Big Eden (2000)

Lack of good storyline.

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

After 974,000+ heterosexual feel-good movies, we finally get a good-old-boy down-to-earth heart-of-America gay feel-good movie! Not feel-good in terms of hunky guys showing off their sweaty chests. But a story that shows people being nice and loving and generous (toward gay characters).This is the freshest, most unique gay-themed movie I've seen (and I've seen a lot). It doesn't take place in a big city. It doesn't include homophobic rants. Big Eden asks us to believe that in the deepest right-wing part of the Rocky Mountains the colorful townsfolk would try to play matchmaker for two gay men; that a countrified old man nearing the end of his life would tell his gay son, "Did I teach you shame?" and then say "Can't you see what a good job god did here?" (forget psychotherapy, gay men who were rejected by their families and communities can just watch this movie.) Two big questions guide the plot: Will Henry choose between his boyhood crush (dad of two, recently divorced) or the quiet, native-American shopkeeper who shyly dotes on him? And will Henry remain in his hometown of Big Eden, MT, or return to his adopted home in New York? This provides enough drama and interest without adding in drugs or dance clubs or gay bashing or screaming drag queens for comic relief.My theory about the positive community in Gay Eden: I think the town would react very negatively if a big city gay couple bought land in Big Eden, moved there and tried to dance together at the town barbecue. But Henry and Pike were from Big Eden -- they belonged there... when Pike says that he wants Henry to be happy, the most stereotypical of all the rednecks tells him, "We want you to be happy also." And I truly believed him.Feel good yet?

I watched this movie based on the reviews here and elsewhere. What a disappointment. I thought I was watching a different movie than the one reviewed. The premise of the movie was encouraging, but the execution and the acting was just not believable. In fact at times it was laughable (unintentionally). The lead was just not believable nor likable - I couldn't get past the premise that he was being pursued by TWO men, not just because he wasn't traditionally 'cute', but there was NOTHING in his personality that made him attractive or appealing. In fact, he seemed to be uncomfortable being gay. Another problem I had was that the movie was filled with all these 'wacky' but lovable and understanding characters who became annoying (to me) since they were so over the top 'cutesy'. This movie tries to be a 'feel good' movie, but I couldn't get past the bad acting and unbelievable characters. The movie's soundtrack was the best thing (older Country).

As close to a masterpiece a gay-themed movie can be, I've now seen 'Big Eden' eight times. And all eight times, they've got the same emotional response (well, let's say I cry at the appropriate times) from me. I loved this movie, this pure fantasy so much, I don't view it so much as a "gay-themed" movie as much as I see it as a great romantic film, beautifully shot. We have Henry, who, after being raised by his grandfather in the northwestern American city of "Big Eden," left for the "Big Apple" only to be called back home due to Grandpa's stroke. There he learns his growing-up best mate-crush returned at the same time. It's touching how Henry tries to rekindle those feelings with Dean, whom Henry had to have therapy to get over. Under the radar is Pike, a local who is dealing with both feelings for Henry and his own sexuality. As little as his character speaks, you truly feel his longing to be with Henry and to make him happy. Henry's messed up, however, he's so unfocused on life (I'm sure a lot of us can feel the same way; I do) he can't see 2 feet in front of him. Even the great Louise Fletcher delivers a great speech involving his "wandering." (This and the following scene, by the way, is what breaks me – see previous comments – each/every time.) Sure, it's predictable and unrealistic (even in this day and age, it's hard to believe such a small town would be so accepting of homosexuals.) For this, I call it a fantasy. And it's nice to be wrapped in such a far-away land where everyone's accepted. Bonus points to beautiful scenery, romance, good dialogue, great acting and small-town atmosphere that makes you believe you are there.Side Note: Nice to see a gay-romantic movie produced in 2000 that doesn't involve nudity, violence, sex, language or AIDS-related subplots. It was just a simple love story about loving life. It can be enjoyed by anyone, gay or straight with such believable characters who really get into character. I truly believe I am in "Big Eden." Despite the seasons never changing (see a snowless Montana at the end of November) and a small town group of people who obviously have enough money to "hang out" all day without obligations – man, didn't anyone work for money? – it's highly recommended.(EXTREME SPOILER, only read if you've listened to the audio commentary.) I was so curious to learn more about one of my all time favorite films, one of the eight times I've seen this, I listened through the audio commentary. "Big" mistake. I learned why there are so many close-up shots of both people and structures. This was due to the time of shooting, as this took a long time to shoot, the seasons and surroundings changed so much, they didn't want to give too much of a distraction to the audience. Now, with that knowledge, it's painfully obvious why so many close-ups were in the film and now, they're a distraction. Fortunately, I can get past them to one of the best movies ever made. If only this fantasy/romance could become a true life story. For anyone.

I caught this last night on the Logo channel and although it held my interest mildly, mainly because of the photography, I found it very disappointing. What Utopia city is this suppose to be? Obvious it was written most likely by a gay person, who was 'looking' for his 'wizard of oz"...a town where every male and female was so open minded towards the trials of a squeamish looking gay man, whom everyone loved...and wanted to make him stay and live happily ever after with a lover. Yes, Dorothy 'there is no place like home"...for certain people only. BTW, I probably slept through the part where they had mentioned how his best friend had 2 sons. Were they adopted? Was he a divorced man? I never saw his 'wife', and yet there were so many females in this movie, it all came down to 'whose who". No satisfactory way to introduce the characters, in my opinion.