To break this dangerous pattern Wainwright underwent a month of rehabilitation and therapy at the Hazelden Clinic in Minnesota. Upon completing the program he plunged back into his work, creating new material for the albums Want One, released in 2003, and Want Two, scheduled for release in 2004. Elizabeth Weinstein of the Columbus Dispatch called Want One "at once heartbreaking and heartening" with "lyrics [that] are emotionally charged and revealing." Wainwright will soon appear on the big screen, playing a nightclub singer in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator, which is set to premiere in late 2004. He also has a speaking role in an upcoming Merchant-Ivory film entitled Heights. The singer maintains a busy concert schedule, appearing frequently in Canadian, English, and American cities. In a recent concert in Los Angeles, Wainwright was joined on-stage by Elton John, with whom he sang a duet of "Greek Song." Wainwright has expressed an interest in doing more acting work while pursuing his career in singing and songwriting. He also aspires to write a Broadway musical and perhaps even an opera. Wainwright has participated in benefits for AIDS charities in both the United States and Canada. As he has matured he has become more politically aware and has stated that he feels that "it's almost irresponsible of artists not to be socially conscious these days." Although his songs are not generally political, he hopes to be able to reach out to his fan base, particularly glbtq people and youth, to encourage them to stand up for individual rights. |