Bedrooms and Hallways

Plot synopsis:
The film opens as Leo (Kevin McKidd), an openly gay man celebrating his 30th birthday, arrives home and is very unhappy to find a surprise-party organised by his roommates Darren (Tom Hollander) and Angie (Julie Graham) in full swing. Leo has a complicated personal history with some of the guests and hides in his bedroom, feeling grumpy and old. The movie then goes into an extended flashback which explains this history.
It turns out that his colleague had encouraged Leo to attend his weekly men's group run by New Age type goofball Keith (Simon Callow) whose wife is Sybil (Harriet Walter). There, Leo meets hunky Irishman Brendan (James Purefoy) whom he develops a crush on, which he reluctantly reveals to the group. However Brendan is straight and lives with his ex-girlfriend Sally (Jennifer Ehle) who is later revealed to be Leo's high school sweetheart. A series of 'Iron John' group exercises leads Brendan and Leo to develop a friendship. As they bond, it becomes clear that Brendan's curiosity towards Leo starts to grow in a sexual escalade. In the men's group, one of the other groupsmen become very jealous of Leo's "friendship" with Brendan and that he does not have that with Leo. Brendan fights with the lad over Leo. The friendship is soon to become more, as Brendan appears unexpectedly late one night at Leo's door and sleeps with him; after which they become something of a couple, to the consternation of one man in their men's group, though it encourages another, Terry (Con O'Neill), to explore his sexuality.
Meanwhile, flamboyant Darren has met real estate agent Jeremy (Hugo Weaving), who gets a kick out of having sex in houses for sale he has been given the keys to. However, he is not interested into "couply" things, despite Darren's attempts. Eventually this leads to them having sex with handcuffs and blindfolds in the bedroom of the house which Sally has on the market, during which she unexpectedly returns home. Jeremy abandons Darren, who dumps him. Leo gets close once more with Sally, and ends up kissing her. Feeling guilty, he leaves in a panic, and ends up telling Brendan what happened, who goes ballistic as he still has feelings for Sally. Leo finds himself in a quandary, and decides to confess to Sally that he is the one who is seeing Brendan (Sally had previously believed it was Leo's roommate Angie). He inadvertently does so while Brendan is there too, and leaves Brendan to face Sally.
The film then returns to the party, where Brendan and Terry get into an argument over Leo and take it outside, where Brendan punches Terry on the nose, who crumples. Brendan asks him to go with him for a drink (the same tactic he had employed with Leo). Thus, Brendan starts dating; Leo's colleague and Angie get together; Jeremy and Darren make up; and Leo sleeps with Sally.

Tags: romantic

Review:
Often hilarious look at an atypical gay love life.
OK, I don't kid myself that this is the typical gay love life but since when are straight romances in real life as they are on the screen?
It was a riot to see Hugo Weaving play a sex-obsessed gay real estate salesman who uses his clients' houses for his trysts with the flaming Darren (Tom Hollander).
This is a gentle romantic comedy about the diversity of human sexuality and in some ways not unlike an Ealing comedy with its friendly pokes at New Agers and estate agents.It was very well worth it alone though for the Jane Austen send up scene - handsome James Purefoy striding about in breeches saying 'I've been out all day whipping stable boys - would you like a whipping, boy' to footman Kevin McKidd who nearly orgasms on the spot.
This is a bit of a cinematic in joke anyway as several of the cast (Purefoy, Ehle and Walter) have all starred in recent Austen adapataions.There are several belly laughs too - this is one for curling up with someone of the same or opposite sex, and having a cuddle and glass of wine whilst you enjoy it..
Leo (Kevin McKidd), handsome, gay, and a bit vacuous, turns 30, still without a special someone in his life.
Highlights include some very funny scenes in a new age mens' encounter group facilitated with voyeuristic aplomb by Keith (Simon Callow), an affair with Brendan, a hunky Irish cafe owner (an unrecognisable James Purefoy), and reunion with an old female flame Sally (Jennifer Ehle).
Tucked into this plotline are the sexual adventures of Darren and real estate agent Jeremy (a straight acting Hugo Weaving).
This is hardly an original insight but this film tackles the issue with zest and a great sense of fun.
