Loading ...“Boys on the side” by Herbert Ross, with Drew Barrymore, Mary-Louise Parker and Whoopi Goldberg
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This was one of the first films with a lesbian character I saw on the big screen. Not only was there a lesbian character (Jane, played by Whoopi Goldberg) but she was a very likeable character, someone with a big heart and who did the right thing to help her friends.
This film marks the return to form of Drew Barrymore, and I’m surprised it hasn’t got a bigger place in Hollywood history. Maybe it is because of the themes it deals with? |
As not only is there a very likeable lesbian character, but there is also an AIDS sufferer. No, not a gay man, but a straight woman. Sure, in the mid 90s, people knew that AIDS wasn’t a “gay disease” but most films focusing on the subject featured gay or bisexual male sufferers.
The film follows three women, three very different women, who are all running away from something. The film is the story of their friendship, a story of survival, a story of hope that laughter and friendship can solve everything.
The three actresses give outstanding performances and you cannot help yourself but empathise with all three characters. You laugh with them and you cry with them.
Did I mention that the soundtrack is a who’s who of the great female artists of the 70s, 80s and 90s? Annie Lennox, Sheryl Crow, The Pretenders, Joan Armatrading etc
Sadly, the film is only available on Region 1 DVD (= USA). I am shocked that it isn’t available as Region 2 DVD (= Europe) as well because this film was groundbreaking in its day, and still groundbreaking today. Highly recommended.
Links:
Boys on the side, fan page
Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore find their sisters in skates, AfterEllen - Drew’s new film project
Tags: lesbian/bi women, strong women