A concise synopsis of gay-themed movies and gay interest films. Click on the photos to enlarge.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Poster Boy (2006)



















Henry Kray (Matt Newton) is a young gay man in college enjoying the freedom of coming out away from his family. His father is powerful U.S. Senator Jack Kray (Michael Lerner) from North Carolina, with a national reputation as a right-wing homophobe. Around campus Henry's homosexuality is an open secret. Anthony (Jack Noseworthy), a 28 year-old gay activist looking to party, meets several campus gays, including Henry. When Senator Kray finds himself fighting for his political career, he enlists his son to be the "posterboy" for the campaign. The campaign will begin at a luncheon at Henry's college campus. Anthony and his friend Izzie (Valerie Geffner) have an argument about outing Henry, and Izzie (who is HIV-positive) leaves. She is hit by the limousine transporting the senator and his wife Eunice (Karen Allen), then invited along for the campaign luncheon. Henry invites Anthony as well, insisting that he sit with him. Henry introduces his father, who begins his speech. As the speech continues, Henry stands up, pulls Anthony to his feet and kisses him in full view of the national media, outing himself before the activists have a chance to. Senator Kray and his team decide to spin the event by stressing that the Senator still loves his gay son. The film closes with Henry summarizing the aftermath. He and Anthony don't see each other again. Izzie has died of AIDS. The Senator won re-election despite or perhaps because of the controversy.

This dark edgy drama is told mostly in meandering flashbacks unfolding over 6 months as Henry tells his story to a reporter. It's almost a low-budget docu-drama attempting to make a point about politics, sexuality, and family values. Mark Garcia composed the music, and Lecia Rosenthal and Ryan Shiraki wrote the screenplay. Zak Tucker directed.

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