Tr2 Posted March 10, 2004 Report Posted March 10, 2004 Gay Mormons in Love************************************************Gay Mormons in loveRelationships at heart of 'Latter Days'By Andy CulpepperCNNWednesday, March 10, 2004 Posted: 4:24 PM EST (2124 GMT) LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The filmmaker and cast behind "Latter Days" are on a mission: to get as many people as possible in to see their little film.It's a sometime drama, sometime romantic comedy about two young men who find each other, love each other, and deal with the consequences of love's often messy aftermath. And, oh yeah: one of the men is a Mormon.The Los Angeles Times has given "Latter Days" a positive review, and writer/director C. Jay Cox can't suppress an ear-to-ear grin."Those are the kind of reviews that you hope for, that you wish for, that you dream about," he beams.If the title strikes a chord, it's not by accident. The words are an allusion to the Mormon church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Cox is an ex-Mormon and the church figures prominently in the film's plot."Well, it's not strictly autobiographical, but I was raised Mormon," says the screenwriter, who also penned the script for the popular Reese Witherspoon comedy, "Sweet Home Alabama.""My family's been Mormon for five generations. I was a Mormon missionary when I was 19. And after moving to Los Angeles and coming out," he continues, "I think that I was able to experience the other side of the movie, so I did come to the movie knowing both of those characters."Combustible mixComing out? Yes, Cox is gay, as are the two characters to which he refers -- a young Mormon missionary coming to terms with his sexuality and a twentysomething hunk who sees him as just another number in his sexual repertoire."Latter Days" marks Cox's directorial debut. The movie is an ensemble effort which includes acting veterans Mary Kay Place and Jacqueline Bisset, along with Wes Ramsey and Joseph Gordon-Levitt ("Third Rock from the Sun"). Ramsey plays a hunk who finds himself falling in love with his missionary conquest (Steve Sandvoss).If the combustible mix of religion and homosexuality almost certainly guarantees controversy, Ramsey thinks good may come of it."Controversy raises questions, and I think it's important for us all to be asking questions of ourselves and about our faith, about our beliefs, and our feelings emotionally, personally and spiritually in life. And if it brings attention to the film, great.""Latter Days" proves to be the rule, not the exception. Theaters in Utah originally planning to show the film have since canceled it. Effectively, "Latter Days" finds itself banned -- and the beneficiary of more publicity.Actor Erik Palladino -- who plays Keith, a man living with AIDS -- says the attention can only benefit the film."At this point, don't you get when you create controversy over a movie, it helps the movie?" he says and laughs. "It's gonna help the movie. It's not rocket science."'I wasn't setting out to create controversy'In the film, the Mormon missionary -- Elder Aaron, played by Steve Sandvoss -- finds himself excommunicated from the church. Playing the linchpin character in the film's plot gave Sandvoss an opportunity to experience a blurring of the lines between what is real and what is not.First, there was Sandvoss' girlfriend. "She was taken aback," he recalls.But there was also the note left by a fan on Sandvoss' Web site." 'Steve, I think you're mixed up about this,' " Sandvoss recounts. " 'It seems you're a smart guy but you've been flattered by some men, but they're more concerned with what's between your legs.' I just laughed.""I wasn't setting out to create controversy or stir up trouble," says Cox. "I just really wanted to speak from my experience...I was just surprised during the filming of the movie just how emotionally intense some of those experiences became, not just for the actors, but for me as the director."One such moment in the movie comes in a confrontational scene between Sandvoss' character and his Mormon mother, played by Place. The two are in the kitchen when Place clocks her son with her open palm."It was devastating to both of us. The look on his face, I will never forget as long as I live," she says.If Place's character provides the power from right of center, it is Bisset's role, that of a kind-hearted restaurant owner, which provides the film's emotional ballast."It says that people have many colors," she considers. "The world is so diverse now and seemingly more open than it was, but there's still a long way to go. The film doesn't advocate anything. It just allows this relationship to come together." Quote
Guest Starsky Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Well it was bound to happen...we are part of the planet population...- subject to the same temptations and failures as the rest of the world.....if we don't hold to the rod...that is. Quote
porterrockwell Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 The Church shouldn't give this a hint of opposition, or publicity. Let those who wish to see it, see it. Those who understand the principles and morals of being LDS will abide otherwise. It's kind of sad, because, this is someone who left Jesus Christ for a petty sexual experience that will not continue into the next life. Also, someone who went on mission, and let me tell you something, you don't make it through the MTC or all the way through a mission for that matter without conviction and belief. So it is sad to see those who knew the truth reject it. Quote
