The subject of this U.S. documentary is Vito Russo, a gay activist in the early days of gay liberation and an AIDS activist in the 1980s shortly before his death in 1990. He was also a film lover and had written "The Celluloid Closet" which exposed how early film-makers in Hollywood were restricted from being direct about gay characters in their films.
This film is superb in many ways - not only for the fascinating subject but mostly for the amazing film footage and photos used throughout. Interviews with those who knew him were also very moving. Some of the best excerpts included those of my favourite performer Lily Tomlin. They included her comedy sketches and interviews with her as she was a great friend and collaborator of Russo.
Although the 60s, 70s, and 80s were a very volatile and difficult period in different ways, this era is also one of the most fascinating times in recent history. The film "Vito" does this era justice by not just exposing it but evoking the feisty spirit as well.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Notable Achievement: Film Footage Collection
This film is superb in many ways - not only for the fascinating subject but mostly for the amazing film footage and photos used throughout. Interviews with those who knew him were also very moving. Some of the best excerpts included those of my favourite performer Lily Tomlin. They included her comedy sketches and interviews with her as she was a great friend and collaborator of Russo.
Although the 60s, 70s, and 80s were a very volatile and difficult period in different ways, this era is also one of the most fascinating times in recent history. The film "Vito" does this era justice by not just exposing it but evoking the feisty spirit as well.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Notable Achievement: Film Footage Collection