Product: Jeffrey [VHS] (1995)
Rating: 2.0
Not very interesting at all
I suppose that Jeffrey was groundbreaking when it came out, as it addressed AIDS in a humorous way. I saw the play when it was off Broadway. I didn't like it then. I didn't like it years later, and I don't like this movie, which is somewhat faithful to the play.I don't think that the director, the actors, the producers, or the studio can be blamed for my dislike of this film. It just isn't my cup of tea.Now, I've seen and loved many films of this genre, especially Longtime Companion and Parting Glances. I've loved plays from this genre too. My problem with this play is that it comes off a bit too light and whimsical and less like a play than a series of vignettes clipped together with Scotch tape and staples.With the exception of The Sum of Us, I don't know of any film of the genre in which the actors speak directly to the audience. It bothered me in The Sum of Us, though not to distraction, and it bothers me here to a large degree.Emotions are over the top and so is the acting. As a comedy, this is great stuff, I suppose, if you are a member of Act Up. I don't subscribe to this kind of humor. It's not offensive. It just ISN'T! Seeing a crowd of people who do not know the lead character chase him down the street asking him why he won't go on a date with a man with HIV is just a bit too Bye Bye Birdie when you're dealing with a serious subject - even if it is a comedy.I don't know. I have many friends who love this film. It just doesn't suit me. I think it's a lousy film based on a lousy play. Maybe you'll think differently.