Product Details

• Actors: Richard Ganoung, John Bolger, Steve Buscemi, Adam Nathan, Kathy Kinney
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English, German, Polish
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: First Run Features
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 1998
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302537967
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,949 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The late Bill Sherwood's quiet little 1986 feature film about the early days of AIDS has held up remarkably well, and it still seems much smarter and less sentimental than higher-profile "AIDS movies" such as Longtime Companion and Philadelphia. It focuses on a couple, Michael and Robert, during a 24-hour period in New York City, as they prepare for Robert's departure on a trip to Africa. Michael must encourage his HIV-positive friend and former lover Nick (Steve Buscemi) to attend Robert's going-away party (hosted by The Drew Carey Show's Kathy Kinney), meanwhile trying to get Robert to stop avoiding Nick, the gnarly lead singer of a punk band whose video MTV has put into current rotation. Sherwood basically follows Michael around town, as he visits a record store, gets pursued by a cute young cashier, has dinner with a married couple, criticizes Robert for his callousness, and tries to nursemaid Nick, whose defiance against convention, pity, and a couple of bathetic Don Giovanni-inspired nightmares makes him the firm moral center of the film, rather than a victim. As Robert gets ready to leave, Nick plays a prank on Michael to test his devotion. Sherwood keeps issues unresolved and his characters very much alive. It's therefore a shame he didn't live long enough to make more witty, intelligent films like this. --Robert Burns Neveldine

Product Description

Item Name: Parting Glances; Studio: First Run Features

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Imperfect & Heartfelt, May 23, 2000

By 

mackjay (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parting Glances [VHS] (VHS Tape)

In the years since it was first released, "Parting Glances" has acquired a loyal following. Few movies dealing in a gay social context are as appealing, unpretentious, or--best of all--as emotionally genuine.

Bill Sherwood's little film doesn't feature any big-name glamorous stars. The most recognizable names are Steve Buscemi (in fact, the spine of the DVD package reads "Steve Buscemi in Parting Glances") and Kathy Kinney, who has become known to millions for her hilarious character on "The Drew Carey Show." Kinney and especially Buscemi are excellent here. But so are most of the other actors. One thing that makes the film work so well is its use of performers who are not all movie-star beautiful. John Bolger plays a character who is supposed to be handsome, and he certainly fits the bill, as does Adam Nathan. But this movie is not just another excuse to display beautiful people. It has at its core an honesty that draws in the viewer and makes him/her feel like part of the proceedings. There is plenty of gentle humor and a few big laughs. There is also one deeply moving scene the sticks in the mind afterward like a revelation about the connection between people. Sherwood was a musician and there are many interesting and creative selections to be heard in the soundtrack. A couple of New York locations are used to good effect as well.

As far as the DVD issue is concerned. There aren't any real complaints. Picture and sound are as good as can be expected of a low-budget, independent film. "Extras" include text-only information about the making of the film. An interview with Buscemi, Kinney or any others would have been good. An irresistably charming and heartfelt film

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A film to cherish, October 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Parting Glances [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"Parting Glances" was introduced to me by a filmmaker friend. I agree it's the best gay film ever made, the best AIDs film ever made, and tremendously touching at many levels. Whenever I watch it I think of my own life when I first saw it. Since that time I've lost my lover, his Dad, my Dad, my Mom, my best friend and virtually everyone who comprised my family. I, who never dreamt I'd be alone and never wanted to be alone, have known a lot of parting glances. Don't know where the filmmaker friend is now, but he parted too (I hope, at least, he's still making films). It's the same story so many people can tell. At least I/we have the movie.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, compelling, compassionate, witty and wise, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Parting Glances [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Probably the best gay theme movie I've ever seen, if not one of the best movies I've ever seen. It feels like the companion piece to Andrew Holleran's novel, "Dancer From The Dance"... a must read. The characters are realistic, the situation is simultaneously realistic and poetic, giving the film its combination of poignancy and euphoric rush. To the straight viewer, if you want an insight into the gay mind space, and the sadness of AIDS, whilst affirming life, this is the movie. SEE IT!