Luster (2002)

50% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
38% of users liked it
(884 ratings)

Written and directed by independent filmmaker Everett Lewis, Luster is a low-budget romantic comedy. Would-be poet Jackson (Justin Herwick) is tired of orgies and wants to settle down. While working at the record store owned by Sam (Shane Powers), he attracts the affection of good boy Derek (Sean… More Written and directed by independent filmmaker Everett Lewis, Luster is a low-budget romantic comedy. Would-be poet Jackson (Justin Herwick) is tired of orgies and wants to settle down. While working at the record store owned by Sam (Shane Powers), he attracts the affection of good boy Derek (Sean Thibodeau). However, he would rather have bad boy Billy (Jonah Blechman), who's involved with rock star Sonny Spike (Willie Garson). Meanwhile, Jackson's cousin Jed (B. Wyatt) arrives in town from Iowa and agrees to get naked for lesbian photographer Alyssa (Pamela Gidley). The soundtrack features music by Pansy Division, Cecil Seaskull (from Nerdy Girl), and Third Grade Teacher. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Everett Lewis
Written By: Everett Lewis
Genres: Drama, Gay & Lesbian, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 17, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Dec 9, 2003
Studio: TLA Releasing

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Luster has a charming, skittish quality, and Lewis finds pathos and humor in his characters' often painful search for love.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Surprisingly bland considering the outrageousness of many of the situations.
Dave Kehr, New York Times
If Mr. Lewis intends Luster as a gay romantic fantasy, the fantasy is entirely one-sided.
David Noh, Film Journal International
So bad in a special gay, L.A. way that it's almost an inept classic of its kind.
Hazel-Dawn Dumpert, L.A. Weekly
Lively, from-the-heart script ... and terrific, natural performances that, like the film itself, are cumulatively affecting.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Already overloaded with too many extraneous characters, this wobbly romance is thrown completely off balance by the Sonny/Billy subplot, which is more disturbing than warranted.
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, UK Critic
A character can be intelligent and provocative by pointing out the flaws of sophisticated people, but not by posing like a rebel and ripping into stereotypes.
Jon Popick, Planet Sick-Boy
A cool indie flick.