DisRuptive1 Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 He never left the church. I'm sure he wanted to stay in, most likely. But he got kicked out.All he did was kiss another man and was caught. He was then sent home, excommunicated and then sent to shock therapy.By the way, I agree with the review of the LA Times. Quote
Guest curvette Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 05:52 PM you don't make it through the MTC or all the way through a mission for that matter without conviction and belief. Is that a fact? Are you speaking from experience? Quote
Outshined Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 "Shock therapy"? Is it actually still in use? Quote
porterrockwell Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by curvette+Mar 10 2004, 08:07 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (curvette @ Mar 10 2004, 08:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 05:52 PM you don't make it through the MTC or all the way through a mission for that matter without conviction and belief. Is that a fact? Are you speaking from experience? I have been in the MTC, and have been on many missionary outings. So yes, from experience. Unless you believe otherwise? Quote
Guest curvette Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 07:36 PM I have been in the MTC, and have been on many missionary outings. So yes, from experience. Unless you believe otherwise? Oh I see. So spending a few days in the MTC qualifies you to know that all missionaries who complete their missions have conviction and belief. Your logic is astonishing. Quote
porterrockwell Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Actually a bit much more than a few days, try nearly 3 weeks, and have you ever been, or gone through the process of preparing for a mission? No, huh. And it's not MY logic, again, you have to be there to understand. That place is a spiritual filter. It takes a great deal of commitment and spiritual fortitude to fullfill said calling. My whole point is that this person knew the church was true, he gave into lust that was clearly contradictory to his beliefs. Now he is supporting something that is very immoral and dragging the churches name through it. He's no different than that South Park loser who made a movie called "Orgazmo". And if protecting my beliefs and standing up for what I believe in hurts your feelings, too bad. Quote
Guest curvette Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 08:03 PM Actually a bit much more than a few days, try nearly 3 weeks, and have you ever been, or gone through the process of preparing for a mission? No, huh. And it's not MY logic, again, you have to be there to understand. That place is a spiritual filter. It takes a great deal of commitment and spiritual fortitude to fullfill said calling. My whole point is that this person knew the church was true, he gave into lust that was clearly contradictory to his beliefs. Now he is supporting something that is very immoral and dragging the churches name through it. He's no different than that South Park loser who made a movie called "Orgazmo". And if protecting my beliefs and standing up for what I believe in hurts your feelings, too bad. You just really think you know everything don't you? Yes I went on a mission. I completed an honorable mission in a foreign country. I never was as self righteous or sure of myself as you are. I had a wonderful time, I loved the people, and made many lasting friendships. You don't know anything about this filmmaker. You don't know if he had a testimony or not. There were lots of elders in my mission who didn't have testimonies. Some were there because of family pressure or girlfriend pressure. Some started out with no testimony and gained one. Some started out with strong, unshakable testimonies and lost them. It was a different experience for each missionary. Who are you to judge this man? Quote
Guest TheProudDuck Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 tell you something, you don't make it through the MTC or all the way through a mission for that matter without conviction and belief.Some do. Trust me on this one. Quote
Guest curvette Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by TheProudDuck@Mar 10 2004, 08:32 PM Some do. Trust me on this one. Ah...the voice of reason. Thanks duck. (I miss you man!) Quote
Snow Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by curvette+Mar 10 2004, 08:44 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (curvette @ Mar 10 2004, 08:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--TheProudDuck@Mar 10 2004, 08:32 PM Some do. Trust me on this one.  Ah...the voice of reason. Thanks duck. (I miss you man!) Huh? I'll give you the voice of reason:...Temperatures rising, I don't want to feelI'm in the wrong place to be realWoahh and I'm; longing to love youjust for a night,Kissing and hugging and holding you tightPlease let me love you with all my might Reasons, the reasons that we hear,The reasons that we fearour feelings a-won't disappear Oooh! And- after the love game has been playedAll our illusions were just a paradeAnd all the reasons start to fade Well, actually that was the voice of Earth Wind and Fire singing Reasons, but I think you know what I'm talk'n bout. Quote