Keith's wife (Harriet Walter), author of a book called "The Obsolete Penis" seems to have strayed in from another movie and Brendan looked a bit too disheveled to be the front man in a trendy cafe operation.Rose Troche, responsible for the rather didactic lesbian comedy "Go Fish," directs with a much lighter touch here and takes full advantage of Robert Farrer's light hearted but occasionally poignant script.
The tone is comedy rather than comic and we do care a bit at the end how it's going to work out for Leo, colourless as he is.
Compared with a conventional romantic comedy like "Notting Hill" this film derives its tension from the unexpected rather than the inevitable, and gives the audience a lot more stimulation on the way.
Though I saw this movie dubbed in French, so I'm sure it lost something in the translation, lack of accents, etc., it was an excellent, fun movie for a lonely night in a hotel room--a real pick-me-up that portrayed accurately and positively the complexities of individual sexuality, gender role, and finding a place within the communities to which one is supposed to belong--male, gay, urban, 30-ish, etc.
While the fact that the gay lead character ends up somewhat "straight" in the end is mildly disappointing, that's life, and that happens sometimes.
Rose Troche introduced herself to us in 1994 with the small budget, pleasant lesbian love story called Go Fish which was set in the United States.Her very assured Bedrooms And Hallways moves its locale to urban England and follows the will I, won't I musings of Leo (Kevin McKidd).He's fallen for five o'clock shadowed Irishman Brendan (James Purefoy) but Leo fears he might have got himself into trouble.
He's just come out of a long standing relationship with a woman.The two men meet at a men's s group run by a serious eyed and voiced Keith (Four Weddings and a Funeral's Simon Callow).It would seem that Rose Troche and her team find a lot that goes on at these groups to be pretty funny.
He's having a great time with Jeremy a real estate agent played with terrific intensity by Australian actor Hugo Weaving.
There are plenty of laughs in what is a smart, impressive new movie from Rose Troche.Things have changed over the years in films.
The boys and girls used to be nearly ten years younger in these sorts of comedies and we were used to them finding a life long, heterosexual partner in the final reel, to then live happily ever after.These days a three night trial liaison is probably more than can be expected, a situation which more suitably fits the thirty somethings these films are about..
Extremely well-acted and funny film.
Terrific performances, and thoughtful script and great direction from the talented and funny Rose Troche all combine to make this film a winner!.
I found it hard to care about these characters, who were either annoying or insipid, all living their fabulously hilariously urban lives.The dialogue was excruiciating at times, and at other times the narrative seemed hard to follow - was it me or were entire scenes deleted?It felt like a poor sitcom somehow turned into a film.
Perhaps if you've never met any gay people or never thought about homosexuality before, then this film might have something meaningful to say.
Finally, here's a story about a group of people who meet some challenges, flounder a bit, and then decide to just be themselves and end up happy for; when was the last time you saw that in a film?
Dealing with the fluidity of life, love, and sexuality, the characters are faced with real problems (albeit in often ridiculous situations like the men's group camping trip, and the explicit realatory liaisons) and manage to learn and grow without the movie getting preachy, darkly desperate, or too unrealistic.
You'll love and care about the characters who, far from being hollow stereotypes, portray real people with just a touch of the truth behind their would-be labels.A good romcom for a Saturday afternoon, and the only movie I've ever seen where sexual fluidity ends happily, and no one is forced to be anything they don't want to be.
Far better than Kissing Jessica Stein, a good choice if your tired of watching gay movies that have some painful lesson and bitter lesson.
Simon Callow, playing a horny straight, is always worth watching, and he's by far the only reason to stay with the movie.
I loved that the lead character wanted guarantees about his future, and that his roommate sets him "straight" of all people.
I seriously enjoyed watching this movie for the first time some years ago and whenever it gets aired again somewhere (which luckily happens from time to time in European cable television) I experience the same thing, I'm moved, entertained and end up wishing there were more movies like this one.It all deals with Leo (Kevin McKidd) and his group of friends living in urban London, Leo as a gay guy who follows a friend to a hilarious New Age Men's Group and falls for straight guy Brendon, played by dashing James Purefoy, who turns out not so straight after all.
Thrown in as side characters are the equally great Tom Hollander and Hugo Weaving whose side story alone is worth watching the movie, Simon Callow as the leader of the Men's group, turning in a great as ever performance.
