When newlyweds Arthur and Suze become the object of obsession for a dangerous street gang called The Young Gents, their lives get turned upside down. Amanda Kramer‘s PLEASE BABY PLEASE puts identity and love to the test in this sexy queer musical.
Demi Moore plays upstairs neighbor Maureen. She’s a hot pink and animal print-drenched eccentric woman and the perfect influence on Suze, giving her permission to let go of her inhibitions. Karl Glusman is Teddy, a member of The Young Gents with an eye for Arthur. Glusman nails the classic greaser role, adding a relentless sensuality to his words. He is fantastic.
Harry Melling plays Arthur with brooding intellectual turmoil, his gentleness waiting to burst at the seams with desire. Melling oozes charm and surprising elegance. It is a marvelous turn. Andrea Riseborough is Suze. Her fiery energy explodes off the screen. Brimming with sass, dramatic flair, and pent-up rage, Riseborough dives deep into Suze’s fantasies of sadism and masculinity. They are perfect foils for one another, each hungering for something more. They are, simply put, magnificent.
The score is brilliant, with a mix of bass plucking, bongo drums, and saxophone wails. Short bursts of choreography smartly encapsulate the mood and era. The sets are deliciously accentuated with neon-colored everyday objects, black light hues, and engulfing blues and magenta. Everything sort of glows like a live-action comic book.
The dialogue openly discusses the foolish nature of traditional gender stereotypes. It invites exploration at every level. PLEASE BABY PLEASE would make a fabulous stage production. It’s over-the-top perfection. I loved everything about this fearless, campy, one-of-a-kind film about self-discovery.
Opens In Theaters October 28
https://www.pleasebabypleasemovie.com/
One boisterous man was the driving force in Hollywood glamour and parties in the 70’s. He is also responsible for one of the most beloved movie musical of all time. Allan Carr was essentially a self-made PR maven. The irony of his eventual takedown by the critics that once thought he spun gold is not surprising. This film gives us everything from interviews with Carr during his ups and downs, intimate sit down interviews with friends and peers, and even footage from the infamous academy awards ceremony. But the best part of this film is feeling like you’re now part of the history of the best of Allan Carr. Who doesn’t love Grease?! La Cage is legendary. His love of the golden age of Hollywood combined with Broadway gave the world a plethora of entertainment that was someone’s cup of tea at any given point, regardless of the monetary success. Thank goodness for Allan Carr and his fabulousness. Cheers to Allan up in that malt shop in the sky.
There are so many disturbing elements in this narrative. From the real-life alt-right radio that quietly screams at you during pensive moments, to the cyclical nature of abuse. Discreet gets under your skin as it crawls into your brain. The augmented sound is somewhere in between nails on a chalkboard and brilliance. Discreet calls attention to a section of the population that feels ashamed and threatened by their desires. Travis Mathews has tapped into something many want to keep private. Performances from the entire cast pervade your viewing experience. Their effect is undeniable. The twisted plot depicted is worthy of your time, although be prepared to squirm for numerous reasons.
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