I am aware this is based off of real events (unless it isn't, which is a way worse possibility), however I don't believe everything needs to be shared. Fairly early on in the movie, for example, there's an incredibly unconfortable scene of Lacie and her girlfriend in their honeymoon, I guess, wherein Lacie blames herself and feels gujlty about their weak sexual relationship and sort of forces herself into the sex. And I think it's meants as a #GirlBoss moment for her but it's really not. It's just softcore porn that reads like a noncon Ao3 fanfic. Like, the story itself is fine but these secenes just drag the fim down for me.
18 Reviews
...vibrant, smart, hilarious, and unsentimental love story
mermuncy2 August 2004
GIRL PLAY is a vibrant, smart, hilarious, and unsentimental love story about two stage actors, Robin Greenspan and Lacie Harmon, cast as the leads in a romantic play. The women come fully equipped with compelling reasons why their falling in love with each other is simply not an option: Robin lives with her life partner in a clearly defined world, replete with Post-it reminders and insurance policies, and Lacie has recently come to embrace her commitment-phobia in full. But when their eccentric stage director (played to perfection by Dom Deluise) insists at rehearsals that the two women experience one electrifying and vulnerable moment after another, their chemistry has no place to go but up.
For all kinds of reasons, these two should not fall in love, and yet we all know where this story is going. But we don't know what fresh, unexpected, and delightful trouble it will trigger; nor whether these women will actually overcome their obstacles and make it especially given Robin's terror at the mere possibility of hurting and disappointing her live-in girlfriend. The fear takes her back to the dread-filled moments that led to her coming out to her provincial mother (flawlessly played by Mink Stole). And Lacie clings to her independence after she revisits her most recent unbearably awkward, horror-show-down breakup with a demi-semi-steady.
The story unfolds beautifully, mixing narrative and direct-address narration. Because the writing, acting, direction, and editing are so incredibly deft, this hybrid means of story-telling and story-showing works beautifully. It reminds me of High Fidelity in that seamless way of mixing narrative, direct address, and flashbacks.
Mink Stole and Dom Deloise might have stolen the movie, had Robin Greenspan and Lacie Harmon not given such strong and appealing performances. Forgive the reductive Hollywood-ese of this analysis, but Robin Greenspan's hilarious neurotic practicality is young-Woody-Allen good, and Lacie Harmon's hilarious wry cynicism is young-Bruce-Willis sexy! What's more, these two leading ladies also wrote the movie. What's more than THAT the movie is based on their true story. What's not to love!?
For all kinds of reasons, these two should not fall in love, and yet we all know where this story is going. But we don't know what fresh, unexpected, and delightful trouble it will trigger; nor whether these women will actually overcome their obstacles and make it especially given Robin's terror at the mere possibility of hurting and disappointing her live-in girlfriend. The fear takes her back to the dread-filled moments that led to her coming out to her provincial mother (flawlessly played by Mink Stole). And Lacie clings to her independence after she revisits her most recent unbearably awkward, horror-show-down breakup with a demi-semi-steady.
The story unfolds beautifully, mixing narrative and direct-address narration. Because the writing, acting, direction, and editing are so incredibly deft, this hybrid means of story-telling and story-showing works beautifully. It reminds me of High Fidelity in that seamless way of mixing narrative, direct address, and flashbacks.
Mink Stole and Dom Deloise might have stolen the movie, had Robin Greenspan and Lacie Harmon not given such strong and appealing performances. Forgive the reductive Hollywood-ese of this analysis, but Robin Greenspan's hilarious neurotic practicality is young-Woody-Allen good, and Lacie Harmon's hilarious wry cynicism is young-Bruce-Willis sexy! What's more, these two leading ladies also wrote the movie. What's more than THAT the movie is based on their true story. What's not to love!?
Boring, Ugly Video with Zero laughs and Zero Crossover Appeal
junecatpower5 September 2004
As in ZERO chance of crossing over to anyone who wasn't in the cast or crew of this arrogant little video that is completely full of itself. Most of the video consists of one of the two 'unfunny-comedians turned untalented-actresses' standing on a stage talking to an empty audience -- a sign perhaps?-- and smirking at their own jokes. Robin Harmon and Lacy Greenspan's performances are so terrible that the poor editor often has to cut in the middle of WORDS.
How can a person standing on a stage be that hard to videotape? This is basic stuff but vision less direction and bland acting make for an endless night of awkwardly paced and over edited monologues. It mostly feels like the movie is just complaining at you.
Razzie winner Dom Deluise appears in it just long enough to show us why he can't get acting gigs. His scene was so obviously shot separate from everything else. It felt like he was just there to pay off some kind of favor.
The whole mess looks like it's shot on home video and mostly sounds like it was recorded on an answering machine. The script is awful. When it isn't congratulating itself with annoying in jokes, it takes tired -- mostly offensive -- pot shots at "aggressive" lesbians, "meddling" Jewish women, and "swishy" gay men.
Welcome to the 21st century, where just saying 'it's a lesbian movie' isn't enough. We lesbians want our movies to be about something. This might have been a minor accomplishment 20 years ago -- minus the mean spirited antisemitic and homophobic stereotypes -- but amateur director Lee Freelander is simply out of her league. She tries to stage dated clichés and pretends they're revolutionary. She REALLY pats herself on the back with the longest most boring, sexless, sex scene ever put on video. Lesbians have needs!
We have amazing, funny, complex and powerful lesbian-themed indie films like 'Monster' 'DEBS' 'The Politics of Fur' and hit shows like 'The L Word' and 'Six Feet Under' so thank goodness we are no longer forced to put up with garbage like 'Girl Play.'
This is easily the worst 'lesbian movie' ever made (and I sat through 'Cat Woman') AVOID THIS VIDEO! Stay home and argue with your girlfriend for free.
How can a person standing on a stage be that hard to videotape? This is basic stuff but vision less direction and bland acting make for an endless night of awkwardly paced and over edited monologues. It mostly feels like the movie is just complaining at you.
Razzie winner Dom Deluise appears in it just long enough to show us why he can't get acting gigs. His scene was so obviously shot separate from everything else. It felt like he was just there to pay off some kind of favor.
The whole mess looks like it's shot on home video and mostly sounds like it was recorded on an answering machine. The script is awful. When it isn't congratulating itself with annoying in jokes, it takes tired -- mostly offensive -- pot shots at "aggressive" lesbians, "meddling" Jewish women, and "swishy" gay men.
Welcome to the 21st century, where just saying 'it's a lesbian movie' isn't enough. We lesbians want our movies to be about something. This might have been a minor accomplishment 20 years ago -- minus the mean spirited antisemitic and homophobic stereotypes -- but amateur director Lee Freelander is simply out of her league. She tries to stage dated clichés and pretends they're revolutionary. She REALLY pats herself on the back with the longest most boring, sexless, sex scene ever put on video. Lesbians have needs!
We have amazing, funny, complex and powerful lesbian-themed indie films like 'Monster' 'DEBS' 'The Politics of Fur' and hit shows like 'The L Word' and 'Six Feet Under' so thank goodness we are no longer forced to put up with garbage like 'Girl Play.'
This is easily the worst 'lesbian movie' ever made (and I sat through 'Cat Woman') AVOID THIS VIDEO! Stay home and argue with your girlfriend for free.
thank you but no thank you...
anne_simonnet22 March 2007
oh god!!! that was a very painful "$2.5 movie" to watch. A good yet digested , cheesy and , so to say, easy to swallow, sad lesbian movie. they don't look one second comfortable with each other ! hardly can act or even kiss... come-on! and what's the "inspired by a true story" all about! and the ambiguity on this comedians might be the real lovers ( Ref short text before the credits )!?! lame,lame, lame... Overuse of the "too appropriate music for the right special moment " kind of soundtrack.
Caricatural and boring. Try to be sexy but misses it completely. How come this movie made so much fuss when, talking low budget independent movie, Gypo passed absolutely incognito. Oh well, sure the play 's much better! it almost could have a good material
Caricatural and boring. Try to be sexy but misses it completely. How come this movie made so much fuss when, talking low budget independent movie, Gypo passed absolutely incognito. Oh well, sure the play 's much better! it almost could have a good material
Dull movie loves itself way too much
z-frostbyte19 January 2008
I have to agree with those who believe that the 'good' reviews here come from relatives, friends and colleagues of the women who made this. What I can't understand is why these two real-life women thought their love story was interesting enough to write a play, and then a movie about it. It was like listening to proud parents talk about their gorgeous baby (the one WE know looks like a frog) for 80 minutes. The leads are irritating: Robin (constantly pouting) delivers her lines as though she's performing a high school English oral, whereas Lacy seems to lead with her huge jaw (and drag her knuckles on the ground). The music and flash-backs are as cheesy as they get. The tell-rather-than-show narration does not translate well from the stage, but more importantly, the characters do NOTHING to endear themselves to the viewer. I just didn't CARE. I kept watching only because I'd paid to rent the damn film, but in hindsight that's 80 minutes of my life I can't get back. In short: you know how your best friend spends two hours on the phone telling you (without stopping for breaths) just how greatandsplendidandgorgeousandneat her new girlfriend is? That's what this movie is like. Be warned.
Z Grade Lesbian flick, nerve grating and mind-numbingly boring...
Bladerunner•21 January 2006
Whoever the "independent critic" was who fawned over this flick and cracked on someone who panned it, they obviously had relationship issues. No relationship, hon??? From a "guy" point of view, this movie is like a "chick flick" on Drano. Imagine all the elements of a whiny, "Joy Luck Club", estrogen-overdose, and then add in grating, abrasive and utterly uninteresting griping (directly into the camera, no less) about one's "partner". There is a gratuitous girl-on-girl scene or two, but the leads are mannish, adult tomboys trying oh-so-desperately to act and sound like street-cool, arty types, with bodies like limp tube-socks, so any appeal from a strictly hedonistic perspective is devoid of any turn-on.
I will give it kudos for having the guts to be a bit more realistic in it's physical portrayal of lesbians. Unlike some "lesbian" films (which are little more than soft-core porn for gawking guys) where the women are super-models or Pam Anderson types, the women in this movie reflect a more accurate image of the "average" lesbian. With the exception of one character, the women in this film are of average, or below-average looks, blue-collar body types, and clothing styles like an unmade bed. Mannerisms and body language are truer to form as well, mostly devoid of feminine overtones.
Unless you have a burning desire to see the irritating details of a lesbian relationship on the rocks, skip this movie and watch Lost and Delirious instead. Though the women in Lost and Delirious aren't as realistically lesbian "looking", they're waaaaay easier on the eyes, the story is much more interesting (and actually quite touching), and the characters are people you'll actually care about.
I will give it kudos for having the guts to be a bit more realistic in it's physical portrayal of lesbians. Unlike some "lesbian" films (which are little more than soft-core porn for gawking guys) where the women are super-models or Pam Anderson types, the women in this movie reflect a more accurate image of the "average" lesbian. With the exception of one character, the women in this film are of average, or below-average looks, blue-collar body types, and clothing styles like an unmade bed. Mannerisms and body language are truer to form as well, mostly devoid of feminine overtones.
Unless you have a burning desire to see the irritating details of a lesbian relationship on the rocks, skip this movie and watch Lost and Delirious instead. Though the women in Lost and Delirious aren't as realistically lesbian "looking", they're waaaaay easier on the eyes, the story is much more interesting (and actually quite touching), and the characters are people you'll actually care about.
Funny and Real, I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!
fresands20029 September 2004
I saw this movie at OutFest in Los Angeles and I have to say as one of the few straight white males in the audience I couldn't have been more involved in the "characters" (in quotes since the movie is based on the actresses' life stories) and their stories. The filmmakers have done such a fantastic job of bringing these women's life stories to 'life' on the big screen in a compelling and hysterical way.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at the situations these women find and get themselves into. But, I was also really impressed at how I was able to relate to their lives and saw similarities to things in my own life. It's pretty amazing that no matter what your race, gender or sexual preference there are moments and things we all go through.
But, no matter how poignant and real the story was the most important thing for me was how funny it was. Lacie and Robin's situations and stories are just FUNNY AS HELL and the scenes with Dom DeLuise and his assistant are some of the funniest moments I've seen in a movie theater in a long while. Not to give anything away but the scene with Robin and her mom (played terrifically by Mink Stole) was not only real and but absolutely hilarious.
I was completely captivated and really loved this movie from start to finish. I can't wait til it comes out in theaters so I can see it again.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at the situations these women find and get themselves into. But, I was also really impressed at how I was able to relate to their lives and saw similarities to things in my own life. It's pretty amazing that no matter what your race, gender or sexual preference there are moments and things we all go through.
But, no matter how poignant and real the story was the most important thing for me was how funny it was. Lacie and Robin's situations and stories are just FUNNY AS HELL and the scenes with Dom DeLuise and his assistant are some of the funniest moments I've seen in a movie theater in a long while. Not to give anything away but the scene with Robin and her mom (played terrifically by Mink Stole) was not only real and but absolutely hilarious.
I was completely captivated and really loved this movie from start to finish. I can't wait til it comes out in theaters so I can see it again.
Wonderfully refreshing and sexy romantic comedy!
kristin-544 August 2004
In this hilarious and poignant romantic comedy, GIRL PLAY tells the story of Robin and Lacy. They're each in a committed relationship, yet they're falling in love with each other. In an intimate journey through their love lives, Robin and Lacy tell us; how they've become afraid of ending long-term relationships because... what else is there?, being uninterested sexually with a have-sex-with-me-NOW-what's-wrong-with-you girlfriend, being afraid to "come out" to a match-making Jewish mother, and, oh yeah, falling in love with a new co-star while in a play about relationships.
I laughed, I cried, I remembered the ridiculous things that I did, said and felt when falling in and out of love. Robin and Lacy bring such an honesty to their roles, I felt like I was watching two friends.
Turns out, this is a true story and the actors are also the people they portray! Oh, did I mention the extremely hot sex scene? Thank you Lee Friedlander for tastefully showing two women make love. My husband and I both thank you! Go see this movie. You will remember why you ever fell in love in the first place, no matter who it is you love.
Kissing Jessica who??
I laughed, I cried, I remembered the ridiculous things that I did, said and felt when falling in and out of love. Robin and Lacy bring such an honesty to their roles, I felt like I was watching two friends.
Turns out, this is a true story and the actors are also the people they portray! Oh, did I mention the extremely hot sex scene? Thank you Lee Friedlander for tastefully showing two women make love. My husband and I both thank you! Go see this movie. You will remember why you ever fell in love in the first place, no matter who it is you love.
Kissing Jessica who??
We laughed, we cried and then we rejoiced!
joencarol25 January 2005
Obviously, we just loved this movie. The acting was wonderful and the story was enthralling (all the more so because it is true). You don't have to be gay to enjoy this. It has everything and then some. Lacie Harmon and Robin Greenspan wrote the movie and also play themselves. What charmers. We saw it at the Festival in DC and intend to see it again when it comes to NYC. There was mention of a sequel when the writers were questioned in DC. I hope this is so. If they ever sell the DVD rights, this will be added to our permanent library. I don't understand why it has such a low rating on this website. It would seem that someone is just being vindictive. What a shame to ridicule such a wonderful film.
Powerful characters, intelligent writing
rosie5215 January 2005
The story is well written, the characters engaging. The most original and probably the funniest lesbian movie I've seen in a long time. A powerful story that develops as the characters continue to realize that they are meant to be together. I found myself connecting with the characters, as their love relationship blossomed and they struggled with the emerging feelings for each other. In addition, one character deals with the struggle of coming out to her parents the other struggles with her own demons. I would gladly purchase this movie for my collection. It's one that I could watch again and again. Not only for the laughs, but because it's about real girls. Rosanne
Refreshing and inventive
cartercomm15 January 2005
This is a fine, small movie. As a straight man, I honestly had little expectation to enjoy this very much, so I was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it so much.
Usually I go to pictures where things blow up, or something vital is at risk, but I found this funny and not too deep into itself, in other words, I like that they (the actors and film makers) can laugh at themselves, while taking on 'serious' topics, such as relationships, coming out, etc.
I want to see it again!
I like the intimacy shared by Robin and Lacie, with the audience, I found them both to be engaging and entertaining.
While the sound threw me off in couple of spots, (I don't know if it was the theater), the humor was catchy enough to carry me past the little distraction and i found myself laughing out loud throughout the film. All in all, I found it to be Enjoyable.
Usually I go to pictures where things blow up, or something vital is at risk, but I found this funny and not too deep into itself, in other words, I like that they (the actors and film makers) can laugh at themselves, while taking on 'serious' topics, such as relationships, coming out, etc.
I want to see it again!
I like the intimacy shared by Robin and Lacie, with the audience, I found them both to be engaging and entertaining.
While the sound threw me off in couple of spots, (I don't know if it was the theater), the humor was catchy enough to carry me past the little distraction and i found myself laughing out loud throughout the film. All in all, I found it to be Enjoyable.
I loved it!
kellington-118 February 2006
It was funny and when I found out the real-life history of the movie, it made it even better.
Plus the behind the scenes (on the DVD) about how the two lesbian producers resisted making the movie because "they didn't do lesbian movies", but they were won over the material was great.
The lesbian director seemed to be very talented as well.
I found it at blockbuster.com.
I loved the parallel execution of the play within the movie, and it didn't hurt that the two actresses were really hot. But it was mostly humorous, and nothing cheesy.
Plus the behind the scenes (on the DVD) about how the two lesbian producers resisted making the movie because "they didn't do lesbian movies", but they were won over the material was great.
The lesbian director seemed to be very talented as well.
I found it at blockbuster.com.
I loved the parallel execution of the play within the movie, and it didn't hurt that the two actresses were really hot. But it was mostly humorous, and nothing cheesy.
Two Thumbs Up....A Must See.
birdbranes15 January 2005
If Siskel and Ebert had seen this film this is exactly what they would have said, "Two thumbs up. A must see." So, who can give me their address so I can send them a copy of this wonderful, uplifting, delightfully funny film created by a wide array of talented individuals? Kudos to all involved. Lee Friedlander did a wonderful job bringing an already tremendous play (sold out many weeks by the way) to the big screen for so many more to enjoy. I have been following the talents of Lacie Harmon and Robin Greenspan for many years, and I'm not surprised by any means that their extreme brilliance continues to shine even brighter every year. I cannot wait to see what new projects they will come up with in the future. As soon as Girl Play is released on DVD I will own a copy for my private collection.
Great Movie about true love
lcaspi14 January 2005
My husband and I have been to many movies over the past year and were grateful to finally see one that we enjoyed from start to finish. The acting from everybody was beyond reproach. The two writer/actors were incredibly endearing and vulnerable, and we fell in love with them as soon as the movie started. The writing was insightful and funny. The cameo appearances made by Dom DeLuise and Mink Stole were icing on the cake! I keep checking back to see when the next film by this outstanding team of people will be ready. If you're looking for a love story, look no further, this is the one you MUST see! It will make you fall in love with whomever you're with all over again and if you're cynical about love this movie will give you the courage to take a chance on love again.
Which one of the ex's do you think "Junecatpower" might be?
moviefanla15 September 2004
Obviously, there are some really personal emotions spilling over in Junecatpower's "over the top", immature and inaccurate commentary which is way too magnified and emotional to be taken seriously. Put your claws back in Catwoman, it's obvious who you are and what your motives are. Independent film-making is a challenge enough without public, slanderous comments like the fabricated comments from a hurt sole.
This film was beautifully shot on a combination of super 16 film and High Definition 24p. Both formats are high quality, preferred, formats for industry professionals and it shows because the film exhibits beautifully. The cinematographer clearly brings decades of award winning experience with him to this rich looking film.
