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Reviews
Morgan (2012)
Instructional drama in the style of a Classic Novel
After reading a peer view on IMDb, I was cautious when I watched this movie. But I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of universal human emotions depicted in an above average production (compared to many other independent gay-themed movies). A recently disabled young man has to cope with his condition, and the movie shows us his emotional metamorphosis. This follows many classic novels that high school teachers force their students to read (e.g., A Separate Peace and Catcher in the Rye). The main characters are gay. But it could have been a straight protagonist and the plot can still be played out without much change. Sexual orientation is a minor issue here. The gay characters do not display stereotypical "gay" mannerism, so the audience is not constantly reminded that they are gay. Unfortunately, as the movie has a gay protagonist, many straight people would avoid this movie with substance.
To be able to relate to the emotional transformation of the main character, one needs exposure to disabled people and those who help them to live a productive life (e.g. occupational therapists & physical therapists). This film will ring true for those who are disabled or are working with people with disability. They can relate to the transformation of the protagonist. It is instructional on dealing with and moving on with disability.
Together with 'Keep the Lights on', 'Morgan' is a gem of a film that is like a classic novel; 'Morgan' is not an entertaining romance or romantic comedy popular with many viewers. The latter genre, one watches, indulges in the entertaining elements once, and then forget about it. Not this drama, it teaches one about dealing with and moving on with disability.
The Lost Coast (2008)
How a High school education prepares a group of people to deal with their lives
*Possible Spoiler* Uninteresting to say the least for those who are up-to-date with gay people's presence and the latter's impact in their lives, the movie might be what the director thought would appeal to those straight viewers brainwashed in the belief that gay people choose a devilish lifestyle and are antagonistic toward them. The pacing is even slower than daytime soaps (e.g., Days of Our Lives), so those who can tolerate that pace will likely find it hard to sustain their interest in this low budget film. But it could only be this target because watching it will fortify their current anti-gay ideology.
Upon scrutiny, I find its plot so illogical. The scenes to the Lost Coast are shown several times, but the primary setting is in modern day San Francisco. Ironically, the confused character, if he were really confused and not really gay at all, has access to counseling and resources to find out once and for all what orientation he is and just tell a gay man that he isn't gay or not interested. But that's not the case, so the viewers are then left wondering why he is so naïve, or worse, such a dramatic wreck. The clinging character whose affection for the former character is rejected could have easily worked out his unrequited love for the former as he lives in San Francisco. He could have gone on to meet decent men, one or more of whom will reciprocate his affection. It makes no sense unless these high school graduates have no reasoning skills. Perhaps the director and writer wishes to point out that a high school education tantamounts to nothing useful to help its graduates live their lives. If this is the case, then he succeeds. My interest is sustained to watch the movie to completion based on this premise.
Obviously, the director and producer must have an intended audience for this costly project. For young adults who are exposed to the quickened pace of dramatized story telling and relatively decent portrayal of gay people in prime time TV (90210), this film is definitely not their target.