Alive and Kicking **** (1996, Jason Flemyng, Antony Sher, Dorothy Tutin, Bill Nighy, Anthony Higgins) – Classic Movie Review 2125

Director Nancy Meckler’s excellent 1996 British dance drama and gay-themed movie, offers Jason Flemyng the chance to have a field day as a gay, bitchy, promiscuous, essentially lonely HIV-positive dancer who suddenly and quite unexpectedly falls for an older man (Antony Sher), his exact opposite.

This surprisingly sensitive study is meticulously written by Martin Sherman (who was nominated for Broadway’s 1980 Tony Award as author of Best Play nominee Bent). It’s convincing, entertaining and very well done. Flemyng is at his best here, Sher is spot on as the therapist boyfriend and Dorothy Tutin enjoys herself enormously as the potty founder of the dance company.

This is a thoroughly sweet film, sometimes funny, well-detailed, with a credible dance atmosphere – and it’s very perceptive and moving too.

Bill Nighy, Anthony Higgins, Philip Voss, Diane Parish, Aidan Waters, Natalie Roles, Freddy Douglas, Kenneth Tharp, Ruth Lass, Linda Bassett and Hilary Reynolds are also in the cast.

Martin Sherman: ‘I’m not sure that Brokeback Mountain and Capote really qualify as gay films. Brokeback Mountain is about two straight men who happen to have a gay affair, and Capote is about an author, who happens to be gay, going to any lengths to get his story.’

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2125

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