The Man I Love

Starring:VÃ©ronique Aude, Bruno Bonomo, Marcial Di Fonzo Bo, Nedjib Djebarri, Jean-Charles Fonti, Elisabeth Giusti (II), Ali Hadsj, Jacques Hansen, Louis Philippe Lopez, Karim Lounis, StÃ©phane LÃ©vÃªque, Bernard Nissile, Jean-Michel Portal, Benjamin Sanchiarelli, Vittoria Scognamiglio, Mathilde Seigner, Natasha Solignac, Serguei Tourountsev
Studio: Picture This
Product Type: DVD

Description

What gay man hasn't sat beside a pool and dreamed of declaring his love to a beautiful straight boy whose Speedo fits just right? How many of us have dared to hope that we might actually get to peel the swimsuit away, or that our love might even be returned? Well, for the irrepressible Martin, just dreaming and hoping are no longer enough. Martin falls for the straight Lucas the moment he sees him leap from the high dive, and decides to take a leap of his own. Within minutes he declares his love to Lucas, who is less than thrilled. No one is more surprised than Martin, then when his seemingly hopeless infatuation ends up bringing him friendship, passion and even true love. The only problem is that, for Martin, it all may have come too late. This tender story of two lovers who find the meaning of life just as one of them is preparing to leave it will both warm your heart and break it, and have you smiling through your tears. Throw in a mother who roars around town in a pink Mercedes with outfits to match, AIDS activists fighting for better treatments, a deaf drag queen who signs his routines instead of lip- synching, a gay wedding and beautiful locations in and around Marseilles, and you have a uniquely French but touchingly universal love story.

Customer Reviews:

A French Love Story.......2007-05-07

In this bittersweet French film, gay boy (Martin) meets straight boy (Lucard),who cuts quite a figure in speedos, falls for him, and confesses his love immediately. Straight boy unfortunately has girl friend so the scene is set for a love triangle. But straight boy (Lucard) with not much coaching goes from straight to bi to gay (?) rather quickly.

The swimming pool scenes are lush as are some of the shots in the French countryside. Although the film is uneven, it certainly has its moments including a demonstration by the French Act-Up organization and a gay wedding orchestrated by Martin's mother, a French Auntie Mame who drives a lavender Mercedes. The film deals with the difficult subject of two lovers, one who is living and the other who is dying.

Another gay-themed film well worth seeing.

A French "Love Story" Featuring A Romantic Lead Only A Masochist Could Love.......2007-02-28

I have to be frank, I'm quite surprised at how well received this small French film has been by many viewers. In no way do I wish to offend anyone--if you found something of value in this film, I'm pleased. However, having really looked forward to "The Man I Love," I recently sat down with a few friends to check out the DVD. This story of forbidden love and AIDS is supposed to be charming and moving, but unanimously--we found it annoying and preposterous. With a lead character so childish, so selfish, so petulant, so borderline obsessive, so disrespectful--let's just say, it's hard to root for this film as any kind of "love story." Instead, I just wished someone would slap this guy around until he had some sense.

OK, I know this sounds harsh--so let's get down to the facts of the matter. "The Man I Love" centers on an HIV+ man named Martin. Working at a local pool, he meets a new lifeguard named Lucas. Lucas, while attractive, is a monosyllabic jerk in this first meeting--he orders Martin around and barely contains a real indifference and disdain for his odd coworker. Guess what? Martin just eats this up--he pesters Lucas on the way home and proclaims his love (within minutes of the initial meeting) for the straight and horrified man who just wants to escape this creepy stalker. However, Martin ends up meeting Lucas's live-in girlfriend, and she is sweet, inviting, and genuinely fond of Martin--this ends up being the key to how Martin and Lucas start spending more time together. "Irrepressible" Martin starts to employ "charming," "hysterical," and "endearing" tactics to win Lucas's thawing heart--and the two, who have no common ground, start to grow close as Lucas realizes there might be an attraction. Knowing that this is both a "love story" and an AIDS drama, I'll leave the rest of the plot to your imagination.

