Queer Beacon and Oh la la Paris take a fresh look at The Family Stone, which was recently released on DVD: The opening volley says it all: "Sarah Jessica-Parker plays an uptight conservative bitch who spends Christmas with her boyfriend's family."
That was pretty much our assessment back in November when we previewed Brian White's role as Patrick Thomas, the boyfriend of Thad Stone (Ty Giordano). Thad is the brother of Everett Stone aka Dermot Mulroney, fiance to SJP. Brian has a supporting role but, as always, is lovely.
The review hits home with a dinner scene where SJP theorizes that parents should want their children to be normal: "Sarah Jessica even tries to get sympathy and support from Brian White—in the logic of Sarah's character Brian should know how difficult it is to grow up black and gay."
Question: Is her character racist and bigoted, or, does she have good intentions? In case you haven't seen the film, we won't spoil it by lending our perspective because that gives away the film's ending and the review. Definitely check the comments thread which is fascinating because a number of Sarah Jessica Parker apologists people have weighed in with their take on SJP's character, Brian White's role, and, the racist vs homophobia debate.
Review: The Family Stone (Oh la la Paris)
Previously:
Brian White in OUT (Rod 2.0) A Tale of Two Boys (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with Darryl Stephens (Rod 2.0) Darryl's "Boy Culture" (Rod 2.0) Gay Taye (Rod 2.0) Pimpin' Aint Easy (Rod 2.0) Patrik-Ian Polk in "Genre" (Rod 2.0)
Brian White is a stunning man.
Posted by: James | 16 June 2006 at 14:29
Rod, I watched this movie on a plane flight a few months ago and thought it was awful, totally unbelievable, pure schlock. Why does Hollywood keep turning this kind of crap out? Junebug was 100x more original, interesting and credible. Brian White is nice to look at, though, so I do hope he gets more roles.
I hope the accident wasn't serious and that you're doing okay.
Posted by: jstheater | 19 June 2006 at 11:46