The Velocity of Gary

Director(s): Dan Ireland
Writer(s): James Still
Producer(s): Kathryn Arnold, Carl Colpaert, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dan Ireland, Dan Lupovitz, Joe Simon, James Still, Ellen S. Wander
Starring: Vincent D'Onofrio, Thomas Jane, Selma Hayek

Gary is in love with Valentino, The only problem: so is Mary Carmen. The three have an odd relationship that seem dysfunctional to most, however to the three of them, they live perfectly content in their world of love and happiness. When Valentino gets an AIDS-related illness, the bonds of the three New Yorkers is tested. As Gary relives his years in NY, he can't separate the New York experience from Mary Carmen and Valentino.

Once again we find a unique relationship between queer theatre and queer cinema. What was once a stage show, has now become a film that seemingly launched the careers of three notable film actors. Salma Hayek gives a memorable performance with numerous film quotes that are likely in mass circulation today. Her performance as a needy and yet wanted Mary Carmen is wonderfully done. She adds depth to a character that is all over the place, something that seems impossible to do.

Thomas Jane, before all of his sexiness, plays a young hustler just trying to make it in the city on his own. His performance lends the sexiness to the film, captivating any gay viewer by his good looks and chiseled body. Even today, years later, his sexiness still exudes from his smoldering looks. While noted for his sexiness, he also does an excellent job playing a troubled person struggling with his emotions and the chip on his shoulder.

All in all, this film has the theme of the creation of a surrogate family, a theme present in numerous queer films. My friend, Stephen, has a theory that gays create a surrogate family, a group of friends that they can call upon and act as their real family. While purposes for creating this second family are at the discretion of the person at hand, the end result is always teh same. A close, knit group of friends that remain tight, through time and distance. Once again, i become nostalgic for my friends. They may be scattered across the country and the world, but i love them regardless and view them as a family that I can call upon if things get tough.