I have nothing against the storyline of "The Man I Love," but it's not particularly unique. I have nothing against the actors. Lucas, his girlfriend, and Martin's mother all give solid performances--I was especially impressed with the actor who portrays Lucas. Having to perform the most difficult role, he must convince you to believe in some of the most outlandish scenarios. Being stalked, manipulated and molested by Martin--he still tries to sell that this is a "love story." That brings us to Martin. Oh, I get it. We are supposed to love Martin's free spirit, but there's a reason I've used quotes on the adjectives "irrepressible," "charming," and "endearing." That's how the movie expects us to view Martin's juvenile antics. But his complete disregard for everyone, but himself, is an enormous problem. Throwing dead fish in a public pool and terrorizing clients--"hysterically romantic!" (But we're supposed to view his boss as the villain for having a problem with these things.) He disregards Lucas's feelings constantly and is a monster to Lucas's girlfriend, someone who has specifically reached out to him in friendship. Martin is a truly awful human being who claims he doesn't want to be pitied for being ill, but uses it to manipulate everyone when it serves his purpose. It's offensive.

As you can see, I feel passionately about this misguided movie. Negative stereotypes abound, but again--this film has been embraced by many. If someone who is completely selfish and mean-spirited is an ideal romantic partner for you, then check this movie out and enjoy! For myself, however, I'll find love elsewhere. KGHarris, 02/07.

Something amiss but still worth looking at.......2007-02-11

The Man I Love is an OK movie...it has some positive elements to it. The story follows Martin, who is HIV+. He meets Lucas, a lifeguard and diver at the pool where he works. Lucas is straight, or so the story goes, and living with Lise. Martin begins a quest, of sorts, to get Lucas into bed, and Lucas eventually realizes that he loves Martin and it goes on from there (don't want to spoil the ending). I think there are a lot of people, including myself, who can identify with the idea of loving someone who seems completely unavailable; Martin at least has the guts to go after him.

What I didn't like was the gigantic leap of feelings, from Martin to Lucas to Lucas to Martin. In the span of the first few minutes, we learn that Martin likes Lucas, a lot, but the movie gives the impression that it's a first meeting (love at first sight?). Lucas seems to struggle with his feelings for Martin but turns around and makes one gigantic leap into love. Another issue was the lack of clarity as to why Lucas loves Martin so much, besides the illness. I think the movie could have benefited from being longer so as not to obliterate a sense of realness for falling in love, especially with a character who is questioning as much as Lucas does.

What I did like is that Martin is not a completely sympathetic character. So many movies portray the dying as heroes. Martin doesn't take care of himself and he uses his illness to manipulate, something that many people with terminal illnesses do (been there, done that). I also loved the cinematography; it's absolutely gorgeous. Can't give this movie 4 stars but I like it well enough to recommend that you see it.

Very engaging story.......2006-07-31

The two lead actors are fun to watch, interest, the story is intriguing, and the ending is appropriate. A very enjoyable movie.

the man i love.......2005-10-14

enjoyed this movie. worth watching. not the best i have seen, but ok

American Short Story Collection: I'm a Fool

Average customer rating:

I really enjoyed this video
the best of the television years available.
Everyone can relate to this story

American Short Story Collection: I'm a Fool
Starring: John Tidwell , Ron Howard , Amy Irving , Dennis Hopper , and Donna Lee Miller
Director: Noel Black
Manufacturer: Monterey Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

American Short Story Collection: The Golden Honeymoon
American Short Story Collection: Soldier's Home
The American Short Story Collection: The Revolt of Mother
Barn Burning
Bernice Bobs Her Hair

ASIN: B000AXWGR2
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Description

Written By: Teleplay Ron Cowen, based on the Sherwood Anderson classic

Starring: Ron Howard, Amy Irving

Directed By: Noel Black Traveling from town to town during the summer of 1919, young Andy ( Ron Howard) has left his Ohio home in search of adventure and romance as a horse trainer on the country fair racing circuit.

