Amazon.com: First-time director Tommy O'Haver garnered a lot of critical acclaim for this contribution to the "new queer cinema." But he seems more clued in as to its weight than the reviewers. O'Haver rightly calls Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss a Tommy O'Haver "trifle" in the credits and he's on the money in estimating what his film is worth. For sure, the movie has much going for it; it's wholeheartedly enjoyable and packed with the usual dynamic that saturates most gay-themed films: what does one do when that object of desire is heterosexual? In this case O'Haver at least gives his protagonist, Billy, played by Sean P. Hayes, another obsession besides the Brad Pitt-lookalike, prophetically named Gabriel, who is enigmatically acted by Brad Rowe. This is because Billy is a photographer, as addicted to finding the perfect picture as the perfect man. His world is formed by old movies: From Here to Eternity and Imitation of Life are his criteria and the flirty foreplay by which to gauge whether or not a love will have stamina and staying power. Of course, Billy is bound to be disappointed by gay-friendly Gabriel, who is struggling in his own way as much as Billy. Full of the usual mix of second-string players who inhabit the gay milieu (e.g., the best female friend who has man trouble of her own, and the older, secure pal who has secretly held Billy in his sights for some time), O'Haver's film breaks the mold by keeping to a dark note. It resembles a Pedro Almodovar spectacle initially with its saturated look and primary-color palette. But three-fourths through, Billy and his gang walk into the contemporary gay equivalent of a Gidget movie. The shift is surprising and even sometimes funny. Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss has a lot going for it, but it's still just a trifle, and not a milestone in the genre. --Paula Nechak
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - The Kiss
"Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss"
The Kiss
Amos Lassen
"Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" is the story of a struggling gay photographer, Billy (Sean Hayes), who is tired ... Read More
Rating: - My Life Exactly...Almost...
This DVD is a great one to have 'just because'. Not only is it witty in many of the right spots, but the heartstrings become comfortably taught during many of the more intimate/emotional portions of the piece ... Read More
Rating: - Fellini Meets Rob Reiner
Director Tommy O'Haver seems to have been unable to choose between making Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss a no-nonsense romantic comedy or a Fellini epic. (Check out the excellent director's commentary, where he ... Read More
Rating: - A romping good time!
I bought this movie because 1)I LOVE anything Matthew Ashford and 2) Sean Hayes is hysterically funny!
Poor Billy's life is a shambles. His career is nosediving and his love life needs a boost. Enter ... Read More
Rating: - A Pre-"Just Jack" Sean Hayes on a Modest Journey of Self-Discovery
There's nothing wrong with a pleasant film about a gay photographer struggling in LA with not only his career but his growing infatuation with a handsome, ambiguous model. Its modesty is its chief appeal and its chief ... Read More
- The Kiss
- Fellini Meets Rob Reiner
- A romping good time!