The Fifth Stage of Grief
I feel much better this morning, really I do. Of course it’s disappointing that folks in Sydney won’t get a chance to see DAMON AND HUNTER: DOING IT TOGETHER on the big screen, but I’ve gotten over the idea that playing at the in queerDOC, at the Dendy is proof that DAMON AND HUNTER is a real movie. To begin with, queerDOC is replacing a controversial, ground-breaking, awarding-winning documentary about gay love and gay sex with a television mini-series. In light of that, I can’t really feel it says anything about the film that they’ve decided not to risk screening it. (Is my insecurity showing?)
But that’s beside the point.
For all my doubts, I know in my gut and in my heart that DAMON AND HUNTER is as good a film as I’ve ever made. It’s a watchable, entertaining, and enjoyable little production, and it stands up next to any of films I’ve made about about “serious” and “decent” topics, all without war, death, disease. I didn’t get dyspeptic or depressed making this film, or lose any weight. In fact I smiled the whole way through.
I also feel like this adventure with the OFLC and queerDOC is another trial passed.
In the last year we’ve been approached by big name television, major production companies, and distributors; all dangling the hope of dollars and/or fame if we’d just do what we’d do a little differently. Each time has been stressful, trying to measure the needs of our family and my professional and artistic goals against the offer on the table. I’m a pragmatist, not a purist, so this isn’t an easy calculus, especially trying to factor intangibles like artistic freedom and integrity against the very tangible needs of our business and our family. If anyone has a formula for balancing my desire for artistic fame against being able to buy a new car (two kids + two big dogs = minivan), please let me know!
This also gave me a chance to see that there are people who support what we do, and that’s probably the most important thing. Long before Comstock Films ever made a nickel, there were people who said “Don’t stop. You’re doing something really important. You’re day will come.” I needed to hear that then, I still need to hear it. To the following I am ever grateful:
Lex and David at Queer Screen, for even considering this problematic little film in the first place
Karen at My Secret Place, who graciously sponsered our posters
Max at RefusedClassification.com
Luke, Andrew and the rest of the gang at DNA
Leigh and Krathyn at Bent Magazine
Damon DeMarco and Hunter James
The ever lovely and wonderful Viviane
And of course Richard, Glitch Bar, and everyone else at MUFF for having the nerve to show this film to people who wanted to see it.
Over the years I’ve learned it really doesn’t matter how many times you hear “no”, so long as you hear “yes” often enough to keep going. Thanks to all of you for helping us keep going!
September 2nd, 2006 at 7:00 am
Oh, Tony,
I’ve been following this drama unfold from afar on my bloglines account. I’m so proud to know you and to have you among my circle of pervert peers. You and your work give hope and pleasure to so many.
I’m sorry that this whole affair hasn’t ended in the most idyllic fashion because more people deserve to see your films and they deserve to see them ten feet high and luminous.
I am, as ever, a proud member of the Comstock Fan Club. Now for that secret handshake…
kissykiss,
chelsea girl
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:53 pm
Thank you, CG, those are very nice things you said, and I appreciate it.
I don’t know that we’ve accomplished much by all this. People think noteriety is easily turned into money, but any high traffic blogger can tell you it’s not so. Maybe somewhere in the past, when at little bit of fame wasn’t so easy to come by, but not now. Certainly the Australian legislature isn’t going to revise any laws on our account.
In fact, I’m not even sure what our standing is to be making a fuss in Australian, except that’s where this has happened, so that’s where we’ve made our fuss. Perhaps some good will come of it, if not for us, then for someone who comes after us. Maybe their path will be a little easier.
September 5th, 2006 at 6:11 pm
Everything CG said.
Except any minute now, I’m going to burst into “Climb Every Mountain” from the Sound of Music.
September 10th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Dear Tony,
If it is any consolation, Fleshbot’s coverage of the Australian flap over “Damon and Hunter:…” brought the title to my attention, and I immediately ordered a copy for myself (from GayDVDEmpire, I think… I am a resident of So. California, BTW.)
Had the debacle not arisen, and not been so passionately argued (AND picked up in the press in our ever-shrinking-internet-enabled global community), I in all likelyhood would have missed out on this superb film of yours.
As a gay man who has been with my partner Randy for the past 17 years of my 42 year existence — we are blessed with full support from both sides of the family — I wholeheartedly thank you and Peggy and Damon and Hunter for this wonderful work.
Best regards to you all,
Charles Barrett (aka Chaz)