Mr Right At The Duke Of York Picturehouse
By Andrew Gow 16th May 2008

The one-off screening of Mr Right will be showing at the Duke of York's cinema on Thursday 22nd May at 18.30.  Written and directed by brother and sister team David and Jacqui Morris, Mr Right is a new gay feature film that follows the lives of three gay couples living and working in London. In a bid to break away from the typically heavy-handed subject matter explored in a lot of gay cinema, Mr Right offers its audience a more ambivalent view of what it means to be a gay man in Britain today. Containing many hallmarks of the classic romcom genre, the film is set in the cosmopolitan and ‘metrosexual’ enclaves of Soho and Brick Lane, capturing the spirit of a young London where the concerns and aspirations between ‘straight’ and ‘gay’ have become noticeably less separate.

David Morris has based the script in part on his experiences of living in London as a gay man, having moved to the capital from Northampton in the 1980s. Rather than dealing with issues exclusive to the gay community, the film sets a more universal tone that will appeal to a broad audience.

Harry hates being a TV producer and dreams of leaving his job to travel the world. He loves Alex, an aspiring actor who is struggling to create an identity for himself as a performer. Rugby player William’s nine-year-old daughter is intent on sabotaging his relationships with new boyfriends, and he’s finding it difficult to let Lawrence, the soap star, into his life. Lars is a handsome sometime-model kept by Tom, a successful artist, who will excuse his every betrayal so long as Lars doesn’t leave him.

The film hopes to challenge gay stereotypes and to formulate a new lighthearted style of gay cinematic narrative that is not focussed solely on the preoccupations of homophobia or AIDS. Rather than neglecting to touch on such important issues, the film hopes to make light of the kind of personal obstacles and neuroses that many gay men encounter in an age driven by consumerism and aspiration. It also explores ‘straight’ perceptions of the trappings of the ‘gay lifestyle’ promoted by glossy fashion magazines and the pink media.

Mr Right will appeal to gay and straight audiences alike and will provide viewers with the chance to see the London scene portrayed in realistic terms with a sensitive treatment of the life challenges that face us all. It is hoped the film will act as a reassuring lifeline for young people struggling with a sense of isolation and anxiety over the prospect of ‘coming out’. Many films made in recent years do not present this as an appealing prospect, portraying an emotional aftermath characterised by loneliness and despair. Mr Right has a subtler message. Because of its naturalistic depiction of gay people, it appeals to straight people too on the merits of its universal storyline. The makers have been surprised by the positive feedback from straight viewers, some of whom have privately confessed to having experienced a shift in thinking: ‘I forgot they were gay’. Ultimately, the film is a feel-good celebration of the 21st century urban living and love.


“For me, the film was an absolute delight with enough drama and humour to satisfy the most cynical watcher.”
Michael Metcalf – senior director of GMTV

“A sharp but sunshiny contemporary romcom, with a terrific performance from rising British star James Lance.”
Hannah McGill – Scottish Herald

“Funny, affecting and very knowing of modern relationships…the gay ‘This Life’.”
Liz Hoggard – Evening Standard

“One of the most refreshing and heartfelt comedies you will see this summer. Benjamin Hart is sure to become the next gay male pin-up.”
David Tickner – reFRESH magazine.

For more information visit www.queryyourself.com

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