If These Walls Could Talk, and more gossip

A 3-story film about lesbians in America. The Widow, taking place in the early 1960s, looks a woman dealing with the aftermath of losing her lifelong companion (it reminds you of how far we've really travelled on the road to visibility, rights and pride). This vignette features Marian Seldes and Vanessa Redgrave as an older lesbian couple. When Seldes dies of a stroke, Redgrave is forced to grieve in silence, as her 50-year relationship with Seldes is regarded in the typical-for-the-times manner of "the love that dare not speak its name." As she is not "family" in the traditional sense, Redgrave is forced to endure the humiliation of Seldes' "real" family coming to claim the house and its contents for themselves. It's a portrait of silent suffering, loss of dignity and love. In addition to Redgraves' win, director Jane Anderson's script was nominated for an Emmy (Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or Movie).

Women Only is the story of a '70s militant (yet femme) student who falls for a butch. This story, set in 1972, confronts peer pressure and sexual identity as Michelle Williams finds herself intrigued by - and eventually attracted to - the "butch" Chloe Sevigny, much to the chagrin of her hippie friends she now occupies the house with. While a little on the teen-drama side of things, the heat between Sevigny and Williams is palpable, and they do make a terrific couple. Writen by the Sichel Sisters, who did another fave of mine, All Over Me.

There's Miss Conception, about 2 lesbians wanting to raise a family in 2000. In 2000, the same house is now occupied by lovers Ellen DeGeneres (who also executive produced the film) and Sharon Stone. Deeply in love, the only thing missing from their idyllic life is a child of their own (feh). Making her directorial debut, Anne Heche (Celestia when she's drugged and wandering) conveys the couple's frustrations and hopes (with sperm donors, adoption agencies, etc.) in a manner sure to hit close to home for anyone who has faced the same trials. Clearly, Ellen is the only performer in the film who is not an actor (say that with a British accent, and put the emphasis on TOR), but hey, it isn't often that a film like this one comes along.

When asked what it was like to work on this film, Chloe Seveigny said "I don't want to discuss it." Apparently, she hated being part of the film: too many directors.

Directed by Jane Anderson, Martha Coolidge, Anne Heche, made in 2000.

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And then the gossip....

Ellen is at fault for Cameron Diaz' recent love of and success with, Texas Hold 'Em. Diaz reportedly said "I remember the fateful night (that Ellen introduced me to the game) as well. I remember the phone call: 'Come over and play Texas Hold 'Em.' I said, 'I don't know how to play Texas Hold 'Em.' She was like, 'None of us do, come on over.'.

If you didn't catch it the first time around, watch for Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, a reality TV show featuring contestants vying to out-chef each other and get their own LA restaurant. Jess is a big ol' dyke. And I am pretty sure that Dewberry is, too ;P

The Advocate is featuring a whole lot of online content honouring Melissa Etheridge. First featured on the cover in 1994, Melissa and the Advocate. Now she's gossiping about smoking medical dope, breast cancer survival, and being back on the road. Way to go, ME!

Into passing as a man? Check out the new film The Aggressives, by Daniel Peddle. Peddle follows 6 women through prison, marine barracks, barbershops and bedrooms for a peek at the lifestyle that, actually, has been around for centuries. Pope Joan, anyone? How about Billy Tipton, or any female Elvis impersonator!

Buh bye now! -- Sue