Swan song
Whatever your entertainment needs, we’ve got you (and hopefully your mind) back with Queerty’s weekly ‘Culture Club’ column featuring some of the highlights from new releases, streaming shows, classics to. review and what to drink while you watch.
The Step Out: swan song
Director Todd Stephens (Another gay movie, writer of Edge of seventeen) returns with this dark comedy starring Andy Warhol’s openly gay muse Udo Kier. Swan song follows the story of Pat (Kier), an elderly barber now confined to a retirement home in Sandusky, Ohio. When Pat learns that one of his favorite clients (Linda Evans, yes, from Dynasty glory) is deceased, he resolves to come out of retirement to do his hair one last time … for his funeral. So begins a wacky – and often moving – journey as Pat escapes the confines of his retirement home and makes his way through town.
Swan song finds Stephens moving into more mature territory, and with delicious results: this is his best film to date. This owes a lot to the performance of Udo Kier in the lead, who brings a particular mix of camp and pathos to his role. It is also one of his best performances. Pat’s life story, which he shares piecemeal with the random people he meets on his walk, essentially represents that of an entire generation of gay men who suffered in a hostile world of homophobia, AIDS and denial of civil rights. With beautiful turns of support from Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), Jonas Blechman (Another gay movie) and National Treasure Jennifer Coolidge, we recommend Swan song for its beautiful blend of humor, heart and history. Call it an unforgettable walk.
In theaters August 6. Broadcast on demand August 13.
The catch: Whirlybird
We fell in love with this doc at the Sundance Film Festival 2019 where he made his world premiere. Whirlpool Presents Zoey Tur, the pioneering helicopter news cameraman who rose to international fame by capturing a number of high-speed police chases, as well as the now infamous footage of Reginald Denny’s beating in the Los Angeles Riots in 1992. Tur also beat her contemporaries in 1994 when she used her camera and helicopter to track down fugitive OJ Simpson in his white bronco in what became the most notorious police chase in history. Amid all the successes – which included three Emmy Awards – Tur, however, lived a life of pain, thanks to gender identity issues. She finally became transgender in 2013.
Director Matt Yoka uses hours of footage from Tur’s personal archives to tell his story as a news icon and his troubled marriage to fellow journalist Markia Gerrard. This includes footage of Tur verbally assaulting and physically threatening Gerrard at times of high stress aboard their helicopter. More surprisingly, Tur, Gerrard, and their daughter Katy all contribute to the film, recounting their family’s dark days, the incredible pressure of breaking news, and the stress that drove Tur to the brink of insanity. Zoey Tur admirers and detractors alike will have no shortage of ammo here, as Yoka does a remarkable job of keeping her film’s focus and with some of the most incendiary documentary footage ever recorded. Opinions about Tur vary from viewer to viewer, which only adds to the appeal of the film. Whirlpool Captivates audiences every second with a blend of Los Angeles history and an incredible and controversial leading woman.
In theaters August 6.
The Jerker: Wrabel with Duncan Laurence “back to back”
Our current crush on pop singer Wrabel continues, reinforced by the release of his latest video, “Back to Back”. As with much of Wrabel’s work, the song meditates on issues of love, insecurity, and domestic turmoil. This track manages to stand out with an upbeat chorus that channels glimmers of hope amidst fear and turmoil. Aided by a terrific video directed by Michael Elias Thomas, and with vocals that could give Sam Smith a bang for their buck, we consider “back to back” Wrabel’s friendliest song to date. Someone send this man to the air!
Feed on YouTube.
The Adorbs: Ryland James “3 purple hearts”
Speaking of adorable videos, a reader informed us about this new music video from queer folk artist Ryland James. Shot during an actual 18-hour road trip, the video shows Ryland and her boyfriend Ryan on a trip to move into the same town together. The verisimilitude of the footage adds a whole new dimension to the song: these boys are in love, and it’s obvious. It lends more weight to James’ provocative words “Just tell me, what we’ve scared you / Because it scares me too.” Rarely do love ballads admit such honesty.
Feed on YouTube.
The Rock: “Back in Black” by Tony & the Kiki
We fell in love with queer rockers Tony & the Kiki’s latest track, “Back in Black”. Lead singer Anthony Alfaro has a voice reminiscent of grunge giant Chris Cornell and a style that channels Dee Snyder to his most outrageous… which is totally OK for us. This latest single finds the band taking AC / DC’s power rock and livening it up with surprising results. The final track, which also includes a transition to Rufus’ soul standard, “Tell Me Something Good,” also showcases the group’s innovation. We recommend you listen to it because it shows the great potential of the band and we are excited about the release of their debut album in November.
Feed on YouTube.
The sip: Whirlybird
via Shutterstock
In honor of finally having the chance to share Whirlybird with our readers, we’re bringing this week’s title-sharing libation to life. A sweet blend of smoky whiskey, citrus and effervescence, it will have you flying in no time… and maybe even breaking news.
- 1 ounce Whiskey
- 1 1/2 oz of pure maple syrup
- 3/4 ounces. Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of orange juice
- 4 oz. Sparkling water
Toss over ice and serve. Optionally add a lemon zest as a garnish.
