Customer Reviews

Get Real

5 star:		(160)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

No wonder this film has prompted so many positive appraisals. The cast is perfect and comely. The story is gritty, witty, funny, touching, and true. It's about being in the closet (whether you're married or just in high school), and the painful process of deciding to come out -- or not. Steve (Ben Silverstone) knows he's gay but, isolated by his feelings, only has secretive, anonymous sex. Johnny (Brad Gorton) is the handsome high-school hero headed for Oxford. He is paralyzed by fear and loneliness, being so deeply in the closet. They accidentally hook up in a public bathroom and, despite Johnny's misgivings, eventually get together. Their moments of private happiness -- understated, gentle, and sweet -- are among the loveliest on screen. Affectionate and comfortable when they are alone, the jock is also terrified that their 'secret' will come out, and he has a very hard time dealing with Steve's gradual emergence from hiding. One hopes for their union but can, at the same time, see the fall coming. Johnny is ultimately a coward, his heroics on the sports field notwithstanding. The straight men, in general, do not come off at all well. Steve's father is withdrawn and unsupportive, though we are given to believe that he will come around. The high school boys are, without exception, mindless jerks. Certainly, Pre-Stonewall, Steve could never have 'come out' on film, much less at his high school awards ceremony! But, that having been said, it is apparently just as dangerous and terrifying for young people now -- in a still-repressed, still-suppressed, and violently homophobic society -- as it ever has been. That is the sad message of this film, along with the one of hope for Steve.

"Get Real" combines a terrific script with superb acting. Steven Carter is one of the best gay teen characters ever written, portrayed touchingly and realistically by Ben Silverstone. He is simultaneously geeky and sexy, awkward and self-assured, yet underneath his fears and self-doubts there is always a ray of self-acceptance and sense of humor about his predicaments that comes shining through.

You will marvel at Steven's courage, empathize with his pain, and just simply fall in love with this complex and totally adorable young man. His love interest, another complex character, is also brilliantly played. Steven's next-door neighbor and (female) best friend is the only character who comes across as somewhat stereotypical (an overweight fag-hag type), yet her performance avoids the pitfalls that the stereotypical characterization could've created.

The quirky humor the director interjects throughout the film will catch you off guard at times - during the scene inside the park men's room, when the soundtrack started playing The Troggs' "Love is All Around", I had to supress an urge to laugh uproariously and at the top of my lungs (I first saw the film in a theater).

"Get Real" is a "must see" for anyone who knows what it feels like to be young, gay & in the closet, and also for straight folk who wish to understand the difficulties GLBT people have to face, even in our contemporary, allegedly "enlightened" world.

"Get Real" is a great gay coming-of-age story. This British film has a screenplay by Patrick Wilde and is directed by Simon Shore. It stars Ben Silverstone as Steven Carter, a teenage schoolboy who's looking for gay love and sex. He's only out of the closet to his friend Linda (played by Charlotte Brittain), who feels like an outsider herself because of her large weight. The film follows Steven as he deals with the joys, pain, and frustration of being a gay youth.

"Get Real" certainly touches on some controversial issues, such as teenage sexual activity and public "cruising" for sex. But I believe the filmmakers handle these and other issues with intelligence and sensitivity. Stephen is a writer, so the role of the student press is also a factor in the story.

Wilde's script has some really engrossing dialogue, and Shore directs his scenes with grace and skill. Classic songs are cleverly used throughout the film to underscore the characters' emotional states.

It's the outstanding performances of "Get Real" that really make this film excellent. Silverstone shines in the title role; he brings a rich blend of strength, vulnerability, impishness, and sexual energy to his character. Much of the film rests on his shoulders, and he succeeds totally. Silverstone has great onscreen chemistry with gal pal Brittain, who brings a nice dash of spice to her character. Other strong performances are turned in by Brad Gorton (as the school jock who is the object of Steve's affection) and Jacquetta May (as Steve's mother).

