FILM / Right of Reply
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I FEEL obliged to respond to some of the criticism directed at the motion picture Philadelphia, so the world can return its attentions to less pressing matters, like the civil war in Bosnia.
Where's Antonio Banderas?
I am in complete agreement with critics who believe our film should have featured more of Antonio Banderas. In fact, I believe every film would be significantly improved by featuring more of Antonio Banderas.
Preferably naked. Preferably in a scene in which he makes love, naked, to a charming, moderately successful homosexual screenwriter. Anyone who has written scenes along these lines may send them to me for input.
What's with this loving, supportive family that surrounds the Tom Hanks character?
Mystified as I am by the strong reaction against our presentation of a gay person's supportive, loving family, I mentioned the issue to my boyfriend's mother, Gloria. She was staying with us for the holidays. 'Do you support my relationship with Alan?' I asked.
Gloria seemed startled, and replied: 'What are you talking about, support. You need money?'
'Not that kind of support,' I continued. 'Doesn't it make you angry that your son is gay? Don't you want to throw us out the house?'
Gloria turned to my boyfriend: 'This is your house. What's he talking about?'
Alan answered, 'He's been reading reviews.' Then Gloria said something in Yiddish that is unprintable here.
Why don't Tom Hanks and Antonio Banderas kiss?
Most of the scenes between Tom and Antonio take place during medical crises in the emergency room of a hospital and in a courtroom during a civil trial. I've never had the opportunity to kiss my boyfriend in the emergency room of a hospital or in a crowded courtroom, although we have made it our New Year's resolution to kiss in both these locations as soon as possible.
Aren't we worried that if we fail, we will have made it more difficult for other gay themed projects to be made?
Fortunately, I don't have to answer that question, as our picture is a commercial success, having been No 1 at the box office for the last two weekends.
In Hollywood, success gives you the right to deflect all questions and criticism, directing your energy instead towards perfecting the art of gloating.
New York Times
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments