'Brokeback Mountain' has received international acclaim as a breakthrough for gay cinema, but it isn't the first movie about unfulfilled gay love to reach mainstream audiences. Although it reached wide distribution MAKING LOVE (1982) was ahead of its time and failed to get the credit it was due. With the success of 'Brokeback Mountain' Fox has just issued a new DVD release of 'Making Love' and it's well worth a look.
Starring Harry Hamlin and Michael Ontkean , 'Making Love' is the story of a married Los Angeles doctor who meets and falls in love with an outgoing young novelist. It was the first time two men locked lips in a major studio feature film. At the time it was shocking and the publicity surrounding the kiss kept many people away.
'Making Love' is admirably acted, though a bit dated. Nevertheless, if you've seen "Brokeback Mountain" you need to see "Making Love" if no other reason than its historical significance - although a young Hamlin and Ontkean certainly have some nice scenes in bed together.
Thanks to 365Gay.
I remember seeing Making Love as a High Schooler....I went to a different town to watch it as I was afraid some of my friends would see me going in and "out" me.
At the time I couldn't enjoy the movie out of fear that someone would see me watching it! Now over 20 years later, I appreciate its importance.
Posted by: kendall | February 18, 2006 at 03:15 AM
I had forgotten all about this film, thanks for the reminder. It was perfect for a young gay teen at the time as not only did it portray male love, it starred a gay icon of the time - Kate Jackson of Charlie's Angels fame.
Posted by: Tal | February 18, 2006 at 05:31 AM
hi! I do remember the movie, when it was shown on Asian TV (neatly censored of course!!) But both the guys were cute, and I think they try to have a menage a trois with a hooker.
Can you post some caps/stills from this film or provide links for the same?
cheers
Posted by: lund | February 18, 2006 at 08:45 AM
I am from the Philippines and have seen this movie while I was in college. Unforgettable, especially the song from the movie. The movie was a bit controversial at that time but the general public has accepted the fact that "gay" or "gay life" is part and parcel of our daily life.
Posted by: jojo mijala | February 18, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Not sure why Harry Hamlin is now complaining that "playing gay" in Making Love ruined his career. After the movie, he went on to star in one of the most popular TV series in the eighties and ninties- L.A.Law.
Posted by: Tom | February 22, 2006 at 08:22 AM