michellelocke007 Review of Desert Hearts

Desert Hearts (1985)

how a lesbian love story should be made *possible spoilers*

[7/10 · 12 September 2010]

probably one of the most famous and pioneering lesbian love stories put on screen that was a fine example for shows such as the l word that would follow some twenty years later. based on the novel of the same name by Canadian author Jane rule, Donna deitch saw enormous potential for this love story that dare not speak its name to be brought to the big screen. from what i know, i believe that Donna deitch, the director put her house up to help pay for the financing of the film. finding two actors willing to take on the roles of Vivian cay was going to prove difficult as it was considered a career killer to play gay roles. fortunately Donna found two who were willing to do just that. Helen shaver and Patricia charbonneau were cast in their now synonymous roles. i appreciated the fact that the characters relationship was slowly built over a period of time and that the romance was not rushed or forced. one gets to really care about Vivian and cay as the story progresses and their feelings for one another are realized and come to full circle by the end of the movie. Vivian is the picture of the ever prim and proper and tightly wound English professor whose burgeoning passions and sexuality aren't realized till cay's arrival. Vivian is so afraid of being vulnerable and letting people into her world. i thought the love scenes were choreographed beautifully without being overly explicit or graphic for the audience. i thought their first kiss was incredibly sexy...the two of them getting caught in the rain and cay telling Vivian to roll down the window before kissing her seductively. Vivian at first resists but soon responds as they kiss passionately. the in-famous love scene is a slow build-up and you can feel the sexual tension in the air. Vivian, nervous and un-sure of what to do as she tries to brush off cay's advances and make her leave the hotel room. un-like most love scenes straight or gay, there is no annoying background music playing but only the sound of their breathing and reaction to the love-making. i had hoped there would be a sequel so one could see how the relationship developed after cay had gotten on that train with Vivian back to new york. there has been talk about a sequel from its director but nothing has been given the go ahead. i recently saw an interview with Helen and Patricia and they still look fabulous. they discussed the profound effect that the film has had on them personally and professionally. there hasn't been a lot of great lesbian movies after this one but it's nice to see that Hollywood has moved forward greatly with lesbians in cinema.