Legends

Dearest Jim,

We have been patient with you. We have forgiven you for not owning even one Madonna or Cher CD. We have been understanding about your school schedule and therefore have not complained about you only going to a gay bar twice this year. We still don't understand why you hate shopping, not to mention the fact that you do not discuss every irrelevant detail your sex life. But so be it, we are a kind and understanding organization. But, that you have never seen an old-school Elizabeth Taylor film, well, thats the limit. This outrageous fact has caused us to place your membership on immediate probation. Please see to it that this urgent issue is resolved.

Sincerely, The Gay Card Administration Staff

My apologies to Elizabeth Taylor and to the bitches who form the GCAS. Its true though. Nor have I ever seen a movie with Rock Hudson or James Dean. So, last night I decided to mix up a pitcher of martinis and get them all done by watching the film, Giant.


Giant is a great film, but like all films that are 50+ years old, there is a little bit of cheese factor. Its expected considering the limitations of 50's technology. Still, it made me laugh out loud to see the "aging" Elizabeth Taylor, she just looked like a 25 year old with gray spray paint in her hair and black eye shadow under her eyes, lol.

Other than that its was very enjoyable to watch this epic (3 1/2 hours, sheesh) film about the DC girl who meets and marries the west Texas rancher, moves to Texas and tries to fit in. The redneck ranch hand makes three and a subtle triangle emerges with all kinds of 1950's drama and a heavy focus on the prejudice against Mexicans that was prevalent in that location during that time.

Although Giant is not a 10/10, I really consider this a must see, its just so much history rolled into one. Particularly so if you are from Texas.



Elizabeth Taylor - Wow, now that I've seen her in her glory days I have to say she was stunning. My grandmother used to say that Elizabeth Taylor was the last great actress. I can see now why she would think that, she was the force holding this film together. And what a force she was. Now I'm going to have to see her in that Virginia Wolfe thing.



Rock Hudson - Holy crap, exactly how tall was he anyway? He towers over everyone in this film, even seated; he was just one freaking huge man in size 13 boots. Sad that he had to hide the fact that he was gay and that he died relatively young (60).



James Dean - He might have been a short one (5'8", like me) but his presence overshadows everyone on the screen, even the considerably taller Hudson. I've always been curious about Dean's strangle-hold on American pop culture 50 years after his death; even today his name is mentioned in music (Madonna) and of course, he is still being held up as the ultimate in rebellious cool.

Dean was the first actor to be nominated for an award after death. And actually he was nominated for 2 awards; Rebel Without A Cause and Giant. He never actually got to see himself in either.

Dean, in an interview after making Giant, was asked to share his philosophy of life. The quote is almost haunting.

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today."

Shortly thereafter he was killed in a car wreck. He was 24.

9.0/10

Giant