Retro Reviewing: "Desert Hearts"

I look forward to these reviews every fortnight. Thank you all so much for doing it! Haven't watched it yet, so here goes!

Loved it! The bath tub scene at the end was hilarious! I think Desert Hearts  is one of those films that doesn't seem to date as much as others because it is set in a different era to begin with. Therefore, its already purposely 'dated', and still appears fresh. Great film. 4.5, and the review itself - 5 gay magics!

I haven't seen The Hunger, so I will definately check it out for next time.

Vannie2 they do this for fun, for our entertainment why the hell should anyone care? Anyway... I liked this movie. My favorite scene is right before the sex scene. I thought it was funny because the Kay character got undressed really fast. She was almost like Superman jumping into a phonebooth only sans the blue spandex. And then Vivian was telling her to leave, Kay's response was "No you don't want me to leave". It was like a Svengali influence, only non-evil, just awesome. Sometimes I wish I had that power of persuasion. Also the Darryl character was weird. He was stalking Kay, and just reminded me of all the times guys thought they had a chance with me. It's funny, true and very sad. All in all I give this movie about a 3.5 on the gay magic scale. Yes, it was the first gay movie, but I felt that it moved slow and it was a bit choppy in parts, and Darryl was creepy.

And I have to say, I have never taken a bath with my straight friends. I've been in a hot tub, but I doubt it is the same thing.

Never met a pearl quite like you that could shimmer and rot at the same time through

Hey guys. Love the vlog, the relationship Cay and friend Silver was sexual in the book as far as I can remember. Just adding my two cents. 

Rina, I'm totally with you on this one: it is certainly a 5!

I just watched the 2 disc special edition the other day, so here are some interesting facts regarding the things you talked about: 

In 2007 the director, Donna Deitch, held an interview with the two leading actresses, Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau (thank god I don't have to pronounce that... imagine the comments on that one). they talked about their decision to do the movie. both of them said they had no reservations or second thoughts whatsoever, but were both advised by people around them (agents, family etc) not to do it. luckily they didn't listen.  

The sex scene was not a one shot. the bonus disc includes a detailed account of how it was filmed: the director talks with the actresses about it, plus there's the actual footage.

Thanks for another great vlog! 

if ne one has seen the original movie The Women.... the main woman character (sry.... forgot the name lol) has to go to a "ranch" so she can get the divorce papers.... just a guess but i think back then u had to go to certain states to become divorced. m not sure that all states had the ability to divorce people.... again just guessing here. that movie was done in 1939.... not much of a time difference (meaning this movie, as u all said, was 1950's). maybe that's why she was at that ranch....

good thing she went to that ranch tho (in this movie) lol :). proved very interesting.... and prob. a little insightful.... overall i thought the movie was good.

purrito >' '<

I'd be really interested to see a sequel, if there's such a thing.... because the difference between the two characters is so huge. Vivian is a highly educated and accomplished career woman and Kay, a young 'hippie', sort of. Their relational dynamic is charming to me, but I wonder how it would work out in real life or in long-term. We all gravitate towards our own kind, but these two break that mold. Curious to see how this type of relationship would develop.

The atmosphere in the movie - 50s in Nevada - is so exotic to me, but somehow I was taken in..... 

well.... Deitch says she wants to, and is in the process of, creating a sequel. i've read that she wants to have it set in New York in the 60's, (am assuming that'd be another period piece type thing), and it will have Vivian and Kay in it.... but they won't be the main characters. i'm pretty sure what i've said is correct.... just google Desert Hearts sequel to find out if that's right :).

purrito >' '<

Hi girls,

I'm a huge fan of your reviews which i found both funny and interesting.

I' m from France and I think you should try to review some french films, these are two of my favourites:

- la Répétition by Corsini with E. Béart. There's a georgous love scene in it.

-La tourneuse de Page .

I'm sure you can find english subtitles.

Otherwise if you just wanna watch english spoken films then  what about Mulholland drive. The lesbian storyline is not the main theme of this film but, to me, there's one of the most beautiful love scene between 2 women.

 A ++

Back in the days when divorce was shameful, you could get a "no fault" divorce in Nevada or Mexico.  You had to stay for weeks to establish residency to get a "quickie" divorce - really not so quick but great for the local economy - hotels had guests, restaurants had customers, casinos had gamblers, lawyers got clients, courts got fees etc...  

 And we got a wonderful movie location for great movies like "The Misfits" and "The Women" and "Desert Hearts"...

Most enjoyed the vlog, the rubber ducky song especially.

When i played rugby we had naked communal showers together after a match, not for socialising mind, does that count?

Only seen half the film due to dvd scratchs, damn it. So have purchased another one and muted whilst you talked about the ending.

The slow pace isn't bothering me, (unlike personal best, which i only managed to watch for 5-10 minutes), the transitions remind me of Star Wars and I keep thinking an x-wing is about to fly over head. The film really drew me in emotionally in certain scenes when the two were together and i'm really looking forward to the second half.

Don't worry about the lass above, she sounded a bit harsh. She could've been nicer about it, manners and tact are still important in cyberspace. You're doing your best and the last thing you'll need is someone giving you shit. You'll have other things in your life and might not have time for deep research. It's a blessing that you're doing the vlog at all. You're doing a top notch job and I for one am greatful for it.

Thank you.

reviewing Amour de Femme?  It's another French film request and also one of my favorites.  

Very entertaining this week ladies.  The bath scene re-enactment was too funny.

Here I go, I just fall in love again.

Desert Hearts was and still remains a "classic."  We were all in love with Patricia C., and cheered when she finally seduced Helen.  Well, okay.  I still find that love scene hot.  I appreciate your comments, and your ratings.  And I'm still in love with singer Anne Murray, young or old, and I can't help myself, I fall in love again.  I've been a teacher, and I've been the seducer, and let me tell you that seduction scene was pretty authentic, and among the best.   <smile>  Love from a happy lesbian. 

^ 5 panel.