Before watching "Mama's Boy", I was aware that Mr. Black had won an Oscar for writing "Milk", about the gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk. I was also aware of his relationship with the charming, uber-cute British diver, Tom Daley, and that there is a large age difference between the two. And that was pretty much it.
The structure of this documentary is such that I have come away with what feels like a deep understanding of what makes Mr. Black tick, as well as an appreciation of the obstacles he has overcome. He describes his mother as having a "strong heart" and it is clear that her good-heartedness is a trait that she passed on to her children. The documentary focuses primarily on his mother, and from that life, on the family she created despite almost overwhelming odds. The narrative flow is very smooth as it derives from a strictly linear chronology (excepting the very opening scene), and the use of in-person interviews and family records rounds out the storytelling quite effectively.
For me, the only unanswered question was why Mr. Black, after changing his surname to the name of his first stepfather - and, given his natural father's behavior, rejecting his birth name seems completely understandable - felt no similar desire (given, once revealed, that latter man's far worse behavior) to instead honor the man (his mother's third husband) who was a loving husband and better father than the first two combined. In other words, I would think he would rather be known as Dustin Lance Bisch.
Ultimately , the story we witness is positive and uplifting. I recommend this documentary, and not just to the GLBTQ community and their allies, but to all those whose opinions are not set in stone. Mr. Black shows how bridge-building is always possible, and, indeed, common ground is the "land" we all hope to arrive at, and all can thrive on.
The structure of this documentary is such that I have come away with what feels like a deep understanding of what makes Mr. Black tick, as well as an appreciation of the obstacles he has overcome. He describes his mother as having a "strong heart" and it is clear that her good-heartedness is a trait that she passed on to her children. The documentary focuses primarily on his mother, and from that life, on the family she created despite almost overwhelming odds. The narrative flow is very smooth as it derives from a strictly linear chronology (excepting the very opening scene), and the use of in-person interviews and family records rounds out the storytelling quite effectively.
For me, the only unanswered question was why Mr. Black, after changing his surname to the name of his first stepfather - and, given his natural father's behavior, rejecting his birth name seems completely understandable - felt no similar desire (given, once revealed, that latter man's far worse behavior) to instead honor the man (his mother's third husband) who was a loving husband and better father than the first two combined. In other words, I would think he would rather be known as Dustin Lance Bisch.
Ultimately , the story we witness is positive and uplifting. I recommend this documentary, and not just to the GLBTQ community and their allies, but to all those whose opinions are not set in stone. Mr. Black shows how bridge-building is always possible, and, indeed, common ground is the "land" we all hope to arrive at, and all can thrive on.