More than a little "wet behind the ears", Andy learns a bittersweet lesson about life when he meets Lucy ( Amy Irving, Academy Award Nominee), the girl of his dreams at the racetrack one day. Ashamed of his occupation, Andy leads Lucy to believe he's wealthy.

Soon one deception leads to another, until there is no way to tell Lucy the truth. The irony of the story is that Lucy and Andy have fallen deeply in love. As Andy dejectedly admits on his way out of town, all is lost because "I'M A FOOL."

DVD Features: Author Bio, Actor Bio, Printable Study Guide, About the American Short Story Collection, Audio Interview - Robert Geller, Henry Fonda Intro

Seen on PBS

Customer Reviews:

I really enjoyed this video.......1999-06-04

This is a wonderful performance by James Dean. It should be in every Dean fan's library. Parts of his performance are reminiscent of Chaplin's 'little tramp' character. This video really shows how talented JD was.

the best of the television years available........1998-12-23

Im A fool is the best production for tv that Dean ever did. Though not the best quality it has a timeless story, eddie(green acres) Albert and a 16 year-old Natalie Wood. Deans performance Stands out for its truth and honesty.

Everyone can relate to this story.......1997-11-07

From the start, the narrator always tried to find an easy way through life. Even though the narrator had good intentions by impressing the beautiful woman with lies about his vast wealth, the lies were the same reason that he lost her forever. Good story. END

Average customer rating:

"Paramount Pictures ... Swamp Fire (1946) ... VCI Home Video"
For the devoted fan

Swamp Fire
Starring: Johnny Weissmuller , Virginia Grey , Buster Crabbe , Carol Thurston , and Pedro de Cordoba
Director: William H. Pine
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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4-for-3 Action & Adventure | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller, Vol. 2 (Tarzan Triumphs / Tarzan's Desert Mystery / Tarzan and the Amazons / and the Leopard Woman / and the Huntress / and the Mermaids)
Nabonga
Blonde Savage
The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate / Finds a Son / Secret Treasure / New York Adventure)
Jungle Man

ASIN: B000098ZSN
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Customer Reviews:

"Paramount Pictures ... Swamp Fire (1946) ... VCI Home Video".......2006-10-25

VCI Entertainment and Paramount Pictures present "SWAMP FIRE" (1946) (69 mins/B&W) (Dolby digitally remastered) --- relive those thrilling adventures when Johnny Weissmuller and Buster Crabbe took us down the Mighty Mississippi River with suspenseful excitement at every turn... many of these films were a staple of Saturday matinees in the 1930s and 1940s ... don't miss any of the Paramount features loaded with action that will leave you wanting more of this duos screen time in Hollywood USA,

Under William Pine (Director / Producer), William C. Thomas (Producer), Daniel Mainwaring (Screenwriter), Fred Jackman, Jr. (Cinematographer), Rudy Schrager (Composer (Music Score), Howard A. Smith (Editor), Paul F. Sylos (Art Director), Harold E. Knox (First Assistant Director) ------ the cast includes Johnny Weissmuller (Johnny Duval), Buster Crabbe (Mike Kalavich), Virginia Grey (Janet Hilton), Carol Thurston (Toni Rousseau), Pedro de Cordoba (Tim Rousseau), Marcelle Corday (Grandmere Roussea), William Edmunds (Emile Ledoux), Edwin Maxwell (Capt. Pierre Moise), Pierre Watkin (P.T. Hilton), Charles Gordon (Capt. Hal Peyton), Frank Fenton (Capt. Pete Dailey), David Janssen (Emile's eldest son), I. Stanford Jolley (Coast Guard Skipper) . . . . . . . our film and story brings together for the first time on the big screen two former Tarzans, Johnny Weissmuller and Buster Crabbe ... each in love with the same girl and on the opposite sides of the Louisiana Bayou when it came to obeying the laws of the land ... Weissmuller is the Captain of a River Boat and Crabbe is a trapper picking up his catches on taboo land of the government ... watch the two stars exhibit their talent of wrestling in an alligator hole, did I say for their lives ... keep your eyes peeled for a young David Janssen ("Richard Diamond" and "The Fugitive" Television Series) and a wonderful B-Western and Serial character actor I. Stanford Jolley who was a pioneer also in film noir films.------ another great river adventure under the Paramount banner, proves to be one of director William Pine and screenwriter Daniel Mainwaring best outing.

