 1, 2007
    davodd
    So-so "comedy" film. More notable for introducing the world to actors Sean Hayes and Brad Rowe.
  • samanthapoxton
    July 7, 2009
    samanthapoxton
    Sean Hayes does well outside his comfort zone of Jack in Will and Grace. Funny but thought provoking too.
  • bvrnz
    March 16, 2009
    bvrnz
    Billy, a struggling young gay photographer (who likes Polaroids), tired of being the "other man", falls in love with Gabriel, a waiter and aspiring musician who is probably straight but possibly gay or at least curious. Billy tries to get Gabriel to model for his latest project, ...( read more)a series of remakes of famous Hollywood screen kisses, featuring male couples, while also trying to win his affections.
  • operadame
    September 4, 2008
    operadame
    Just bought this movie it's very cute.
  • brent73rn
    July 20, 2008
    brent73rn
    Good movie overall, nicely acted, well written and directed. Nice to find out that Sean Hayes can do more than camp.
  • cleighs
    July 13, 2008
    cleighs
    Some great elements, some eh ones
  • mikeylovesgregg
    June 1, 2008
    mikeylovesgregg
    One of the best gay romances ever put on film. It's an every day guy looking for more than just the next best thing. Sean Hayes (pre-Will & Grace) is great...
  • LoveAndAdoreHardMaleNipples1
    February 29, 2008
    LoveAndAdoreHardMaleNipples1
    With hot and sexy "Brad Rowe"along with a few great looking skin scenes in this film as well from him and Sean Hayes (Pre Will And Grace t.v series).

    xoxoxox
    xoxoxox
  • kewibo
    August 23, 2007
    kewibo
    pretty good...like all the Petula Clarke songs...

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