In a day and age when homosexuality (at least sexually ambiguous homosexuality) has become not only more socially acceptable, but almost trendy — where “Ellen” and “Philadelphia” are considered accurate portrayals of gay and lesbian life — it is not surprising to see a comedy based on a gay man enter mainstream theaters. It is also not surprising that “In and Out,” starring Kevin Kline as a man so far in the closet that he can’t even see the door, let come out of the closet, is heavily littered with stereotypes. What was surprising was that it is so funny. “In and Out” is a very guilty pleasure. Kline, as Howard Beckman, is the stereotypical “gay fairy” who dances, loves Shakespeare and poetry, uses his napkin and waves his hands around. As was so eloquently stated in the film, “You’re neat, clean, tidy and you’re a thoroughly decent human being. You’re ... gay.” Kline is a high school English teacher in a small town, who is about to get married to his fiancé of three years. When one of his former students (Matt Dillon) wins an Oscar for his portrayal of a gay soldier, he includes Kline’s character in his acceptance speech. While this starts as a good thing, when Cameron, Dillon’s character, (whom is very heterosexual) cites Mr. Beckman as his inspiration as a wonderful teacher and a gay man, Kline’s life goes into a spin. His parents, students, boss and fiancé all believe his denial of homosexuality, but when a gay newscaster (played badly by Tom Selleck) challenges him, Kline must face the truth that he hadn’t realized in his entire life. This realization came with a side order of a juicy kiss from Selleck. It also came the day of his wedding, when he replaces “I do” at the alter with the less expected “I’m gay.” When Cameron discovers the effect of his speech, he and his little bulimic supermodel toy come to Greenleaf, Indiana, to try to fix the problems that he caused. The supermodel is appropriately one-dimensional, stating “But I have to shower and vomit before the show this afternoon,” when her boyfriend decides to help the crisis. “In and Out” is stereotypical and continues the tradition of gay and lesbian characters that don’t have any apparent realtionships with other gay people, but it’s still amusing. Between the one liners and comedic talents of the entire cast, “In and Out” will be a blockbuster hit, and maybe even a deserving one. In a continually evolving world, it’s nice to see the comedic material change. It might not be politically correct, it might reinforce terrible sterotypes — but dang it, it’s funny. |
