Celluloid Closet returns a little later than we expected but we’ve got a real gay comedy classic for you this month. Our last Celluloid Closet instalment focused on the hilarious comedy Straight-Jacket which told the tale of a closeted Hollywood actor at the height of his fame. This month’s film is the oft-revisited comedyAdam and Steve which explores the funnier side of being gay and falling in love.
Adam (Craig Chester) first meets Steve (Malcolm Gets) when the two have a disastrous one-night-stand. Adam is an awkward teenage goth whilst Steve is a club dancer; already you can hear the alarm bells ringing. During their first encounter an incident happens that ensures they never see each other again. For those that haven’t seen the movie we won’t give away the rather jaw-dropping incident that puts a quick end to Adam and Steve’s relationship as teenagers, but we will say it’s pretty hilarious (and gross). Don’t do drugs kids.
Fast forward to years later and Adam unknowingly reacquaints with Steve after stabbing his dog in the eye by accident. Steve is the doctor that treats the dog but neither of the men realise they’ve met each other before. At the same time Adam’s long-time friend Rhonda (Parker Posey) starts dating Steve’s straight room-mate Michael (Chris Kattan). Will any of them realise that Adam and Steve know each other from years ago or will the relationships continue without a hitch. What do you think??
Adam and Steve explores second chances in gay relationships whilst lamenting on the free-spirited and carefree attitude of teenagers. At the time they meet it’s a big deal for Adam whilst it’s a casual one-night-stand for Steve. When the years roll forward Adam hasn’t moved on an awful lot from where he was as a teenager whilst Steve’s life has changed quite drastically. What doesn’t disappear with time though is embarrassment and Steve can’t let go of the circumstances that he and Adam first met. Many years after the event, he’s still mortified and desperate to prevent Adam from realising who he is.
Craig Chester and Malcolm Gets make a great on-screen duo. From the film’s opening scenes through to the climax, the pair spark off one another and that’s one of the things we love about the movie. The tongue-in-cheek approach to the story may not be to everyone’s taste but if you want some light comedy then you’ll love this movie. Honestly audiences will love this movie regardless of sexuality and gender; the themes are universal and you can see that gay relationships aren’t all that different to straight ones. Who hasn’t had an embarrassing situation with a potential lover that they wish never happened?
If you’re looking for a movie that is a little light relief from the heavier side of gay cinema then Adam and Steve will certainly do the trick. If you’re prepared to forgive a few stereotypes and clichés then you’ll likely really enjoy it. If nothing else Parker Posey is a joy as Adam’s wayward friend Rhonda and it’s a great chance to see her in an early role before she became an international star.
Adam and Steve is available now on DVD through TLA Releasing.
