Guest Author - Rain Battle
The Broadway Play took theatre by storm and on the big screen, this film has just as much of an impact. It's "Torch Song Trilogy," the story of a man who's known he was gay since childhood and has been comfortable with that for just as long. His name is Arnold and he is divinely played by Harvey Fierstein, who also wrote the play.
Arnold is a performer, or more specifically, a very popular drag queen. He is also a total romantic looking for love in all the wrong places. One of those places is aptly named "Paradise," a dimly lit room in the rear of a popular bar. Arnold has a good life - he has great friends, a cozy home, and a career he truly loves. All he lacks is a true love to share it all with. He believes he's found that love when he meets Ed (Brian Kerwin), a tall blond who's somewhat confused with his sexuality and what he wants. Arnold falls hard and fast for Ed, who keeps Arnold at a distance and secretly dates women to maintain a straight image to his family.
Eventually Arnold is forced to end the romance and he gives up hope of ever finding true love when Alan (Matthew Broderick) falls into his bed - literally. Young, handsome Alan becomes intoxicated at the club where Arnold performs and is abandoned by his friends. Arnold takes pity on the incoherent man and takes him home, where he passes out on Arnold's bed. The next morning, Alan reveals that he is a model, and after a hasty thanks, rushes off to work. Although Arnold is intrigued, he doesn't expect to see Alan again, but Alan surprises him and soon a passionate romance begins.
In the tale of his life, we also meet Arnold's mother (Anne Bancroft), a stubborn narrow-minded woman who clings to the ridiculous hope that Arnold will someday meet "a nice girl." When a horrible tragedy befalls them both, it is a true test of love to see if mother and son can be there for one another.
"Torch" is a truly wonderful film; it is painfully real, constantly funny, and sweet without being sappy. The roles were played by the best actors for the job, which is evident through their stellar performances. This film will make you laugh and cry and have you wishing that Arnold was your friend.