Guest curvette Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Really Snow! We broke up years ago! (or were you talking to Porter?) Quote
Cal Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 05:52 PM The Church shouldn't give this a hint of opposition, or publicity. Let those who wish to see it, see it. Those who understand the principles and morals of being LDS will abide otherwise. It's kind of sad, because, this is someone who left Jesus Christ for a petty sexual experience that will not continue into the next life. Also, someone who went on mission, and let me tell you something, you don't make it through the MTC or all the way through a mission for that matter without conviction and belief. So it is sad to see those who knew the truth reject it. I know I keep sounding like a squeeky wheel on this subject, but I feel that I am just as correct as the "iron rod" mormons think they are right.My God (yes, Laurel) does not make a sin out of his own creations. I have already shown on another thread that gayness is AT LEAST strongly genetically influenced. It's in the genes. Who made our genes? Quote
Cal Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by porterrockwell+Mar 10 2004, 07:36 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (porterrockwell @ Mar 10 2004, 07:36 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by -curvette@Mar 10 2004, 08:07 PM <!--QuoteBegin--porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 05:52 PM you don't make it through the MTC or all the way through a mission for that matter without conviction and belief. Is that a fact? Are you speaking from experience? I have been in the MTC, and have been on many missionary outings. So yes, from experience. Unless you believe otherwise? Nonsense! People go on missions for many reasons OTHER THAN true conviction. Quote
Snow Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by Cal@Mar 10 2004, 09:52 PM Nonsense! People go on missions for many reasons OTHER THAN true conviction. I, for one, went for the carnitas. Quote
Guest Starsky Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Who made our genes? Levi Straus? Quote
Guest bizabra Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by porterrockwell@Mar 10 2004, 08:03 PM Actually a bit much more than a few days, try nearly 3 weeks, and have you ever been, or gone through the process of preparing for a mission? No, huh. And it's not MY logic, again, you have to be there to understand. That place is a spiritual filter. It takes a great deal of commitment and spiritual fortitude to fullfill said calling. My whole point is that this person knew the church was true, he gave into lust that was clearly contradictory to his beliefs. Now he is supporting something that is very immoral and dragging the churches name through it. He's no different than that South Park loser who made a movie called "Orgazmo". And if protecting my beliefs and standing up for what I believe in hurts your feelings, too bad. Um, all it really takes to get through a mission is fear of humiliation and hurting your parents if you were to bag out. I know more than a few mormon men who stuck it out only because of "what people would think" if they left or did not go in the first place.Orgazmo was a funny movie!Sorry if my beliefs and thoughts "hurt" you, too bad for you if they do. Quote
Guest Starsky Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 One thing we do know is....if one sins...he loses the light which gives him good judgment....Everything he does after he sins...if he doesn't repent...is done in darkness without clear judgment.Ps. 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday Quote
Guest TheProudDuck Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by Snow+Mar 10 2004, 10:30 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Snow @ Mar 10 2004, 10:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Cal@Mar 10 2004, 09:52 PM Nonsense! People go on missions for many reasons OTHER THAN true conviction. I, for one, went for the carnitas. Hmph. If I'd known we were supposed to get carnitas, I'd've put up a bigger fuss when all I got was pickled sheep's ... manhood. Quote
Snow Posted March 11, 2004 Report Posted March 11, 2004 Originally posted by TheProudDuck@Mar 11 2004, 02:58 PM Hmph. If I'd known we were supposed to get carnitas, I'd've put up a bigger fuss when all I got was pickled sheep's ... manhood. What?You didn't get the pre-mission faq sheet that discussed carnitas and carnitas-related issues?Are you sure you went on an LDS mission? Quote
Snow Posted March 12, 2004 Report Posted March 12, 2004 Pedacitos de carne de puerco, cocinados en acete. Son bien ricas... If I remember my Spanish correctly that is. Quote
Guest Starsky Posted March 12, 2004 Report Posted March 12, 2004 Originally posted by Snow@Mar 11 2004, 05:32 PM Pedacitos de carne de puerco, cocinados en acete. Son bien ricas...If I remember my Spanish correctly that is. Small pieces of pig meat, cooked in acete. They are well rich...???Is that what you wanted to say? Quote
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