Review: IN AND OUT (1997)
by Chris Webb
to appear in Amherst Student 9/24/97 copyright 1997
Cast: Kevin Kline (Howard Brackett), Joan Cusack (Emily Montgomery), Matt Dillon (Cameron Drake), Tom Selleck (Peter Malloy), Debbie Reynolds (Howard's Mom), Wilford Brimley (Howard's Dad), Bob Newhart (Tom Halliwell). Directed by: Frank Oz Written by: Paul Rudnick
It is no small feat to say this, but this is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen. I have never laughed so much in a theater before. But beware, there exists a cynical approach to the movie that if taken, could force you to miss the point.
Allow me to first dispel the cynical viewpoint that this movie essentially stereotypes gay people. As you watch this film, you have to suspend political correctness, as the writing displays through his exploitation of misconceptions about gay people that many have. This is not a movie about being gay, but about how gay people have been perceived, making the portrayals and reactions of people in this movie are more real than any watered down effort would bring.
If you choose to take a less cynical approach to the movie, you will find that "In and Out" is full of good intentions and rich in laughs. Welcome to Greenleaf, Indiana, where everyone knows you and your business, probably better than you do. Howard Brackett, English teacher and lifelong resident, is preparing for his wedding to Emily Montgomery (Joan Cusack) after a three year engagement. It never dawned on him that this delayed wedding, combined with his tastes for poetry and drama, his clean look, and his affinity for everything Streisand would even cause others to question his sexual preference. It is not until former student, Cameron Drake (Matt Dillon), wins an Academy Award for portraying a gay soldier in "To Serve and Protect," and outs Howard as his gay inspiration in his acceptance speech, that Howard's reality comes crashing down around him.
Greenleaf comes to a standstill as many were watching the telecast, and all know Howard. Almost immediately, Howard's parents (Wilfred Brimley and Debbie Reynolds) arrive searching for answers. In a classic scene Howard denies this, and the small town conspiracy theories spring up as to why Cameron would sabotage Howard's life. Spouting non-sequitors, which any townie will appreciate and identify with, Howard's parents drag Cameron's name through the mud in their support of their son.
The problem is, Howard is torn between two identities, one of which is a lie. To help him sort out his life comes gay tabloid reporter Pater Malloy (Tom Selleck). For a ratings jump, Malloy decides to spend the week cataloguing Howard's every move. Hounded, Howard begins to see the error of his lies to all that he loves and realizes that he will only be a better person for the truth to come out. It is both painstaking and humorous to watch as the loacals do all the predictable actions when Howard is around. Students he coaches cover up in the locker room, fellow teachers spout their suspicions, and the principal threatens his job. In an effort to live up to his lie, Howard seeks out ways to seem more masculine. He uses self-help tapes and even goes to a priest, who offers some unique advice about premarital sex.
The biggest snag he faces will be Emily's reaction. She has been losing weight to improve her self image so that she could make Howard love her more, creating a double lie around her life. Howard does make right, but at the most inopportune time in front of everyone he knows. This sends Emily reeling and creates some of the best comedic scenes of Joan Cusack's career. She rants, she reels, and she gives the most memorable quote in defaming Barbara Streisand.
The Oscar-nominated Cusack ("Working Girl") is flamboyently funny as the disshevelled bride, while Kline's vulnerable and scared teacher is many times funnier than his Oscar winning performance in "A Fish Called Wanda," not an easy task to accomplish. There does not seem to be a part that Kevin Kline takes to which he cannot bring some sort of credibility. He excels in the great movies ("Wanda," "Dave") and adds respectability to lesser films like "Consenting Adults" or "Fierce Creatures." The acting standouts do not stop here, though.
The supporters take the characters to which they are accustomed and make them soar in "In and Out." As the school principal, Bob Newhart stutters his way through in Porky Pig fashion whenever the tension rises. Wilfred Brimley is the venerable old everyman and Debbie Reynolds recaptures her "Mother"ly instincts as the overbearing mom. In smaller roles, Dan Hedaya ("Clueless") plays an army officer in the film within the film, drawling his way into the memory, and Ernie Sabella ("Perfect Strangers") captures the small town attitude toward the media as Howard's barber. The only departue from character comes from Magnum P.I. himself. Selleck has done wonders in revamping an acting career that had suffered under the likes of "Mr. Baseball," and has forsaken nothing to prove his acting chops. The scenes with him and Kline are the best and will leave you talking afterward.
Toward the end of the movie, Greenleaf High is graduating, and nearly-exiled Howard shows up. Cameron comes home to save the day and interrupts the ceremony a la Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman" inciting a display which echoes the ending of "Dead Poet's Society" in a more humorous tone.
"In and Out" is loosely based on Tom Hanks' Oscar acceptance after winning for "Philadelphia," when he thanked his openly gay drama teacher. Writer Paul Rudnick, who wrote another politically incorrect gay comedy "Jeffrey" and director Frank Oz (Muppet movies) have landed a gold mine with this film. It is not only funny, but they might have finally mainstreamed gay characters by exploiting the very assumptions surrounding them that independant films have been combatting for years. By ignoring the sacred cow, this movie could open doors for future movies. This would make "In and Out" not only one of the best comedies I have ever seen, but one of the most meaningful.
Ratings: **** out of ****
9.5 out of 10
My grade: A+
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