Film Versions of Big Gay Book Group Selections

Capote

In November, 1959, the shocking murder of a smalltown Kansas family captures the imagination of Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman), famed author of Breakfast at Tiffany's. With his childhood friend Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), writer of the soon-to-be published To Kill a Mockingbird, Capote sets out to investigate, winning over the locals despite his flamboyant appearance and style. When he forms a bond with the killers and their execution date nears, the writing of "In Cold Blood," a book that will change the course of American literature, takes a drastic toll on Capote, changing him in ways he never imagined. Stellar performances from Hoffman and Keener, as well as Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation) are why critics are calling Capote a "must-see movie."

Infamous

"Certainly as good [as Capote] and a lot more fun. Toby Jones is so physically right, you'll think Capote is playing himself." - Jack Mathews, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 1959 Manhattan was a party, and none of the glitterati glittered brighter than Truman Capote. Then he saw a story in The New York Times: "Wealthy Farmer, 3 of Family Slain," and the party ended for Capote. He plunged into the murder case that inspired his great "nonfiction novel" In Cold Blood and led him into a fevered relationship with one of the two doomed killers. But there's more to the story than you know. Toby Jones (as Capote) leads Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Sigourney Weaver and many more stars in a witty, moving and astonishing tale of obsession. What happened to the extraordinary literary talent that burned within Truman Capote? The answer may be found in a story at once famous and Infamous.

A Christmas Memory
based on the book by Truman Capote
our reading Selection from December 2006

When Buddy (Eric Lloyd, The Santa Clause 3) is abandoned by his parents at the age of seven, he is dumped in the south at the small-town home of some older unmarried cousins. Without friends of his own age, Buddy develops a close friendship with one of the older, simpler ladies, Sook (Patty Duke, The Patty Duke Show) and the two undertake many adventures together. At Christmas time, they bake 31 fruit-cakes which they give as Christmas presents, even mailing them to President Roosevelt and Jean Harlowe! Although Buddy is eventually urged to move on with his life by his incessant cousin Jennie (Piper Laurie, Carrie), the memories of his friendship with Sook lives with him forever. Based on the original novel by Truman Capote, A Christmas Memory is a heartwarming story of love and friendship - and it is now available for the first time on DVD just in time for this holiday season.

Tales of the City
based on the book by Armistead Maupin
our reading selection from May 2007

A funky apartment house in the freewheeling san francisco of the 1970s provides the backdrop for a story about a colorful cast of characters in search of love. Studio: Acorn Media Release Date: 02/25/2003 Starring: Olympia Dukakis Laura Linney

More Tales of the City
based on the book by Armistead Maupin
our reading Selection from May 2007

This 2-disc set includes the laughs, tears, and nail-biting suspense of Armistead Maupin's beloved best seller in 1970's San Francisco. Included is over 4.5 hours of running audio commentary by Maupin, stars Olympia Dukais, Barbara Garrick, and Laura Linney, deleted scenes, exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal & film footage, production photo and props gallery, documentary, set blueprints and video tour, and cast and prouction bios including interactive video Q&A with Colin Ferguson, Thomas Gibson, Nina Siemaszko, Whip Hubley, and Paul Hopkins.

Big Gay Book Group
Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007
www.biggaybookgroup.com
email: biggaybookgroup@hotmail.com


Film Versions of Group Selections: Members have read the books, now see the film versions.	Big Gay Book Group Home Page
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	*Testosterone* based on the book by James Robert Baker our reading Selection for August 2004 This dark film noir comedy finds Dean (David Sutcliffe of TV’s Gilmore Girls & Under the Tuscan Sun) obsessed with finding his hot lover Pablo (Antonio Sabato, Jr.) who went out for cigarettes and never came back. Pablo’s mother is played by Sonia Braga of Kiss of the Spiderwoman. Dean’s boss is played by Jennifer Coolidge of Best in Show and the American Pie films.

	*The Line of Beauty* based on the book by Allan Hollinghurst our reading Selection from February 2005 Adapted by award-winning writer Andrew Davies from Alan Hollinghurst's Booker Prize-winning novel, this three-part saga is set during the Thatcherite 1980s. A story of love, class, sex and money, The Line of Beauty crawls deep under the skin of Thatcher's Britain, seen through the eyes and experiences of a young, gay man, from the euphoria of falling in love to the tragedy of AIDS. Framed by the two general elections which returned Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative government to power, the series unfurls through four extraordinary years of change and tragedy.

