10
Attitudes (2001)
"10 Attitudes" is really two films. In one way, it
is a hilarious, smart, catty and very queer film about
a 30- something gay man back out on the dating scene.
Cinematically, however, it is a sloppy, unorganized
and unconventional low-budget indie shot very poorly
on DV. Director Michael Gallant doesn't seem to understand
any of the rules of cinema. His work behind the camera
here is glorified home movie quality at best. The promotion
for this film often refers to this as a "Dogma" style.
But Dogma was never this shitty. Dogma does not mean
talentless. Often, this approach can detract from the
film. But ultimately the wit and freshness of the plot
and acting overcome any obstacles.
The film and its plot are really keystones on which
gay stand-up comedian Jason Stuart can support his
authentic wit. Stuart introduced himself at the Southwest
premiere of the film by saying, "I'm gay, I'm over 30,
I'm single and all of you men are here to see me. There
is a God!" Now that's funny. That's humor that I can
relate to! The plot of the film, typical but substantial,
is that Stuart plays Josh, a 30-something caterer in
a 10 year committed relationship. When he finds out
his partner is having an affair, he dumps the guy and
goes on an emotional skid. One of his friends makes
a deal with him that he will find him a new love within
10 dates. (Hence, the "10 Attitudes"). Stuart agrees.
Using the Internet and getting set up with friends
of friends, Josh goes on his 10 dates and we get to
watch. What I didn't know before watching the film,
and what makes it so great, is that everyone is improvising.
Director Gallant would find male actors, set up characters
with them and then send them to meet Stuart for the
faux date. Stuart would know nothing about them ahead
of time and the date would be videotape as it was improvised.
Some of the dates are downright hilarious and Stuart's
natural gay wit always makes watching them enjoyable.
One of the dates is David Faustino, of TV's "Married
with Children," who wants Stuart to come home and "make
it" with he and his girlfriend.
Also along for the ride are Judy Tenuta, as Josh's
psychiatrist of sorts, and Jim J. Bullock as one of
his pals who owns a clothing store. This is the second
time I have seen Bullock in a film this year at Agliff
(Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival).
He is great in the film "Circuit," and he is great here.
Yes, admittedly, he is playing a gay guy, usually an
extension of his own personality, but he is nonetheless
great. This guy needs a huge director, a Tarantino or
P.T. Anderson or the like to give him a real meaty role
and make him a comeback star. He is ready.
"10 Attitudes" is a fun, breezy, and hilarious film.
It has been rejuvenating this year at Agliff to see
gay films that are fresh, interesting and exciting.
The days of "coming out saga," "gays are so sad" and
AIDS films are becoming passe. Gay filmmakers and performers
are looking for new and novel ways to engage their gay
audiences. We are finally getting fun films that have
real situations and relevant themes to discuss that
are unique and engrossing. "10 Attitudes" is one of
the best of the bunch. And it's really, really funny.
Stuart has an awesome comic wit. This is a film that
exposes one of the greatest gifts many gay men have
to bestow upon the world: Humor.
Note:
The film premier I attended found Stuart, Gallant,
several other actors and several of the producers in
attendance.
Some of the producers are from Austin.
Gallant mentioned that on the DVD, if they can cut
a deal, they want to have the 10 men Stuart Dated on
a menu where you can click on the guy and watch the
entire date.
www.jasonstuart.com
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Report
Card
Script:
A+
Acting:
A
Cinematography\Lighting: F
Special Effects\Make Up: C
Music: C
Final
Grade: A-
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