Gypsy 83 (2001)

54% of critics liked it
(26 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(2,903 ratings)

What can help one woman overcome the fears, anxieties, and traumas of a lifetime? Perhaps the music of Stevie Nicks? Gypsy (Sara Rue) is a woman in her mid-twenties who is still emotionally stuck in adolescence; her job (at a drive-through photo processing center) is nothing to write home about, and… More What can help one woman overcome the fears, anxieties, and traumas of a lifetime? Perhaps the music of Stevie Nicks? Gypsy (Sara Rue) is a woman in her mid-twenties who is still emotionally stuck in adolescence; her job (at a drive-through photo processing center) is nothing to write home about, and her one consuming interest in life is the music of Fleetwood Mac diva Stevie Nicks. Gypsy has gone beyond collecting Stevie's records, and loves to dress up like her idol, belting out her songs in living tribute. One of Gypsy's only friends is Clive (Kett Turton), a goofy goth kid still in his teens who enjoys hanging out in cemeteries, where he and Gypsy can sing their Fleetwood Mac favorites for preservation on Clive's camcorder. One day, while browsing the Internet, Clive discovers a website advertising a "Night Of 1000 Stevies" at a New York City nightclub, in which any Stevie Nicks imitator is welcome to take the stage in tribute. Clive is convinced this is an event Gypsy cannot miss, but it leaves them with only four days to get their act together and travel from Sandusky, OH, to the Big Apple. In addition, Gypsy has her own issues to deal with in New York, the city her mother ran off to when she abandoned her family many years ago. Gypsy 83, Todd Stephens' first feature after his breakthrough success Edge of Seventeen, premiered at the 2001 L.A. Outfest, a festival devoted to gay- and lesbian-themed films. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Todd Stephens
Written By: Todd Stephens, Tim Kaltenecker
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 6, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Nov 23, 2004
Studio: Small Planet

Critic Reviews

Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News
The film's two main characters are definitely worth knowing, but the movie takes them on a predictable odyssey.
Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
A mostly undistinguished addition to the long list of films about alienated and self-pitying young people.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
The film's main appeal stems from the two main characters, whose close relationship is well-conveyed and moving.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
It is clear that as a filmmaker Todd Stephens, like his heroes and heroines, is determined to be true to himself.
Robert Koehler, Variety
Saga is especially sapped of its appeal and energy by the toxically charmless titular character whose central obsession -- dressing up like Stevie Nicks and singing her material -- is curiously wedged between comedy and oddity.
Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger
The narrative momentum may sputter, but the vivid performances keep the film from dragging.
Andrew Griffin, Town Talk (Alexandria, LA)
The lesson here is that gay Goths should never trust frat dudes and bosomy Stevie Nicks wannabes should avoid handsome, hitchiking Amish guys. They'll only break your heart.
Nathaniel Rogers, Film Experience
The true joy of this indie stems from the well observed friendship between Gypsy and her Goth plaything, Clive. The chemistry between the two young actors is near-wondrous.
Chris Barsanti, Cineman Syndicate
By the end, you'll wish to never see another flowing scarf or hear another Fleetwood Mac song ever again.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Plenty of melodrama but precious little truthfulness...a very provincial item that probably shouldn't have ventured across the state line.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
This is not a great movie, but it has some nice moments. It shows Goth kids need love too.
Harry Haun, Film Journal International
A road movie where the audience is a little skittish about going there.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
[C]aptivating and pointed and... will hit disquietingly close to home to many who avow to being comfortable in their nonconformity...
, E! Online
Despite a thin script, Gypsy boasts moments of charm, mostly due to its appealing leads.
Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Daily News
Non-core audience viewers will be reminded why we didn't hang out with people like this in high school.
Chuck Wilson, L.A. Weekly
Eventually turns into pathos-clogged sludge, but before that, features a string of shrewdly observed encounters.
Peter Debruge, Premiere Magazine
Deserves to be discovered not only by Goth and gay crowds, but by anyone who runs screaming from all things average.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
[A] touching tale.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Kylie B

I both like and dislike this film. I love Clyde and Gypsy, but I hated the shit they got put through, and that the ending was more realistic than a proper happy ending. That's life I guess.
vieras e

Clive <3
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]"Gypsy 83" is about the token outsiders of Sandusky, Ohio. Gypsy(Sara Rue) is a 25 year old Stevie Nicks clone(I'm actually more of a Christine McVie person myself) who works at a local photo developer and drives a classic Trans Am. Her mom… More
[font=Century Gothic]"Gypsy 83" is about the token outsiders of Sandusky, Ohio. Gypsy(Sara Rue) is a 25 year old Stevie Nicks clone(I'm actually more of a Christine McVie person myself) who works at a local photo developer and drives a classic Trans Am. Her mom abandoned her 18 years before for the big lights of New York City leaving her with her father who works in a music store. Clive(Kett Turton) is a straight-A student, high school senior, gay and something of a goth. They find out about a contest called "Night of a Thousand Stevies" in New York City that is scheduled in four days time. Gypsy agrees to enter and off they go...[/font] [font=Century Gothic]"Gypsy 83" is a well-meaning tale with likable leads but it relies too much on types and caricatures to be any good. Not much of the movie is really believable with only a few scenes that have any lasting emotional impact. And why does Gypsy choose Stevie Nicks as her personal goddess? Is it her music? [/font]
Leo L

Great.