Parting Glances

Bill Sherwood's little film doesn't feature any big-name glamorous stars. The most recognizable names are Steve Buscemi (in fact, the spine of the DVD package reads "Steve Buscemi in Parting Glances") and Kathy Kinney, who has become known to millions for her hilarious character on "The Drew Carey Show." Kinney and especially Buscemi are excellent here. But so are most of the other actors. One thing that makes the film work so well is its use of performers who are not all movie-star beautiful. John Bolger plays a character who is supposed to be handsome, and he certainly fits the bill, as does Adam Nathan. But this movie is not just another excuse to display beautiful people. It has at its core an honesty that draws in the viewer and makes him/her feel like part of the proceedings. There is plenty of gentle humor and a few big laughs. There is also one deeply moving scene the sticks in the mind afterward like a revelation about the connection between people. Sherwood was a musician and there are many interesting and creative selections to be heard in the soundtrack. A couple of New York locations are used to good effect as well.

As far as the DVD issue is concerned. There aren't any real complaints. Picture and sound are as good as can be expected of a low-budget, independent film. "Extras" include text-only information about the making of the film. An interview with Buscemi, Kinney or any others would have been good. An irresistably charming and heartfelt film


Never to Part with this Treasure   February 14, 2001
J.H. (Beaverton, OR)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

On a whim, I purcahsed this DVD without knowing much about it other than reading some of the reviews on Amazon, and the fact that Richard Ganoung was one of its stars. After receiving my DVD last Friday, I've watched the movie four times already. If that doesn't say alot...

What amazes me about this film is its honesty and realness. Bill Sherwood set out in '86 to create a film to accomplish exactly that. It covers a wide variety of topics, from relationship dynamics, to AIDS, to friendship, in such a way that every moment of this film seems real. The film doesn't seem dated, but timeless. The performances of Richard Ganoung, and Steve Buscemi, are real and frought with undercurrents of love and emotion.

If you are a DVD collector, please consider adding this treasure to your collection.


A film to cherish   October 24, 1999
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

"Parting Glances" was introduced to me by a filmmaker friend. I agree it's the best gay film ever made, the best AIDs film ever made, and tremendously touching at many levels. Whenever I watch it I think of my own life when I first saw it. Since that time I've lost my lover, his Dad, my Dad, my Mom, my best friend and virtually everyone who comprised my family. I, who never dreamt I'd be alone and never wanted to be alone, have known a lot of parting glances. Don't know where the filmmaker friend is now, but he parted too (I hope, at least, he's still making films). It's the same story so many people can tell. At least I/we have the movie.


Wonderful, compelling, compassionate, witty and wise   June 4, 1999
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Probably the best gay theme movie I've ever seen, if not one of the best movies I've ever seen. It feels like the companion piece to Andrew Holleran's novel, "Dancer From The Dance"... a must read. The characters are realistic, the situation is simultaneously realistic and poetic, giving the film its combination of poignancy and euphoric rush. To the straight viewer, if you want an insight into the gay mind space, and the sadness of AIDS, whilst affirming life, this is the movie. SEE IT!


"First" film of the AIDS genre that really delivers!   May 30, 2002
Get What We Give (Georgia)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Parting Glances was the first film centering on the AIDS crisis. It is also one of the few "gay"-centric films made that digs deep into what it is like to be gay and not get maudlin with regard to AIDS.

In the years since the AIDS epidemic broke out, we've been privileged to have been provided with a slew of films covering the subject - sadly, they aren't all good.

When Parting Glances was released AIDS hadn't really been covered much...maybe a couple of made for TV movies, but nothing of note on film. Also, Parting Glances was one of but a few "gay films" to get any wide release (Boys in the Band; Cruising; The Gay Deceivers; and Making Love are the only ones that come to mind for me).

Following the narrator through a 24 hour period, this film shows the viewer life from the perspective of a gay man who is comfortable with his sexuality - a feat before never done. As he prepares to leave for Africa, our narrator struggeles with leaving his best friend and former lover, who is dying from AIDS (Steve Buschemi in what I believe was his first film), but the film doesn't get mired down in this.

This film is not a downer.

Not satisfied to tie everything up neatly, the director has wisely chosen to leave the viewer wanting more. It may be disconcerting for those viewers used to simple solutions to complex issues.

Even so....you should see this film.