	*Maurice - The Merchant Ivory Collection* based on the book by E.M. Forster our reading Selection for April 2010 Set against the stifling conformity of pre-World War I English society, E.M. Forster’s Maurice is a story of coming to terms with one’s sexuality and identity in the face of disapproval and misunderstanding. Maurice Hall (James Wilby) and Clive Durham (Hugh Grant) find themselves in love at Cambridge. In a time when homosexuality was punishable by imprisonment, the two must keep their feelings for one another a complete secret, even though Clive refuses to allow their relationship to move beyond the boundaries of "platonic" love. After a friend is arrested and disgraced for "the unspeakable crime of the Greeks," Clive abandons his forbidden love, marries, and enters into the political arena. Maurice, however, struggles with questions of his identity and self-confidence, even seeking the help of a hypnotist to rid himself of his undeniable urges. But while staying with Clive and his shallow wife, Anne, Maurice is seduced by the affectionate and yearning servant Alec Scudder, (Rupert Graves), an event that brings about profound changes in Maurice’s life and outlook. Sparking direction by James Ivory, a distinguished performance from the ensemble cast, and a charged score by Richard Robbins all combine to create a film of undeniable power, one that is both romantic and moving, and a story of love and self-discovery for all audiences. Special event: A Book Group Gathering tied with a Book Group Viewing of the film. The book discussion will occur the second Wednesday of March 2010, with a viewing of the film to take place the second Saturday afternoon of March 2010, which discussion of the film to follow after viewing.

	*The Lost Language of Cranes* based on the book by David Leavitt our reading Selection from September 2005 The damage caused by long-kept secrets is at the heart of this moving drama adapted from David Leavitt's acclaimed novel. Confronted with his son's confession that he is gay, Owen (Brian Cox) realizes that he can no longer live a lie. Although he still loves his wife Rose (Eileen Atkins), he abandons the safe world of the heterosexual for the difficult but rewarding journey of "coming out." But as he begins to explore his sexuality more fully, the marriage inevitably breaks down, despite Rose's efforts to continue as normal. And thought there is pain and suffering for all involved, this is also an opportunity for everyone to start their lives over, this time based on the truth.

	*Brokeback Mountain (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)* based on the novela by Annie Proulx our reading Selection from December 2005 The sweeping epic that explores the lives of two young men (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal), a ranch hand and a rodeo cowboy, who meet in the summer of 1963 and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection. Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Director, the movie that became a cultural phenomenon with bonus features and collectible postcards.

	*The History Boys* based on the play by Alan Bennett our reading Selection from November 2006 From award-winning playwright Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George) comes this delightfully witty comedy of eight boisterous-yet-talented schoolboys hoping to gain admittance to England's most prestigious universities. They're aided on their quest by two teachers, a shrewd young upstart and an inspiring old eccentric, whose opposing philosophies challenge the boys to confront the true meaning of education and the relative values of happiness and success. Adapted from the original Tony Award winning play and starring the original Tony Award winning cast, The History Boys is an engaging, thought-provoking, and wickedly funny look at history, the pursuit of knowledge, and the utter randomness of life.

	*In Cold Blood* (1967) based on the book by Truman Capote our reading Selection from January 2007 The true story of a callous murder of a prosperous and respected Kansas farmer, his wife and two teenage children by two ex-convict drifter. With Robert Blake and John Forsythe.

	*In Cold Blood* (1996) based on the book by Truman Capote our reading Selection from January 2007 Television remake featuring Anthony Edwards, Eric Roberts and Sam Neill

	Capote In November, 1959, the shocking murder of a smalltown Kansas family captures the imagination of Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman), famed author of Breakfast at Tiffany's. With his childhood friend Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), writer of the soon-to-be published To Kill a Mockingbird, Capote sets out to investigate, winning over the locals despite his flamboyant appearance and style. When he forms a bond with the killers and their execution date nears, the writing of "In Cold Blood," a book that will change the course of American literature, takes a drastic toll on Capote, changing him in ways he never imagined. Stellar performances from Hoffman and Keener, as well as Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation) are why critics are calling Capote a "must-see movie."

	Infamous "Certainly as good [as Capote] and a lot more fun. Toby Jones is so physically right, you'll think Capote is playing himself." - Jack Mathews, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 1959 Manhattan was a party, and none of the glitterati glittered brighter than Truman Capote. Then he saw a story in The New York Times: "Wealthy Farmer, 3 of Family Slain," and the party ended for Capote. He plunged into the murder case that inspired his great "nonfiction novel" In Cold Blood and led him into a fevered relationship with one of the two doomed killers. But there's more to the story than you know. Toby Jones (as Capote) leads Sandra Bullock, Daniel Craig, Sigourney Weaver and many more stars in a witty, moving and astonishing tale of obsession. What happened to the extraordinary literary talent that burned within Truman Capote? The answer may be found in a story at once famous and Infamous.

	*A Christmas Memory* based on the book by Truman Capote our reading Selection from December 2006 When Buddy (Eric Lloyd, The Santa Clause 3) is abandoned by his parents at the age of seven, he is dumped in the south at the small-town home of some older unmarried cousins. Without friends of his own age, Buddy develops a close friendship with one of the older, simpler ladies, Sook (Patty Duke, The Patty Duke Show) and the two undertake many adventures together. At Christmas time, they bake 31 fruit-cakes which they give as Christmas presents, even mailing them to President Roosevelt and Jean Harlowe! Although Buddy is eventually urged to move on with his life by his incessant cousin Jennie (Piper Laurie, Carrie), the memories of his friendship with Sook lives with him forever. Based on the original novel by Truman Capote, A Christmas Memory is a heartwarming story of love and friendship - and it is now available for the first time on DVD just in time for this holiday season.