"Get Real" is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining film, but it is also a film which deals with serious sociological issues in a compelling and compassionate way. The film vividly explores the burdens faced by gay youth: homophobic harrassment from classmates, internalized homophobia, etc. But ultimately I found this to be an uplifting and hopeful film. Highly recommended, especially for high school teachers and counselors.

This film is excellent because it illustrates gay love in a respectable way. This movie isn't about only sex, like "Edge of Seventeen", it's about true, innocent love, like "Beautiful Thing." Except, this film is 10 times better than "Beautiful Thing."

I loved this film because I could relate to it on a small degree. Everything the the characters do, I wish I had done with a perticular boy in high school. But fear kept me from doing it. This film was my way to live out what I didn't experience.

My boyfriend, on the other hand, was able to live out what he desired. When the film was over, he was very upset. The film was a direct parallel to his life. All the wonderful and exciting feelings of love mixed in with the bitter reality of physical and emotional pain hit a little bit to close to home for him.

Based upon our differing views, I can say that this film will touch the lives of many people that see it. It is inspiring to see two young men innocently in love with each other. The film shows the kind of love that many gay men aspire to have in their own life and it illustrates how stupidity and fear can cause complications in a relationship.

From the first moment I saw the preview for this movie, I knew I had to see it. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to own it. As a gay man who went to high school in the late 70's I found myself completely enraptured by the touching, honest, funny and frank portrayal of the feelings and dreams that I had as a teenager. Ben Silverstone. What can I say? As Steven Carter, he is one of the most natural young actors that I have ever seen. Whether straight or gay, Mr. Silverstone captured my heart and mind from the minute he appeared on the screen. Charlotte Brittain, as Linda, reminded me of the one true friend that I had throughout this same period in my life. Finally I have to say that although not as endearing or engaging as Mr. Silverstone, Brad Gorton did a wonderful job of showing the complex emotions felt by his character, John Dixon. I knew a young man very similar to him and I must say that the experience of watching them and the ultimate resolution to their relationship was, for me, very real and not entirely unknown. I found myself laughing, crying and completely satisfied at the end of the movie. I must say that with hundreds of viewings of the tape with friends and alone, the resulting deterioration leaves me no choice by to buy the DVD. I also recommend, as others before me have, Beautiful Thing. A little more of a fantasy ending, but very enjoyable none the less. And after just this minute finishing "Edge of Seventeen" I would highly recommend it too! Look for my review when it becomes available from Amazon.com

I rented this movie because of the many positive reviews I have seen of it. I must say, I was not disappointed. This is a coming out story that mirrors true life exceptionally well. We have young Steven who is closeted but wants to come out once he meets John who he falls in love with. However; John, who is unwilling to come out for fear of becoming an outcast, wants their relationship to be a secret. I felt for both characters and understand both Steven's and John's predicament. This movie made me realize two things about the world we live in. One is that our society is intolerant of people who are different. The other is fear. Fear is an emotion that's supposedly there to protect us. But it ends up hurting John and so many closeted gay people. Fear isn't always a good thing. As Steven said, in the climax of the film, "What's everybody so afraid of? It's just love.This movie made me realize that for all the things we think we are going to lose when we come out, there is so much more we gain. Homophobia, notwithstanding, being out has much to offer - true happiness.

Between Get Real and Beautiful Thing (1996) I am thinking that Britain knows how to make great films with gay themes. Movies like Jeffery & Trick are fun and all but for me they don't seem to strike those deep and delicate chords that ring within the soul. The movie Get Real is a coming of age story about a 16 year old boy named Steven Carter. (played with utter perfection by the rather talented Ben Silverstone.) Steven longs to be accepted for who and what he is and to make a life for himself more meaningful than random bathroom encounters with other gay men. Enter John Dixon (played by Brad Gorton). John is the school's track star and the one "hunk" that every girl in the school (and one particular Steven Carter) would give away their first born to date. After an awkward encounter in a park bathroom Steven finds that John may actually be more "family oriented" than he appears. What ensues is a wild ride of self discovery for both Steven and John where ultimately their growing bond of friendship & love help Steven to overcome his fears and be who he really wants to be no holds barred. The only things that were minorly irritating about this film is the placement of the comic relief in the form of Steven's best friend Linda (played very believably by Charlotte Brittain.) After every intense scene we are thrown into a silly sequence of Linda being...well...Linda. One other complaint was the unconvincing performance by Brad Gorton as the closeted and frightened John Dixon). I do not know if the actor was just out of touch with gay issues or what, but I just wasn't buying his sincerity when he would speak his more deeply moving lines. But let me assure that these are comparatively minor issues and that this movie is definitely a great viewing. For anyone who has ever longed to cast aside all fear and inhibition and be your true self, its time to get "Get Real".