But it's really hard to pick some folks out here, because every character, the female ones like Jennifer Ehle's, Julie Graham's and Harriet Walter's as well, are exquisitely acted.
Maybe even Kevin McKidd looks a little pale compared to his co-actors but it benefits his somewhat subdued character.The idea behind this movie is a simple one: There is never only black and white, classifications are difficult and may not always stand the test of time.Leo identifies as gay but ends up falling for a woman as well who turns out to be his teenage sweetheart and Brendon's long time girlfriend.
Darren and Jeremy (Hollander and Weaving) are gay and loving it and even the straight folks in the movie, like Angie, Leo's female roommate, get their fair share of love and funny moments up until the end of the movie.
The comedy bits(especially Tom Hollander who's just hilarious) are funny and on point and the emotions are believable, as confusing as they may appear at times reading this summary.What I like about this movie is its genuinely positive notion.
Whether you're gay, straight, bisexual or simply not sure, this movie leaves you feeling that it's just okay NOT to be sure and that "not being sure" might be something worth living out as well!
Sexuality is portrayed fluid in this movie and none of the main characters seem to have a real problem with it, apart from all the gay/straight camp fights that you sometimes get fed with in other gay themed movies.
I can only wholeheartedly agree with the subtext of the movie, that what you feel certain of one day, when you think you identify as gay, straight, whatever, can look very different on another.
This movie dares going where few movies go, gay or straight movies, by not playing on labels and stereotypical assumption of sex and relying on that.
It goes further and assumes that there may be a life to sex after well-known classifications and I think the times are more than ready for that and other movies exploring postmodern themes like this one!
Light romantic comedy romp among a gay/bi/straight group of late 20/early 30-somethings in mid-90s London.
Gentle, charming script affectionately pokes fun at trends in the air at the time; the new-age "Men's Group" scenes are quite amusing (I've been there).
Politically-correct gays will predictably bridle at the bi-sexual themes, and suggestions of fluidity of sexual attraction.Actor James Purefoy is a revelation; he is very attractive, worked-out, and sexy, particularly when his clothes come off.
He is probably at the height of his looks here in this film (aided by "designer stubble"), and is vaguely similar to Hugh Jackman, but without that level of screen-presence unfortunately.The only real problem that I have with films like this (and I'm also thinking of both versions of "Queer as Folk" for example) is all the straight actors portraying gay/bi guys.
For me they bring a completely different feel and tone than exists in the real gay world - one that I WISH existed there - and in the end I find it slightly depressing.An American indie film in a similar vein is the amusing "I Think I Do" (1997)..
A study of relationships and the troubles we all seem to have, plus a hilarious look at all the Touchy Feely New Age Mumbo Jumbo nonsense that was so prevalent in the 90's.Sadly, the focus group was poorly chosen and almost 1/3 of the people in the audience left after the first "guy with guy" scene.
He already "looks and acts straight" anyway, and he's a carpenter to boot."Men's Lib" has never been taken seriously, and clearly this movie was not going to be the first one to do so.
Eventually it does, in the person of Brendon, played by burly and gorgeous James Purefoy, who seems to be toying with our hero between being straight and being gay.
It was fun to see Simon Callow on screen as the head of the "straight" men's talk group.
Lots of Fun. This movie was a pleasant surprise because I didn't expect much.
It's a social satire sex comedy in the best way and reminds me a bit of the old "Carry On" movies.
James Purefoy is the "not-so-straight" love interest here and manages create a flesh and blood character.
Bedrooms and Hallways is the kind of film that makes you realize that the drama of life is hidden in the details.
Even though your own love life and your own friends may not be as unique as the characters in this movie, every one is bound to recognize themselves and others in the colorful protagonists of this film.
And that's the great strength of Bedrooms and Hallways, that the irony of life is that the most confusing things that happen to you can be the most interesting/hilarious/funny/sexy/...things too!
The halt and lame who call the shots in the entertainment industry may find it difficult to understand just how extraordinarily good this wry little film about Londoners behaving as if they're living and loving in Southern California really is.
A boffo ensemble cast includes brilliant work by Tom Hollander, Kevin McKidd, Julie Graham, and James Purefoy, with fun and frolicsome supportive roles by Hugo Weaving (as a predatory estate agent), Simon Callow and Harriet Walter (who enjoys a cult following thanks to her brilliant work ten years ago in the BBC Lord Peter Wimsey series).
