The Watermelon Woman
Cheryl Dunye has transcended the usual pitfalls that pockmark most lesbian-themed movies: specifically, the usual angst and suffering that occur when the gay gal falls for a heterosexual friend.The Watermelon Womanis more a cultural document, addressing speculative sociological gay  history themes with an interesting and engaging cover story about a video store clerk named Cheryl (played by Dunye) who, in her research for a movie, comes  across an old-time black actress simply called "the watermelon woman" and  becomes obsessed with her persona. In the process, Cheryl finds herself  embroiled in a relationship that parallels that of her icon.What makesThe Watermelon Womanspecial is its layered story line and its willingness to present its characters as comically flawed. Dunye also creates an aura of mystique around the enigmatic watermelon woman, and her life and tribulations become fascinating to the viewer. Even Camille Paglia  shows up to make commentary about the "actress," and while the  story-within-a-story concept is tricky, the power and purpose of the movie emerges, and the character becomes as fascinating as if she were flesh and blood.--Paula Nechak