The film industry is a complicated and convoluted business. Sure there is room for art and entertainment, but movies are first and foremost part of a business focused primarily on making money. The formula is simple: box office blockbusters make careers, box office flops kill them. The current economic situation in the U.S. (and worldwide) only exacerbates Hollywood’s preoccupation with profits. Because of this monetary fixation, many deserving independent films get overlooked, underplayed, or simply thrown away. Studios more often choose to back guaranteed moneymakers (countless sequels, remakes, and rehashes of the same basic premise) instead of most new, unproven, or unique films and filmmakers. A perfect example of this cautious situation is the film I Love You Phillip Morris.
I Love You Phillip Morris is a romantic-comedy featuring superstars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, in addition to solid supporting actors Leslie Mann (The 40-Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up) and Rodrigo Santoro (Love Actually, 300, Che). The film is written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the duo behind the hilarious Christmas comedy Bad Santa. Adapted from the bestselling book by Steve McVicker, the movie is based on a true story of con artists, prison breaks, and true love. Sounds intriguing, right?
In addition to those positives, the film premiered to mostly rave reviews and tremendous buzz at both the Sundance and Cannes film festivals. Oh yeah, and did I mention the movie is a romantic-comedy (Hollywood’s most popular and bankable genre) and stars Jim Carrey (once Hollywood’s most bankable star).
So what makes this movie so unsellable that it had movie studios and distribution companies backing out of deals last minute and running wildly from it? Certainly not because it’s a romantic-comedy starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, but rather because it’s a gay romantic-comedy starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor.
That’s right, you read that correctly. Here is the plot synopsis: Steven Russell (Carrey) is happily married father and police officer. But after a violent car crash forces him to reevaluate his life, Russell leaves family behind to live his true self as a gay man. He moves to Miami, finds a boyfriend, and begins living a luxurious lifestyle. He quickly realizes that a life of luxury is expensive, leading to a new career as a conman. When his crimes finally catch up with him, Russell is sent to prison where he meets and falls instantly in love with fellow prisoner Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is paroled, Russell will go through anything (including numerous prison escapes) to be reunited with his true love.
Both Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor’s performances are receiving praise. McGregor's role choices are typically well thought out and always bring much subtlety and charisma to any role. On the other hand, Carrey has been hit-or-miss (more misses) over the past few years, but has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that he can still pull off atypical roles that straddle humor and drama (The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). The film itself has garnered mostly positive reviews and commendation for its handling of the controversial subject matter.
I Love You Phillip Morris ran into problem after problem due its controversial subject matter and rather explicit way of showing it – almost every movie review makes mention of the surprisingly explicit sex scenes. Despite generating a lot of buzz, the film initially struggled to pick up a distribution deal before landing at Consolidated Pictures Group. After delaying the release date several times and even re-editing the more graphic scenes, the company ultimately shelved Phillip Morris indefinitely. The film was eventually released in several European markets and has made approximately $17 million overseas in limited release.
After a lengthy court battle and fears of dumping the film to an uncelebrated straight-to-DVD release, I Love You Phillip Morris is now under new control, Roadside Attractions (who also released the wonderful independent film Winter’s Bone earlier this year. Read my review here), and finally has legitimate release date: December 3rd.
Despite Hollywood’s claim of being more liberal and forward-thinking than the rest of America, serious gay and lesbian relationships are rarely depicted in today’s films. 2005’s Brokeback Mountain (the best film of that year, despite Crash’s ridiculous claim) and 2008’s Milk (Top 3 film of that year) were considered steps in the right direction, but both films were met with as much controversy and protest as praise and awards. Perhaps if the directors of Phillip Morris had more clout like Ang Lee and Gus Van Sant, then they could more freely be able to tackle such a controversial topic. The fact of the matter is Hollywood, just like the rest of America, is not quite ready for their movies to depict homosexuality in such a manner, especially if it’s not guaranteed to make money or win awards. Scott Stiffler, author of Why Hollywood Avoids Gay Movies, adds: “Mostly straight, multiplex-going audiences don’t want to see a romantic comedy in which two dudes get it on; unless it is meant as a joke.” In the end, it’s just still too risqué.
In addition to Los Angeles and Miami, the movie was filmed partially in New Orleans, Shreveport, and around St. Bernard Parish.
Be sure to go and see this movie if it ever does play in local theaters (I’ll believe it when I see it) and see what all the controversy is all about. The film is predictably Rated-R for sexual content including strong dialogue, and language.
