Common Ground (2000)

In Common Ground director Donna Deitch (Desert Hearts) uses three stories to explore attitudes toward homosexuality in the fictional small town of Homer, Connecticut, over a period of almost half a century. "A Friend of Dorothy's" tells the story of a girl who returns to Homer in 1954 after leaving the Navy. When it emerges that she was discharged after being arrested in a gay bar, she is ostracized by everyone except the owner of a local diner, a woman who has her own reasons for wanting to help Dorothy to escape. "M. Roberts" is set in 1974, when a gay teacher (Steven Weber) has to decide whether to jeopardize his career in order to help a troubled pupil who has been targeted by homophobic bullies. Finally, in present-day Homer, "Andy & Amos" follows the preparations for a gay wedding. While protesters gather on the town commons, Amos's father (Ed Asner) has to choose between long-held prejudices and his love for his son. Thanks to a Harvey Fierstein script that combines sexual politics with humor and believable characters, this is the most successful part of Common Ground. Ed Asner's gradual realization that his son's monogamous, long-term gay relationship is more conventional than most heterosexual marriages is deftly handled, achieving a balance between message and drama that the other stories lack.

Despite the credentials of their authors (playwrights Paula Vogel and Terrence McNally) the first two segments feel more like lectures than stories. Their impact is weakened by clumsy dialogue (Dorothy's mother actually says, "I have no daughter") and stereotypical characters. The film's message is an important one: the road to equality is built upon the struggles and sacrifices of past generations. Unfortunately Common Ground is too uneven to deliver that message with the force it deserves. --Simon Leake Amazon.com

Intro to Gays & Lesbians 101

The stories are timeless and still relevant, even though one takes place in 1954, one in 1974, and the last in 2000. It is a similar format to "If These Walls Could Talk 2" in which there are three stories from three different generations. The 1954 sequence hits home, in spite of a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy within the armed services, because even now, a military career can still be irreparably damaged if a soldier or officer is outed. Gay youths can relate to the 1974 story, seeing minimal progress from 1974 to the present with the way GLBT young people are treated by their peers. All one has to do is watch "The Matthew Shepard Story" or "Boys Don't Cry" to witness recent cruelty against GLBT youth.

The three stories could have easily been made into full-length movies. I especially wanted to learn more about the characters from "A Friend of Dorothy's." That story has a lot of potential, and Brittany Murphy was quite effective in her sad, wide-eyed portrayal of Dorothy Nelson. The phrase, "A friend of Dorothy's" was a bit overused in the script; I'm sure gays and lesbians back in 1954 had other code words to communicate their homosexuality other than just proclaiming "I'm a friend of Dorothy's." At times the gay cliches became a bit much, which diluted the realism and authenticity of the stories.

What I liked about the film was its positive ending and overall of message of hope and acceptance, in spite of what happened to some of the main characters in the three stories. It is a visually beautiful film and captures the small town feeling. And the stories are compelling enough to make this an interesting film to purchase and watch. I hope it comes out on DVD with Director's and Screenwriters' commentary. December 27, 2005

absolubtly phenomenal

This could very well be among the greatest movies I've ever seen. It gets kind of corny at times, but corniness is good when dealing with these themes. If you liked Angela's Ashes, you'll LOVE Common Ground. It made me cry, not because I could indetify (I'm straight), but my brother is gay and it really helped me see some things differently. Watch it, you won't regret it. September 11, 2005

Why not on DVD!!!

Come on folks VHS is DEAD.

DVD please April 23, 2005

Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Great film.

However, I couldn't help but notice what an UGLY OLD HAG Margot Kidder has turned into! YIKES! I could hardly stand to look at her. LMAO January 2, 2004

Excellent and Timely

Unforunately, this video is still very relavent today. Contrary to Mr. Diamond's comments - LGBTQ youth are still beaten and murdered today and are four times more likely than their straight peers to commit suicide (Mass. Youth Behavior 2000). I was harassed severely in high school and had to transfer due to physical threats. To say that youth today do not know what it was like is just plain wrong. As an active member of several queer youth organizations trust me, we know and we are grateful. But we have our own issues that maybe you are ignoring Mr. Diamond.

This movie is moving, and hey, JTT IS HOT!

Mark Snyder
20 yrs old. May 14, 2003

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