Dorian Blues

Dorian Blues is an insightful and engaging 2004 film directed by Tennyson Bardwell. It starred Michael McMillian in the title role alongside Lea Coco and Steve Fletcher. The movie's plot dives straight into social realism, exploring contemporary themes such as homosexuality, self-discovery, acceptance, and the ups and downs of family relationships. The drama-comedy genre is a light-hearted take on a serious topic, begging audiences to see a different perspective and tackle hard-hitting social questions.

The film centers on the character of Dorian Lagatos, played engagingly by Michael McMillian, a young high school intellectual caught in the middle of his process of self-discovery. Dorian's character is brilliantly composited - a gay teenager struggling against the oppressive conservatism of his family, society, and his own inhibitions. This coming-of-age film primarily revolves around him admitting and embracing his sexuality, finding inner peace among external turmoil, and striving to attain acceptance from others, specifically from those closest to him.

Lea Coco portrays Dorian's younger brother Nicky, a jock who is the complete antithesis of Dorian. Where Dorian is thoughtful, Nicky is impulsive. Where Dorian is sensitive, Nicky is boisterously aggressive. This contrast effectively underlines the differences between the two brothers and their respective paths.

The performances are also enhanced by the inclusion of Steve Fletcher, who plays the Lagatos' overbearing father, a conservative and domineering presence in their lives, who appears to be a major obstacle for Dorian in his process of accepting his sexuality.

Dorian Blues is characterized by sharp wit and humor, lending a sense of authenticity to the script, while steering clear of stereotypes and clichés often seen in other films representing the LGBTQ lifestyle. Dorian’s self-realization and acceptance of his sexuality provide ample opportunities for both humors, as well as deeply impactful dialogues and scenes that can tug at heartstrings.

What sets Dorian Blues apart from other "coming out" movies is its striking authenticity, exploring questions of self-identity, societal pressure, and family dynamics with a raw, unfiltered approach. The movie goes beyond homosexuality, touching on themes of mental health, the complexity of familial relationships, and self-perception. Main character Dorian isn't just battling his own inhibitions but is also continually dealing with external pressures, making the journey more profound and thought-provoking.

Another aspect contributing to the success of Dorian Blues is its linear yet effective narration style. Bardwell manages to merge serious issues with humor, ensuring a sense of levity despite the profound social messages. The screenplay is designed to impact audiences, with sharp dialogues, well-rounded characters, and seemingly real-life situations.

The cinematic techniques used in Dorian Blues enhance the storytelling. The camerawork underlines the emotional strain and personal journey of the protagonist and complements the rich performances provided by the cast. Likewise, the choice of locations gives a local and relatable touch, akin to peeping into the life of an everyday American Family.

In Dorian Blues, each actor has done justice to their respective characters, efficiently conveying the emotions and challenges their characters face. McMillian, as the lead protagonist, effectively embodies the confusion, frustration, and ambition of a gay teenager grappling with his identity. He has a heightened sense of self-awareness that plays across his eyes and into the hearts of the audience.

In conclusion, Dorian Blues is a compassionate study of a gay teenager who embarks on an adventure toward acceptance. Despite its heavy theme, the film has a compelling streak of humor, largely due to McMillian's charming performance. Although the LGBTQ+ theme is central to the movie, the film's appeal is universal. It is a story of individual growth, self-discovery, acceptance, and familial relationships, making it relatable for a broad range of audiences. The film reflects the feelings and emotions that everyone goes through while coming to terms with who they are, reminding us in a profound way that the journey to self-acceptance is at once universal, and deeply personal.