Defying Gravity

Defying Gravity
by John Keitel

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DVD Reviews of Defying Gravity

DVD Review: Easy to relate to, even if the performances sucked!
Summary: 4 Stars

Griff is your average, everyday, boy-next-door kind of guy, who enjoys going to college and being part of a fraternity of close-knit jocks. Or so we think. The opening of the film shows him leaving someone's house, hurrying to dress and running out the door and back to his sorority house. He seems distanced from the other guys, though he tries to hide it from them. That morning, he and his buddy give their friend Pete a ride to classes, and there seems to be tension between Pete and Griff in the car. Throughout the day, Griff goes out of his way to ignore Pete, and at the end of the day, they finally confront one another, and we learn that Griff and Pete have been fooling around for a while. They decide to meet the next night to talk things over, and Griff realizes that Pete wants more from their being together than he can handle at the moment. They leave the bar in an argument, and Pete goes off by himself down an alley, where he is followed by a strange truck. The next day, Griff is confronted by his fraternity as to his whereabouts the previous night, when a newscast appears showing Pete's face, and a story about his brutal beating and hospitalization. This sends Griff into a whirlpool of emotion, as he begins to analyze his feelings for Pete, his homosexuality, and how he is going to begin to deal with coming out.

The best thing about this film is that it does not have the regular, big-budget movie look to it, which makes it all the more believable and realistic. The story and dialogue all sound very natural, and they all work together in conveying the emotions and actions that are felt and taken by the characters. Griff is the emotional core of the film, as he reminisces back to his good times with Pete, and as he tries to comprehend what he is feeling and what he will do about it.

John Kietel is perfect in his direction of the actors and the filming of the movie. Unlike some movies with homosexual storylines and themes, this one chooses to focus more on the monogamous side of same-sex relationships, rather than use it to exploit the sexual side of gay living.

The actors for this film do such a great job in making each character articulate and real. Daniel Chilson portrays Griff, and does so with a great deal of powerful, moving emotion. His performance will evoke tears in those who can relate to what he is going through, not to mention that his good looks will keep all viewers awake and attentive. Niklaus Lange plays Pete, and while he has his time onscreen, he makes us believe in what he feels for Griff, that he wants something more than just one-nighters and pleasurable thrills.

Not to be taken lightly, but ultimately enjoyable and moving, "Defying Gravity" is one of the finest films for the gay genre, telling a haunting story that has become a painful reality for many in this world. Watch it with someone you love; you will not be disappointed.

Description of Defying Gravity