This overlong film is not really about AIDS or homosexuality, but about a man who wants death with dignity because he will die in a few days from a brain disease that will first turn him into a vegetable. Although I didn't blame him for his decision to commit suicide, I found it bizarre that he would invite all his friends to a farewell party to say goodbye before he takes his fatal dose of sleeping pills. That should involve only a few close family members, but there were so many characters in this film I had a hard time sorting them out and wondered why some were invited to the party in the first place.
The film focuses on the troubled relationship between the man in question, Eric Roberts, who gives an excellent low-keyed performance as the man in question, and his ex-lover, Gregory Harrison, who kicked him out once Roberts tested HIV positive. There are some moving moments between them as they try to make up. I was also moved by Roberts and his estranged and guilty father, George Segal, trying to resolve their feelings. Acting honors should also go to Devon Gummersall, playing Roberts' upset gay nephew. I very much enjoyed seeing some of the old pros: Lee Grant, Roddy McDowall, Olivia Newton-John, Sally Kellerman and Nina Foch, even though many should have been edited out of the film.
The film focuses on the troubled relationship between the man in question, Eric Roberts, who gives an excellent low-keyed performance as the man in question, and his ex-lover, Gregory Harrison, who kicked him out once Roberts tested HIV positive. There are some moving moments between them as they try to make up. I was also moved by Roberts and his estranged and guilty father, George Segal, trying to resolve their feelings. Acting honors should also go to Devon Gummersall, playing Roberts' upset gay nephew. I very much enjoyed seeing some of the old pros: Lee Grant, Roddy McDowall, Olivia Newton-John, Sally Kellerman and Nina Foch, even though many should have been edited out of the film.