Special foonote, actor Johnny Weissmuller was one of the world's best swimmers in the 1920s, winning five Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal ... won fifty-two US National Championships and set sixty-seven world records ... following his swimming career, he became the sixth actor to portray Tarzan in films, a role he played in twelve motion pictures ... Weissmuller left that role and immediately traded his loincloth costume for jungle fatigues and appeared fully clothed in the role of Jungle Jim (1948) for Columbia, where he made thirteen Jungle Jim movies between (1948) and (1954), the next year he appeared in three more jungle movies playing himself ... many actors also played Tarzan such as Buster Crabbe, but Weissmuller was the best-known, with a distinctive, ululating Tarzan yell is still often used in films ... during an appearance on television's Mike Douglas Show in the 1970's, Weissmuller explained how the famous yell was created ... recordings of three vocalists were spliced together to get the effect--a soprano, an alto, and a hog caller.

Second special footnote, actor Buster Crabbe graduated from the University of Southern California and won the 400 meter freestyle in which he medaled in the 1932 Olympics, went to work for Paramount in "King of the Jungle" (1933), next role was "Tarzan the Fearless (1933), Crabbe returned to Paramount Pictures was featured in Zane Grey Westerns which were well received, then came the roles that made him a household word "Flash Gordon" and "Buck Rogers" at Universal Picture Serials (1936-1940), meanwhile PRC Studios was looking for a leading hero "Billy the Kid" and "Billy Carson" in the 1940's B-Western series and ran its course for six years, later made several televison appearances and appeared in a series "Captain Gallant and the Foreign Legion" (1955-1957).....

SPECIAL FEATURES:
BIOS:

1. Johnny Weissmuller (aka: Janos Weissmuller)
Date of birth: 2 June 1904 - Freidorf, Banat, Austria-Hungary (now Romania)
Date of death: 20 January 1984 - Acapulco, Mexico
2. Buster Crabbe (aka: Clarence Linden Crabbe II)
Birth Date: 2/17/1907 - Oakland California
Died: 4/23/1983 - Scottsdale, Arizona

Great job by VCI Entertainment for releasing "Swamp Fire" (1946) -
Johnny Weissmuller & Buster Crabbe, the digital transfere with a clean,
clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from
the vintage serial era of the '20s, '30s & '40s and B-Westerns...order your
copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment where there are plenty of
copies available on DVD and VHS, stay tuned once again for top notch
action mixed with deadly adventure from the "King of Serials" VCI...just
the way we like 'em

Total Time: 69 min on DVD/VHS ~ VCI Home Video ~ (10/24/2000)

For the devoted fan.......2005-08-12

This film is for fans of the genre and the Tarzan star, Johnny Weismuller. He gets to wrestle and kill a crocidle in this one too!

I watched it because I'm a big David Janssen fan and he had a small uncredited part near the beginning of the film. He was probably 13 or 14 years old at the time.

Average customer rating:

Leo Sayer - Live in Korea

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

SONGS: 1) Thunder In My Heart; 2) Long Tall Glasses; 3) One Man Band; 4) Raining In My Heart; 5) More Than I Can Say; 6) Blame It On The Night; 7) You Make Me Feel Like Dancing; 8) I Can't Stop Loving You; 9) Endless Flight; 10) When I Need You; 11) How Much Love. ++++ Officially licensed release from South Korea with 4:3 Full Screen display; 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound; NTSC "ALL" Region (region-free) coding.

DVD:

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