The opening night audience at Film Fest New Haven got a special treat Thursday with a screening of “The Dying Gaul,” the new film written and directed by Craig Lucas that won’t open in theaters until November. The picture stars indie faves Campbell Scott, Peter Sarsgaard and Patricia Clarkson and is a vicious anti-Hollywood drama in the tradition of “The Player” and “Day of the Locust.”
The picture reflects “out” playwright Lucas’ experiences in Hollywood trying to bring gay stories to the screen. Scott plays a movie executive who “loves” Sarsgaard’s original screenplay (“The Dying Gaul”) but wants a “small” change made: the male lovers of the story converted to a hetero couple.
What starts as a rollicking satire of Tinsel Town turns into a much darker drama as the studio executive explores his bisexual fantasies with the screenwriter and the exec’s wife (Clarkson) plots a vicious revenge (via an Internet chatroom she knows the screenwriter visits frequently).
It’s a terrific picture with award calibre performances from all three leads, but will probably stir up controversy with Hollywood people and movie audiences when it opens commercially in two months.
Lucas is already represented on Broadway by the year’s finest new musical (“The Light in the Piazza”); now he adds one of 2005’s best movies to his resume (it’s Lucas’ debut as film director).
What a treat for Film Fest New Haven to allow local movie buffs to see this important film many weeks in advance of its official debut.
Film Fest New Haven will be running all weekend at the beautiful new Criterion Cinemas. Check out their website (www.filmfest.org) for schedule and ticket details.
I, too, went to see this film. It was a marvelous effort by first-time director Craig Lucas. I’m also glad that the newly Criterion cinema is showing these types of movies. You have to be almost be grateful that the beaten up York Square closed down and gave way to this new wonderful theater.
Comment by Jess — September 23rd, 2005 @ 2:30 pm
Best thing about Criterion: Real butter on the popcorn.
Comment by eddie — September 23rd, 2005 @ 3:56 pm