This highly realistic movie is the kind of film-making that the Brits excel in. Presumably made on a showstring budget, there is, however, nothing undernourished about the performances, scriptwriting or direction of this genuine classic.

Patrick Wilde has fashioned a hugely entertaining *and* thought-provoking screenplay from his play, What's Wrong With Angry? Yet to his credit, there is nothing stagey about this movie. Some of the kudos must go to first-time director Simon Shore, who has created a tightly paced (and often suspenseful) movie with one memorable scene after another. This is a film with real atmosphere - witness the way he lights the scenes in the swimming pool and the woods, with mood music to match.

But what makes the movie a masterpiece of its genre is the performance of its central actor, Ben Silverstone. This 18-year-old is an acting genius. He walks such a tightrope of emotions (some likeable; others less so), yet carries the audience with him at every turn. It's impossible not be drawn into his plight as he struggles to maintain his sense of self in an overwhelmingly heterosexual (and, at times, hostile) society. He is amazing, and it will be fascinating to follow what should be an outstanding career. His co-star, Brad Gorton, is good (notwithstanding the occasional awkward moment) but Silverstone's worthiest co-star is the wonderful Charlotte Brittain, in the role of his cheerfully fat confidante. The rapport between the two is a joy to watch, and Wilde provides them with some of the sharpest dialogue you're likely to hear in a youth-oriented movie.

The good that this movie will do for gay people struggling with self-acceptance is incalculable. Many have referred to Beautiful Thing as the superior film, but for my money Get Real has the script and magnetic performances to reach out to audiences both gay and straight in a way that no other film has achieved. It's simply the most accessible "gay" movie I've ever seen.

Why Ben Silverstone was not nominated for an Oscar is beyond me!

Get Real ia an excellent peice of art. Never have I seen such a film before. Especially being an English film, I thought I should not even attempt to watch it. I have never seen a finer film, it evokes emotions hidden so deep inside people, you just can't help but being changed after watching it. Steven, played by Ben Silverstone, was an excellent example of how it really is, and how it really feels to be gay and in high school, especially a prive school. I know exactly how it feels. John, played by Brad Gorton, is who I relate to more, he is practically worshiped by certain people, and it is very hard for him to come to terms with his sexuality, and once he does, he still can't admit it. A very common problem, a very sad one. I have honestly never laughed or cried so hard. This movie is for gay, or straight audiences. Maybe you will come out of it a changed person too.

Get Real is a story of young love and accepting who you are. Steve (Ben Silverstone)is gay and comfortable with it, even though he is only out to his neighbor, Linda (Charlotte Brittain). Because he is afraid that the boys at school will abuse him even more if they know he's gay, Steve's relationships consist of one-night stands with guys he meets in the park. This is how he meets the local big-man-on-campus, John (Brad Gorton). This film portrays high school 'society' very realistically and the interactions between the characters is very genuine. Get Real includes the awkward silences, the social fumblings, the excitement of a first love, and the heartbreak that everyone, gay or straight, went through in high school. All of the actors deserve high marks for their performances, especially Silverstone and Gorton. The scenes after the dance and after the awards ceremony are so honest and raw that they break my heart every time. Their frank portrayals are what make this unassuming little film one that everyone needs in their collection.