	*Tales of the City* based on the book by Armistead Maupin our reading selection from May 2007 A funky apartment house in the freewheeling san francisco of the 1970s provides the backdrop for a story about a colorful cast of characters in search of love. Studio: Acorn Media Release Date: 02/25/2003 Starring: Olympia Dukakis Laura Linney

	*More Tales of the City* based on the book by Armistead Maupin our reading Selection from May 2007 This 2-disc set includes the laughs, tears, and nail-biting suspense of Armistead Maupin's beloved best seller in 1970's San Francisco. Included is over 4.5 hours of running audio commentary by Maupin, stars Olympia Dukais, Barbara Garrick, and Laura Linney, deleted scenes, exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal & film footage, production photo and props gallery, documentary, set blueprints and video tour, and cast and prouction bios including interactive video Q&A with Colin Ferguson, Thomas Gibson, Nina Siemaszko, Whip Hubley, and Paul Hopkins.

	*Further Tales of the City* based on the book by Armistead Maupin our Selection from May 2007 ARMISTEAD MAUPIN’S FURTHER TALES OF THE CITY is the third installment of Maupin’s classic saga of San Francisco life. Set in 1981, the four-hour miniseries involves the residents of 28 Barbary Lane in a racy and rollicking adventure/mystery that leaps from Golden Gate Park to the home of a Hollywood icon to a remote island in the Alaskan wilderness. As usual in Maupin’s world, romantic entanglements abound. Landlady Anna Madrigal (OLYMPIA DUKAKIS) is stunned by her mother’s sudden arrival. Mother Mucca (JACKIE BURROUGHS) who runs a bordello in Nevada is in town to take care of personal business and meets a man from her past, Royal Reichenbach (JOHN MCMARTIN). When Mother Mucca introduces Anna to Royal, they find themselves in a rivalry over him. Madrigal’s tenants have their own stories from the past to unravel. Michael Tolliver (PAUL HOPKINS) is working at a nursery called "Best Laid Plants." He tries to get over being dumped by his former lover Dr. Jon Fielding (BILLY CAMPBELL) who went off to work on a cruise ship. Exploring his sexuality full tilt, Michael embarks on a series of sexual escapades involving cowboys, cops and Cage Tyler (JOHN ROBINSON) a closeted movie star. Michael's friend and neighbor Mary Ann Singleton (LAURA LINNEY) is challenged with a relationship problem of a different kind. Her boyfriend and upstairs neighbor, Brian Hawkins (WHIP HUBLEY) who has spent most of his adult life as a womanizer, comes to the realization that he wants to marry her. She, however, is hesitant to take the next step as she is focused on her career. Longing to become a serious reporter, but not given a chance by her station manager, she is forced to work as a daytime host of the "Bargain Matinee" show. Mary Ann’s late boss’ widow, socialite Frannie Halcyon (DIANA LEBLANC) is tormented by her daughter DeDe’s (BARBARA GARRICK) apparent demise in the Jonestown Massacre. Living on Mai Tais and sleeping pills, she refuses to accept that DeDe and her children, Little Anna and Edgar were killed. She seeks advice from psychics to help her find her missing daughter. When a fortune-teller convinces her that DeDe is indeed alive, she asks for the support of society columnist Prue Giroux (MARY KAY PLACE) to make her story public. When Prue refuses to get involved, Frannie calls Mary Ann to share her secret. Since Mary Ann is always searching for a good story, she is eager to meet in hopes of finally getting a break on the evening news. Meanwhile, Prue meets a mysterious homeless man, Luke (HENRY CZERNY) in Golden Gate Park. Immediately drawn to his intense charm, she falls madly in love with him. Little does she know that she’s opening Pandora’s Box when she attempts to bring him back to society with the help of flamboyant celebrity priest Father Paddy Star (BRUCE MCCULLOCH). Luke’s past is far more sinister than Prue could ever imagine. Then it’s revealed that DeDe Halcyon Day has spent three years in Cuba with her lover Dorothea (FRANÇOISE ROBERTSON) after escaping the massacre in Guyana. She ends up in a camp for gay Cuban refugees in Fort Chafee, Arkansas and finally calls her mother Frannie in San Francisco to tell her that she wants to come home. Through DeDe’s unexpected reappearance and a twist of fate, the storylines begin to intertwine and all of the characters in Maupin’s tales find themselves in the midst of an unpredictable adventure.




To make recommendations for future selections of Big Gay Book Group, please send your suggestions and recommendations by email to biggaybookgroup@hotmail.com Any recommendations will be presented to and voted on by members of the Group during our Group Gatherings.

Big Gay Book Group Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007 www.biggaybookgroup.com email: biggaybookgroup@hotmail.com

Film Versions of Group Selections: Members have read the books, now see the film versions.

Film Versions of
Group Selections:

Members have read the books,
now see the film versions.