Frameline Film Fest: Puccini for Beginners June 15, 2006

Puccini for Beginners

From the director of the classic The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (Opening Night, Frameline19) comes a hilarious tale about a girl who can't say yes—to love.

The gorgeous Elizabeth Reaser (The Family Stone) turns in a tremendous performance as Alegra, an opera-loving New York City lesbian who bluntly describes herself as "narcissistic, passive-aggressive, self-absorbed and incapable of connecting." After Alegra's commitment issues send her girlfriend (Julianne Nicholson) into the arms of a male rival, Alegra finds herself suddenly attracted to two new lovers: Philip (the delicious Justin Kirk of Angels In America fame) and Grace (Gretchen Mol of The Notorious Bettie Page).

With a wacky chorus of sushi chefs and New York City bystanders making trenchant observations on Alegra's love life, Puccini for Beginners unfolds as a nonstop laugh-fest full of insights on evolving sexual identities and the quest for love in New York City. When Alegra begs Philip to "respect the inherent boundaries that sexual identity requires," Philip wisely refuses, pointing out (with utter sincerity) that "love has no boundaries."

Toss in wacky pals, madcap coincidences and a fast-paced screwball style, and you have the recipe for a new lesbian classic. For lesbians, hasbians and the greater queer community, Puccini for Beginners breaks new cinematic ground as it updates queer sexuality for the 21st century.

—JENNI OLSON

PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS dir Maria Maggenti 2005 USA 90 min

Official Website: http://www.frameline.org/festival/30th/filmsevents.html