This film benefits from really good acting and a strong, if familiar, storyline. Dorian is the stereotypical odd man out in his suburban town, the butt of schoolmates' harassment and his father's vitriol. It all seems so unintelligible until Dorian realizes he's gay. The one aspect of this film that is unique and wonderful is the relationship Dorian has with his straight, Daddy's favorite, brother, Nick. Instead of an oppositional dynamic, the movie sets them up as confidants and allies. The drawback to this film is that as Dorian becomes more comfortable in his homosexuality, he confuses arrogance for confidence. Dorian becomes less likable as the movie progresses. I also think the resolution of the film's greatest tension, the relationship between Dorian and his dad, was a let down. I think it is a testament to how much America has progressed that a movie about a kid coming out, meeting with criticism and hatred from his family, moving away to the big city, and finding peace when mean Daddy dies, seems so old-fashioned. Watch the movie for the historical curiosity of where gay culture was at in 2004.
Review of Dorian Blues