I saw this film at the Boston Internation Festival of Women's Cinema last night, and was saddened to hear Ms. Troche tell us (in her Q&A after the screening) that she doesn't expect to see too much US distribution, due to her insistence on including all of the so-called "gay content".
Wonderful cast, FABULOUS script, and of course, Rose Troche's direction make this one of the funniest films I've seen..
Bedrooms and Hallways gives its audience a look into the mind of a man who thinks he's found himself, only to find out that he's not so sure he found the right guy.
Although the movie ends without much resolution, the hilarious one-liners, peculiar situations, and quirky characters are sure to satisfy..
And the biggest reason I like UK films much better than American ones are that the actors aren't afraid to act out what is needed..
Viewed at the U.S. Premiere, January 10th, 1999 The Nortel Palm Springs International Film Festival.How terribly(wonderfully)British to unravel all of the complexities of sexual identity with a wicked wit!Chaotic, Hilarious, And yes, a romantic gay comedy..
It was a fun film to look at.
Never have I seen a movie like this; didn't plan on seeing it but it was worth the turn of the TV channel.
It starts out as a one sided film with a simple love triangle, then became something a little different(can't tell more then that.
Also, this movie starred Hugo Weaving from the "MATRIX" and "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" in a role I would not have expected...very funny guy.
I enjoyed this movie - it was light, very funny, and had an interesting statement about the flexibility of sexuality.
I really enjoyed the interaction between characters - especially Leo's roommates, Darren (hysterical!) and Sybil (really funny.) The biggest surprise was Hugo Weaving, whose scenes had to have been my favorite.
He plays a great perv!Admittedly, this movie got a little dull towards the end, with the whole bizarre love triangle, but the supporting cast made me stick it out to the end..
This movie is one of those uber-phony gay romps like Jeffrey and Maybe, Maybe not.
I rarely write a panning review, but here goes.These actors in gay roles really play games with your memories of a lot of far more worthy films.
It has good direction but the simple fact is that it undermines what all gay and lesbian people have been fighting for all these years.
As what usually happens in these films the straight actors play the main parts and the out gay actors play the secondary straight roles.
The leads are played by handsome men but don't let that distract you from the fact that this is a a film that leaves you feeling unfulfilled.
I found the idea of Leo's attraction to Sally very interesting, from the point that everyone has someone or something in their past that makes them think "What if?" Brendan, I felt was using Sally as a way of anchoring himself in 'normality', a safeguard in case the whole gay thing didn't work out.
(Which is pointed out to him in the film, by a character I presume he later sleeps with.) I think Leo could be straight, at least for a while, but only with Sally, and eventually, she's going to get hurt.
Amusing story, very well acted, likable characters, fast paced, great dialogue and some hilarious lines.
Gay man goes straight once he finds the right woman.
Straight actors pretending to be gay but no worries - they all end up straight at the end because the main character apparently was just waiting for his childhood sweetheart to lead him back to the promise land of heterosexuality.
Gay male life is presented as nothing more than meaningless sex with no hope for love unless he comes to his senses and settles down with a woman.
Throw in that old trope of seducing straight men into the "experimenting" with gay sex for a juvenile lark only to return to heterosexuality with a little maturity.
Apparently, even lesbian directors aren't immune from internalized homophobia.As for all the fawning heterosexual commenters, of course you love this movie as it reinforces all your negative stereotypes about gay men..
Totally apart from the straight guys playing gay, there is one serious fault with this film that makes it SERIOUSLY bad:  *Spoiler* Sexual identity can be, often is, a fluid and somewhat "iffy" business -- lots of "chance attractions" go on all the time:  The film takes it to a perfectly ludicrous and totally unbelievable height.
Bedrooms & Hallways starts off with a funny idea, and has some fun characters.
The movie is unpredictable, and fun to watch, but...the ending is not what I would have liked...and it did not "ring true" to me, considering the characters involved.
The actors really are good, & the movie is worth watching for the comedic situations alone.
Kevin McKidd plays the main character, and he is fantastic -- he is sweet & funny & genuine, and he does a great job playing a regular guy who happens to be gay.
Kevin has played macho men in "Dog Soldiers" and "Trainspotting", and in this film you can watch him become someone completely different, yet he is still totally natural and believable.