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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (July 6, 2001)
Myfi.2001 • Sx ■ -S' >íf - - ,, So you Group want to be a film critic? of guys gab about gay cinema he men pick up their forks and stab at their food. films for about 45 minutes each then mention and briefly review other movies. Although such a conversation could become too chaotic and random, Ruckman and the pan Facilitator Tom Ruckman sits apart at elists keep it focused by posing questions. He by P eter Z uckerman a table he seems to have converted into a also provides a program giving time guidelines. desk. He grabs a piece of paper and reads the For example, each panelist has about three ground rules. right or wrong opinion,” minutes to describe and review the movie. “No violence, verbal or physi explains Ruckman, who When the group is large, Ruckman breaks the cal.... Whenever we disagree, even founded the group. “And I discussion into more intimate groups of three strongly, we express ourselves with keep it so no one is put to eight men. mutual respect.” down for what he thinks. I’m Men’s FilmTalk also serves a social function. When he reads this, I scoot for pleased when we end up “It opens up potential for friendships to devel ward on my seat. I’m checking out with a split where we dis op,” one regular attendee remarks. Men’s FilmTalk, and we’re in a pri agree. That’s when FilmTalk Love relationships might have blossomed vate room at a Portland restaurant. really does its job." within the group, but Men’s FilmTalk functions I scan the place. There’s only Men’s FilmTalk functions more as a friendly discussion forum than a one exit, partially obstructed. like a book club. Each man hookup place. Ruckman says it’s a way to get These men might be flamma views the movie at his own together with people who have something in ble. I’m ready to bolt if they get in convenience, common in a a fistfight over Rupert Everett. then the group T'T)Oco -mart nonthreatening, l-LlGbe lll&ll comfortable Ruckman introduces the two discusses it panelists du jour: a retired Lewis & together. atmosphere. Clark professor and a licensed Most atten You don’t nurse. They summarize the film dees have seen have to be a cin Reflections in a Golden Eye, place it only some of the ema buff or an in a historical context, tell us about films. Other expert critic to the actors and the genre, and give shows they dis enjoy the discus La Liz isn’t thrilled with the reflections hubby Marlon sees in his golden eyes cuss the night a brief review. sion. Men’s Discussion opens to the floor. I’m there include FilmTalk is part Conversation twists and turns, elaborates on how great he thinks the film is. The Sum. of Us and Maurice. of the Speak to swinging from the symbolism of a An academic focuses on how Reflections Among the 20 or so gay men who gather Your Brothers program of Cascade AIDS Project. stallion to the social implications regarding the compares to the book. Another guy likens it to around the table are an English as a second lan Monthly meetings start 7 p.m. at Old Wives’ Vietnam War to “I loved the scene where they Billy Elliot. guage teacher, an undergraduate biology major Tales, 1300 E. Bumside St. Films to be discussed held hands.” One critic discusses the film on purely emo and a pianist. Most of them know each other by July 12 include Boys to Men, My Beautiful Laun- One man seems moje interested in listen tional terms. Someone else thinks it is too much name, but a few are new to the group. drette, Maurice and Dog Day Afternoon. JH ing. When Ruckman asks his opinion, he of a soap opera, and yet another person hasn’t The laughter, arguments, irrelevant and replies simply, “1 liked it.” amusing anecdotes, and civil conversation con seen it and decides now he definitely won’t. For more information about M en ’ s F ilm T alk call Another man chooses his words with tweez At meetings of Men’s FilmTalk, “There’s no 503-220-0618 or e-mail mensfilmtalk@home.com . tinue for about two hours. The men discuss two ers. “You guys are pulling the wings off a butterfly or at least a beautiful moth,” he complains, then T might be Rammable. I’m ready to bolt if they get in a fistfight over Rupert Everett. 'Absolutely the funniest rock & roll musical ever written about a carnivorous, alien plant!" I (J- III À 1 ) Mail or Fax your —— Free Personal Ad Todayl jjjJ J jjp | U : P.O. Box 14400. 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