Small Town Gay Bar

[Leisher]

Documentary about gay bars in the bible belt, specifically two bars: Rumors and Crossroads/Different Seasons.

Most of the film concentrates on two viewpoints: the gay people who frequent these places, and those who don't like gay people.

This was directed by Malcolm Ingram, who is gay, so you'd think they're be a lot of bias here, but there's not as much as you'd expect.

For example, his interview with Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps (Yes, the assholes who picket funerals) doesn't paint the man as a complete moron. Ingram allows him to fully state his case, and surprisingly he does so in a very credible way that fits his belief system. The key being that it logically fits HIS BELIEFS. He actually even shows sympathy towards gay people right up until a comment shown during the credits. (Note: I'm pretty sure Ingram has mentioned that Phelps had no clue he was gay during the filming.)

Although, another group, the AFA, doesn't come off as well, and are exposed as hypocrites based on their own belief system.

The documentary is paced decently, but not perfectly, and the focus is mostly on how tough it is to be gay in this area of the country. In fact, no one story is highlighted throughout, but the main stories explored, aside from just getting people's opinions on what it's like to be gay there are:
-The brutal murder of a young gay man simply because he was gay is explored early on to set the atmosphere for how persecuted gays are in the region.
-The story of Crossroads, its closing, and its re-opening as Different Seasons
-Rumors probably gets the most airtime.

I wouldn't say this is an amazing documentary, I didn't like Ingram's choices for "B roll" shots where only music played, and there were a few too many of them, but it's a good documentary.

I think it'd be an eye opener for anyone who doesn't really know much about the issue. Interestingly, I think if you're gay or side with Fred Phelps, the movie probably will only strengthen your position. The ignorance of those against gay people is on full display, but so is some of the hedonism that pisses them off so much. Particularly during the story of Crossroads.

Worth seeing once if you dig documentaries or have interest in the subject matter.

[GORDON]

The documentary is paced decently, but not perfectly, and the focus is mostly on how tough it is to be gay in this area of the country.

He should try being gay in Iran some time.

[Leisher]

How funny is that? The deep south is more socially advanced than Iran.

By the way, if you see the film you'll hear about what was done to the murdered young man, and the execution the same young man would get in Iran would be very merciful in comparison.