A few points about the film that cannot be disputed are: it is beautifully shot, the acting is tremendous - having earned two of the top awards from Outfest 2004 for "Best Acting" (and a third Outfest award for "best narrative Lesbian feature"), just about all audiences can relate to it for one reason or another (a clear fact once you've been in an audience it has screened for) and, the sound and music quality are incredible. The film hasn't screened to an audience yet where at least a dozen or more people ask how to get a copy of the soundtrack.
Without a tremendous director, none of the above mentioned qualities come through in any film.
Congratulations to a talented group of people for coming together to create a unique, award-winning film which is screening at festivals around the world and sure to land in the theaters and/or on the shelves of video stores for hungry audiences of sophisticated women and men (lesbian, gay, bi, transgender and straight) around the world.
This film was beautifully shot on a combination of super 16 film and High Definition 24p. Both formats are high quality, preferred, formats for industry professionals and it shows because the film exhibits beautifully. The cinematographer clearly brings decades of award winning experience with him to this rich looking film.
A few points about the film that cannot be disputed are: it is beautifully shot, the acting is tremendous - having earned two of the top awards from Outfest 2004 for "Best Acting" (and a third Outfest award for "best narrative Lesbian feature"), just about all audiences can relate to it for one reason or another (a clear fact once you've been in an audience it has screened for) and, the sound and music quality are incredible. The film hasn't screened to an audience yet where at least a dozen or more people ask how to get a copy of the soundtrack.
Without a tremendous director, none of the above mentioned qualities come through in any film.
Congratulations to a talented group of people for coming together to create a unique, award-winning film which is screening at festivals around the world and sure to land in the theaters and/or on the shelves of video stores for hungry audiences of sophisticated women and men (lesbian, gay, bi, transgender and straight) around the world.
Move over Meryl
grumpy-1615 January 2005
The two most appealing actors ever seen on the big screen + a director whose humanity floods every scene = "Girl Play". This movie is so real, the stars so beautiful, its appeal so universal, that it cannot be seen too often. I saw it in LA and the audience reaction rocked the rafters! When 800 women in a sold-out theater fall in love with Lacie and Robin, the impact is overwhelming. None wanted to leave the theater, as if they thought it would be shown again. And it was, in festivals around the world, and has won its well-earned plethora of prizes. Luckily I was in DC when it screened at Reel Affirmations. The second time was even better. A comic classic that left me smiling and exhorting my friends to see it, for weeks. Don't miss it! (When it comes to NYC in March I will be the first in line.)
Primo!
kk8825 January 2005
I laughed, I cried, it was much better than "Cats." ;) This film is so refreshing and unique and so beautifully shot as well! A film about real women with really deep and moving stories. All with the main story of a journey to finding a healthy soul mate is one very inspirational cup of tea in my book. I look forward to being able to purchase this film to enjoy again and again. For me, this film's philosophical interludes intertwined with its humorous anecdotes of the ups and downs of coming to grips with what one "should" do about love vs. what one's deeper core yearns and ultimately must do...in order to connect with a more true-to-heart soul mate and the fears, joys, pleasures and passions that such may bring...I'm very grateful and inspired with such a beautiful story. Thank you.
soundtrack
jenny-20319 March 2005
Hey everyone, I just saw this fantastic film at Melb Queer Film Festival last night. Definitely my pick for best film. I loved the music, but forgot to write down the name of the female singer who sung most of the original songs on the soundtrack.
I found it eerie and beautiful the way the story captured so much of how it feels to be me, how several of the conversations held between the characters are exact replicas of conversations I've had, exact replications of feelings I've had.
Well worth seeing, heck I want to see it again! Does anyone know if this will be available on DVD in Australia any time soon?
Cheers
I found it eerie and beautiful the way the story captured so much of how it feels to be me, how several of the conversations held between the characters are exact replicas of conversations I've had, exact replications of feelings I've had.
Well worth seeing, heck I want to see it again! Does anyone know if this will be available on DVD in Australia any time soon?
Cheers
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