PRIDE WATCH: Movies for June 5 - 10, 2010

MGM HD is a network that features some of the greatest programs in the MGM catalog, and for the month of June they're showing great Gay Pride movies. It's their Celebrate Pride program, and the movies next week are worth checking out.

We'll tell you what's on and why these movies matter to every gay—whether you're a wizened queen or a budding young princess— after the jump.

June 5
Without You I'm Nothing

Starring and written by the indomitable Sandra Bernhard, it was based on her award-winning one-woman show that came out at the height of her popularity.

It's a cult classic, with Bernhard taking on various characters. Its insanely smart commentary on society and culture culminates with Bernhard singing Prince's "Little Red Corvette" wearing only an American flag g-string and pasties.

WHY IT MATTERS: Bernhard was a huge ground breaker, coming out when so many performers remained closeted. Plus, it does what good comedy should do—entertains while making you think about the world you live in.

June 7
Longtime Companion

Longtime Companion came out in 1990 and covers the first years of the AIDS epidemic. Rather than being simply a historical piece, this movie covers the crisis from the survivors' perspectives. It stars Bruce Davison, Campbell Scott, Patrick Cassidy, and Mary-Louise Parker.

TRIVIA: The film takes its title from the words The New York Times used to
describe the surviving same-sex partner of someone who had died of AIDS
during the 1980s. (Source: Wikipedia)

WHY IT MATTERS: It was the first wide-release theatrical film to deal with the subject of AIDS. It's also deeply personal, conveying emotions in a way that gives me
chills even to this day. The ending beach scene is something every filmmaker should study.

June 10
La Cage Aux Folles and La Cage Aux Folles II

La Cage aux Folles came out in 1978. It's the film adaptation of the 1973 play by Jean Poiret. (The 1983 Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles, and the 1996 American movie The Bird Cage—which MGM HD is also showing later this month— were both adapted from this same film and book.) It was so successful that there were two sequels (Who knew?), and you can see La Cage II on the same nights as the original. 

La Cage is about Renato, the manager of a drag nightclub, and his lover (and star performer), Albin. When Renato's son brings home his fiancee's ultra-conservative parents to meet them, hilarity ensues.

WHY IT MATTERS: As much as I love The Bird Cage, the original is infinitely better. It's hilarious, touching, and unapologetic in its portrayal of these two homosexual men and their loving relationship. It may have come out in a more conservative time, but it showed a more realistic gay relationship than many movies do today.

There are more Gay Pride films on MGM HD coming this month, and we'll have that info and trailers for you in the next week.