Third Man Out

Director(s): Ron Oliver
Writer(s): Mark Saltzman (Based on a Novel by Richard Stevenson)
Producer(s): Barry Krost, James Shavick, Kirk Shaw, Stacey Shaw, Randall Zalken
Starring: Chad Allen, Sebastian Spence, Jack Wetherall

Donald Strachey (Chad Allen) is perhaps the most dysfunctional private investigator known to Albany, New York. When he's not dodging punches from people he offends, he finds time to be a pretty good private investigator. When Strachey and husband Timmy (Sebastian Spence) realize they need more financing to fund their dilapidated suburban home, Strachey has no choice but to reluctantly help John Rutka (Jack Wetherall), author of a website known for outing well-known people. This gay gumshoe dives in the seedy world of closeted celebrities and political figures, all the while trying to forget his past dishonorable discharge from the military for being gay.

My friend Stephen and I seem to be a dying breed of gay man. While most crave the lusty, steamy sex scenes of most queer films, we tend to be the ones that focus on the small romantic gestures that speak volumes more than the moans, groans, or grunts emanating from beautiful men on the silver screen. Don't get me wrong, Chad Allen and Sebastian Spence are beautiful men, but they are also more lovey dovey than the rest of a gay couples unfolding their lives in a three act structure for all to see. Their chemistry and banter give insight to a solid, loving relationship that is more than just the sex. This is evident from the first scene where the two happen to meet at the hospital and have a polite exchange in the hospital hallway, respecting each others' reason for being there (work) but also thankful to see the other in what could be a hectic day on the job. Donald's job as a PI and Timmy's job as a political adviser seem to be at odds at times, but the two have a genuine compatibility that overshadows any plot line involving mobsters and guns trying to coverup lurid gay sex.

No nostalgic memories of past events or thought provoking analogies for the struggles of the gay community burst out for me to write about. Sure the film attempts to focus on the world of closeted men in power which contrasts to Donald and Timmy's open loving relationship. However, the film becomes more of a fun, crime novel adaptation before it implants issues of deeper acknowledgment. This is not a bad thing. . . sometimes people need to stop thinking and just enjoy a movie.