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| Plot Synopsis Written and directed by independent filmmaker Everett Lewis, Luster is a low-budget romantic comedy. Would-be poet Jackson (Justin Herwick) is tired of orgies and wants to settle down. While working at the record store owned by Sam (Shane Powers), he attracts the affection of good boy Derek (Sean Thibodeau). However, he would rather have bad boy Billy (Jonah Blechman), who's involved with rock star Sonny Spike (Willie Garson). Meanwhile, Jackson's cousin Jed (B. Wyatt) arrives in town from Iowa and agrees to get naked for lesbian photographer Alyssa (Pamela Gidley). The soundtrack features music by Pansy Division, Cecil Seaskull (from Nerdy Girl), and Third Grade Teacher. - Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide Reviews KEVIN THOMAS L.A. Times Staff Writer October 17, 2003 Everett Lewis' "Luster" lives up to its title as a fresh, bittersweet look at the pursuit of love among a creative group of L.A. young people. It is an unusual film in that most all its people are gay but virtually no one seems homosexual in any stereotypical way in regard to mannerisms, attitudes or preoccupations. Sexual orientation seems a purely incidental matter, scarcely worth thinking or talking about. The irony, however, is that had it occurred to any of them to look at one another as relationship material, the results would not have been so dire. These are all attractive, appealing people. Lewis, who made his 1990 debut with the memorable "The Natural History of Parking Lots," has cast in the leading role Justin Herwick as Jackson, a lanky guy with blue hair who skateboards around the record store expressing strong views on the customers' tastes while working part time for the kindly Sam (Shane Powers), who has a maturity about him that contrasts with Jackson and their friends, although he clearly is not much older. Jackson is intense, as one would expect of an aspiring poet. Knowing what love is and recognizing it is Lewis' abiding concern in this film. After a boozy, druggy orgy, Jackson awakens to conclude that he has fallen in love with Billy (Jonah Blechman), who only wants to be friends. Out of the blue, Jackson's Iowa cousin Jed (B. Wyatt), seemingly naive but definitely uninhibited, visits. Meanwhile, Jackson becomes the object of love at first sight on the part of a record store customer, Derek (Sean Thibodeau), who strikes Jackson as too square. Among Jackson's pals are a chic lesbian couple (Susannah Melvoin and Pamela Gidley), and they are not left out of the action, nor is a creepy, decadent rock star (Willie Garson) for whom Jackson writes lyrics and to whom Billy is attracted. "Luster" has a charming, skittish quality, and Lewis finds pathos and humor in his characters' often painful search for love. There are moments in which the actors seem a bit self-conscious, yet this low-budget picture is a calling card for pretty much everyone in front of the camera. "Luster's" finale comes out of left field, although it becomes more credible as it sinks in. Rounding out the film's pleasures is its rousing score, featuring a long list of queer rockers. DOUG BRUNELL Film Threat (2005-05-16) Homosexuality. Incest. Suicide. Sadistic sex. "Luster" will never be mistaken for a Disney film. Miramax maybe, but not Disney. This is the story of Jackson (Justin Herwick), an irresponsible punk poet who falls in love with twenty people a day and doesn't realize (or care) about the effect he has on other people, most notably his best friend and boss, Sam (Shane Powers). Instead of opening his eyes to reality, Jackson goes through life with total tunnel vision, with no concept of time or loyalty. His reptilian brain works on one speed ... until something happens that changes his life, and by then it is a little too late. "Luster" can be a painful film to watch. Witnessing someone be continually disappointed and hurt by a man too ignorant to understand what he is doing can take its toll. There's a lesson in it, though, and it is one Jackson learns by the end of the film, which does redeem his character somewhat. It also makes this a very realistic and emotional tale of love, though many potential viewers will probably be turned off by the manner in which it is portrayed. Don't let the male nudity and homosexuality fool you, though. This is a story that is as true for homosexuals as it is for their straight counterparts, and it is well worth a viewing or two to absorb it. |
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| LUSTER 2002 - USA - 90 min. - Feature, Color Director - Everett Lewis |
| Genre / Type - Comedy Drama, Romantic Comedy, Gay & Lesbian Films Flags - Nudity, Drug Content, Sexual Situations Keywords - orgy poet, sadomasochism, record-store Themes - Twentysomething, Life Bohemian, Life Playing the Field Tones - Gritty, Easygoing, Light, Racy, Sexual Produced by - 2042 Films / Film Research Unit / Form A Release - Sep 12, 2003 (USA - Limited) Released by - TLA Releasing DVD Street Date - Dec 9, 2003 Sound - PCM Stereo Studio - TLA Releasing Features - Filmmakers' commentary, Documentary: "Everett on Film" Cast Justin Herwick -- Jackson Shane Powers -- Sam B. Wyatt -- Jed Pam Gidley -- Alyssa Susanna Melvoin -- Sandra Jonah Blechman -- Billy Sean Thibodeau -- Derek Willie Garson -- Sonny Spike |
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