I didnt see, When Night is Falling during its January-February run in WDCs Georgetown because sometimes the logisitcs of getting to the Key Theatre are more than I can beartoo much traffic, no parking, tons of tourists and other cranky irritations of life.
Okay, so thats not the real reason I avoided this film. The truth is, I dont like lesbian movies where 90% of the action takes place in bed [in an attempt to answer for the potential hetero critics/viewers/perverts/voyeurs, "What do lesbians do in bed, anyway?"]. Im also really crabby about the obligatory sad endings [the only good lesbian is one goes straight or who has been dumped for a man or is dying or already dead]. So, I tend to approach these films with a vague itch of concern and apprehension. Sometimes, its not so vague.
But one day, rather than face Rehoboths too much traffic, no parking, tons of tourists and other cranky irritations of life, Anne and I snuggled into the air-conditioned comfort of our modest mobile home and watched what has become one of my all-time favorite woman-loving-woman stories everor at least for this week!
Camille is a lecturer at a Protestant college and Petra, a performer in the traveling Sirkus of Sorts. They meet by chance when Petra is comforting Camille about the sudden, unexplained death of her much-loved dog, Bob. Unable to part with him just yet, Camille has stashed him in her fridge at home. Through the tears, their attraction is shared and obvious; engaged-to-be-married Camille is very confused about her feelings. Petra, a wonderfully well-adjusted Lesbian, arranges a situation so theyll have to meet again and the sparks continue to smolder. Camille tries to stay away but is drawn, drawn, drawn to something she doesnt understand. Camille runs from her intense feelings but Petra perseveres. In fact, shes downright relentless! Of course, the girls also have some fairly predictable characters to deal with: Camilles seemingly okay-for-a-straight-man fiance and the obvious mean-and-nasty homophobic head of the college. Eventually, Camille surrenders to what I can only paraphrase poorly here: I am drawn in a way that I cannot explain. Its not that sex is awful with Martin [her intended], its just so much more with a woman. The movie says so much more.
Heres where the fun began for me. I loved the use of Bobs death to signal the end of Camilles connection to men in general. She mourns and struggles with the impending disconnection and is not ready to separate fully for quite some time. Bob remains "on ice" as Camille wrestles with her feelings about Petra and her loyalty to Martin and her career. No coincidence that she becomes ready to bury Bob after Martin confronts her about Petra.
There are several cute references made to some of my other favorite flicks. Our girls share a hang gliding adventure with all the energy of doing life for real, and I am reminded of Thelma and Louise and their determination not to return to a half-life. Camille mentions that connection herself as she tries to resist Petras irresistible invitation. Petras character is reminiscent of Johnny Depps Benny in, Benny and Joon, including their comically brave refusal to lead conventional lives. Theres even a "Ill climb-a-tree-to-look-in-the-window-I-love-you-so-much" scene! Both lovers "stalk" their beloveds in a most endearing way. The overall tone and tension between Camille and Petra creates a victory for perseverance and reminds me of when the audience cheered during that wonderful hotel scene in Desert Hearts.
And best of all, in my book, none of my itchy rashes of concerns needed scratching. Most of the action in this movie took place out of bed, kind of like real life! Yet, the sexual tension between our two heroines was certainly enough to hold anyones attention!! And what did happen in bed was most pleasing, indeed!!! No one died [except Bob the dog], got beat up, went straight or was made to pay an awful price for falling in love.
This movie has a happy endingwhat a wonderful surprise!!!!
Marge Tolchin is a film critic "wannabe" who frequents movie houses in both Washington, D.C. and Rehoboth Beach in search of positive gay and lesbian images.
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8/22/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.