Straightman

This independent film from Chicago delves into themes of coming out, the life of working-class gay men and the complex relationship between gay and straight men. Done on an extremely low budget, this gritty comedy-drama follows the lives of David (Ben Berkowitz), a comedy club worker who is a loud, opinionated, overweight lout and womanizer (yet strangely sympathetic and likable) and his best friend and neighbor Jack, a quietly thoughtful construction worker involved in a long relationship with Maxine. When Maxine leaves suddenly, the despondent Jack moves in with his buddy. The character-driven tale looks at the men's difficulties in their sexual lives and in maintaining their often-strained relationship with insight and wit.

But when Jack comes out as gay, a whole new wrinkle unfolds. With some unusually sexy scenes and a real different approach to gay love and coming out, Straightman appeals to the "regular guy" in all of us. A wonderfully understated and knowing film – refreshingly distant from the gay-friendly but overly familiar gym bunny world of West Hollywood and Chelsea.

Ray Murray