Customer Reviews

David Searching

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the 1997 indie romantic comedy "David Searching", openly gay actor Anthony ("Rent") Rapp is teamed with Camryn ("The Practice") Manheim as a young gay man and a new divorcee sharing an apartment in Manhattan. Rapp plays David, who moved to NYC to pursue his dreams of becoming a famous filmmaker/documentarian, and also to find "Mr. Right" along the way. Neither search is going very well, because David isn't quite sure what he is looking for, nor how to react when
possibilities come along. He and (Manheim's) Gwen settle into a
comfortable living arrangement which actually makes it more difficult for either one to realize they want more out of life, and depression sinks in when they have moments in which this comes to light. Gwen has an affair with a former tenant of the apartment (who still has his keys and just appears on the sofa one day, sleeping off a drinking binge after breaking up with his girlfriend). Meanwhile, David goes through a series of "dates from hell", and also makes friends with a female comedian in a local club, who helps him to better see that he
needs to take more chances to achieve his professional and
relationship goals. In time, he learns that he is so concerned about finding the "deeper meaning of life" that he has lost perspective in the simple things that make it worth living.

Definitely a low budget indie, which looks older than its age (shot in 1996, but only recently released on DVD for the first time), and starts off rather shaky. But stick with it, and you'll find a quirky, delightful story obviously made best through the talented cast of actors, especially Rapp and Manheim. Has a realistic NYC feel, with characters many viewers can relate to. DVD extras include only a director's commentary, recorded especially for the DVD.

I really don't hold a lot of high expectations for indies, but I was really surprised by David Searching. It was a very funny and touching film and I ended up thoroughly enjoying this movie. The performances are great, and some of the cameos are suprising. Leslie Smith, credited with both writing and directing, did a very decent job for a first film. I recommend it.

I found this film to be a refreshing change from so much of the standard gay-indie movie fare. From the first frame, when the hero (Anthony Rapp - and how fun is that?) sets out to find his way through love in the big City, DAVID SEARCHING never talks down to the audience or treats us as if we've never in our lives seen another gay film. The wry sensibility that inhabits this urbane romance is really the heart of the film. Plus, there's Camryn Mannheim in a supporting role and a great cameo by Craig Chester. Freshman writer/director Leslie Smith has put together a fun, literate romance his first time out.

I was pleasantly surprised by this low-key story of a young gay man facing adult choices for the first time in New York. The script is literate and nicely avoids the obvious cliches that affect a lot of gay-themed works. With its upbeat ending, it makes a good, conversation provoking stay-at-home date movie. Besides, it's enjoyable to see stars such as Camryn Mannheim and Anthony Rapp before they became famous in Law & Order and Rent. If you enjoyed Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss or Latter Days, you'll probably like this.

A Month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Rapp, and i told him that I had seen this movie. It took me a few viewings to get the point, but when I did.....!
He spoke to me very lovingly about the making of this film, the low budget, the crew, etc....But he was pleased that I liked it and valued him in this performance....A Must See

I am a huge fan of Anthony Rapp. I enjoy his diversity. "David Searching" could have been a great movie if it wasn't for the poor film quality. The director should have held out for more money before filming it to afford something other than an instamatic camera to film it. But, you take chances with independent films and I took a chance on this one. As far as the story, it is lovely. The characters, all searching for the sometimes impossible "IT", comes through with positive ends. I have no qualms against the characters or the plot. But the filming of the movie detracts from the emotional ride and impact this movie could have had. Still, I applaud you, Anthony for your choice, adding to the diverse roles you have chosen. Bravo and thanks for taking the chance.

Anthony Rapp stars in this film as a good looking, rather confused young man named David who is trying to find his way in life in the midst of lifes dificulties and confusion. An aspiring documentary film maker, he gathers views from all the people he meets in life. He is searching for love, belief, his big chance in life and perhaps a lot more but will he ever find the answer he is searching for? Camryn Manheim gives a great performance as Gwen, David's roommate who is doing some rather serious searching of her own following a divorce that she isn't quite ready to put behind her.

I like this one, however it isn't what I expected it to be, nor was it what I was looking for. Yet I watched, and enjoyed with intrigue. It held my attention all the way through in spite of the picture and sound quality not being all that great. Especially the sound which is sometimes a bit hard to pick up on. There were some good black and white scenes as seen through the camera David uses to record most of the encounters he has with people. Afterwards, I felt a strange desire for a cigarette and a nap, thus I was obviously satisfied.

I suppose it's up to each individual viewer as to what the writer is trying to say, but for this viewer I suppose no matter who you are or where you're at in life, we all face certain struggles with which we must come to terms, and can't always change channels as we might wish to do in our cable tv society. A delightful film to watch, with a good mix of comedy and drama to hold your attention. Although the character of David is gay as are a few of his encounters, there is an equal mix of straight people trying to find some stability in their own world. Thus I can't really endorse this as a "gay film". It is not a romance story, but it also isn't your average run of the mill coming of age film either.

The acting is superb, and the casting was very good for each part portrayed. If you're looking for something a little different, then this might be one you will enjoy watching. I give it 3 and half stars.

I just finished watching this seemingly endless and pointless film about a young gay documentary filmmaker's pursuit of love. I found the writing somewhat pedestrian, the camerawork and sound less than adequate and the acting acceptable. This is an extremely low budget work in severe need of additional editing, both in terms of its verbose script and lengthy scenes. I'm surprised I stuck with this terribly dull and annoyingly obvious film.