Fun Down There (1989) Online

Fun Down There was one of the first matter-of-fact depictions of homosexuality on film or, as Vincent Canby titled his New York Times review "Adapting to Being Gay Without Sturm und Drang." The film was shot almost entirely in master shots. This rigid camera technique distances the audience somewhat but the actors, especially Michael Waite in the lead, lend a charm and warmth that keep you caring. The film follows Buddy (Waite) on his journey from farm life in upstate New York to his happy adventures in the East Village. The film received, and deservedly so, exceptionally glowing reviews from both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.

An old story: boy leaves stifling place he grew up and goes to the big city. In "Fun Down There" the boy is gay, but more curious than tortured, and his innate gentleness (and exoticism: he appears to be the only person in New York City who knows anything about dairy farming) quickly attracts new friends and lovers. Although self-conscious in its fixed-camera style and long shots of urban landscape, the movie succeeds in entertaining primarily through its nuanced portrait of Buddy, the playful post-adolescent country mouse from upstate New York. Some of the acting here is not good enough to sustain the very long takes, but co-writer Michael Waite as Buddy manages to develop the viewer's sympathy for a character who is, in the end, fairly ordinary. That very ordinariness was quite a statement about a young gay person in 1988, and it is still too unusual in American films. How refreshing to see a character who in the context of his world is more unusual for knowing about milking cows than for being attracted to people of the same sex. The movie is also notable for the portrayal of Buddy's parents (played by Waite's parents) who are not ignorant bigots, but lovin g if confused and provincial. Stick with the final credits for the father's comment on his son's new life in New York. Despite some amateurish aspects, the humor and sweetness of script and characterizations more than sustain this film for its brief running time.

No, this film isn't about a gay romp in Australia. If you can get through 'Day One' of this 'week in the life' of a coming out gay boy going 'down' to Manhattan from his upstate New York home, you are probably the type that likes to watch paint dry or auto accidents. Our hero is pre-occupied with spanking his monkey - in bed, in boats, and finally - with strangers on Manhattan rooftops. The interiors are cramped and contrived, while the exteriors are mostly MOS. The pace is intolerably slow - some scenes have no narrative at all. The acting is as stiff as the erections on display, so if that's your idea of 'fun down there' - go for it.

I really enjoyed Fun Down There. It is so personal and so FUNNY at the same time. I love the long (duration), wide shots. They give you a chance to just take in the scene and think about what's going on. Michael Waite is such a great, unselfconscious actor. I love the writing and sensitivity of the directing as well. If you liked this film, check out Bob, Verushka and the Pursuit of Happiness by the same guys.