"Torch Song Trilogy" contains enough fine footage to make an excellent film. With careful trimming (down from 120 to say 90 minutes) this would be tight comedy-drama, with pertinence and verve. It is still a film which works on a number of levels, and bears repeated viewings.
The cast is greatly talented: Harvey Fierstein's Arnold is a unique screen presence; Matthew Broderick's Alan is youthful and appealing; Brian Kerwin's Ed is thorougly convincing; and Anne Bancroft's Ma is clearly a blatant scene-stealer.
Where the film lags is in Fierstein's scripting and Paul Bogart's directing (and supervising the editing). Given a sharp editor, this could be condensed to provide a tighter presentation with real tempo. As it is, there are just too many sags and lags to keep it from sparkling.
Nevertheless, "Torch Song Trilogy" offers a look at its unusual subject material in a way which is absorbing, amusing, and touching.
The cast is greatly talented: Harvey Fierstein's Arnold is a unique screen presence; Matthew Broderick's Alan is youthful and appealing; Brian Kerwin's Ed is thorougly convincing; and Anne Bancroft's Ma is clearly a blatant scene-stealer.
Where the film lags is in Fierstein's scripting and Paul Bogart's directing (and supervising the editing). Given a sharp editor, this could be condensed to provide a tighter presentation with real tempo. As it is, there are just too many sags and lags to keep it from sparkling.
Nevertheless, "Torch Song Trilogy" offers a look at its unusual subject material in a way which is absorbing, amusing, and touching.