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Movie: Kissing Jessica Stein (2002)
This may be a contentious rec. On the one hand, it can be seen as a film about a failed relationship between a bisexual / polysexual woman and a straight woman. On the other hand, it's a film about the challenge of a relationship between two very different ladies, both of whom are dating another woman for the first time, and in that context it's not so surprising that things don't work between them long-term.
I think this is a clever, charming, and funny film, and there are a lot of things I love about it, including:
1) contrasting, multi-dimensional lead characters
Jessica is a witty, neurotic, works in publishing, and has had a lot of bad dates (which are hilarious!). Helen is far more relaxed, sensuous, runs an art gallery, and has casual relationships with multiple men. They start dating due to a lonely hearts ad, Jessica taking a chance beyond her comfort zone, and some thoroughly-realistic cunning on the part of Helen.
2) fantastic script and use of language
This is definitely a film for word nerds, and the use of language seduces Jessica (specifically, Helen's use of the word 'marinate' in a non-culinary context when she suggests Jessica let the idea of dating a woman marinate for a while) and the viewer. The script is layered, never talks down to you, and there are some lovely bits of dialogue reflecting on the meaning of words, from Jessica's discussion of the many ways people can be funny to Helen's explanation of 'sexy ugly'.
3) great acting
This film started as a stage play written and acted by the two main characters, and their utter command of the roles really shows.
4) queer romance without a cliched ending
It's a cliche of romantic movies that the lead characters end up together even if they are so different that we're not sure why things would work between them. I really like the way that doesn't happen here - there is no love at first sight and they don't announce a happy ending as soon as Helen and Jessica move in together. Instead we follow a far more realistic plotline, as the relationship goes through tensions like Jessica coming out to her family and friends, and their different sex drives.
If you're looking for a film about two women living happily-ever-after then this won't fit the bill, but it's thoroughly entertaining, realistic in the settings and plotline, and there are so many great lines I could quote half the film. Take a chance on it...and then maybe let it marinate ;-)
IMDb page for Kissing Jessica Stein
The film is available to watch instantly on Netflix
I think this is a clever, charming, and funny film, and there are a lot of things I love about it, including:
1) contrasting, multi-dimensional lead characters
Jessica is a witty, neurotic, works in publishing, and has had a lot of bad dates (which are hilarious!). Helen is far more relaxed, sensuous, runs an art gallery, and has casual relationships with multiple men. They start dating due to a lonely hearts ad, Jessica taking a chance beyond her comfort zone, and some thoroughly-realistic cunning on the part of Helen.
2) fantastic script and use of language
This is definitely a film for word nerds, and the use of language seduces Jessica (specifically, Helen's use of the word 'marinate' in a non-culinary context when she suggests Jessica let the idea of dating a woman marinate for a while) and the viewer. The script is layered, never talks down to you, and there are some lovely bits of dialogue reflecting on the meaning of words, from Jessica's discussion of the many ways people can be funny to Helen's explanation of 'sexy ugly'.
3) great acting
This film started as a stage play written and acted by the two main characters, and their utter command of the roles really shows.
4) queer romance without a cliched ending
It's a cliche of romantic movies that the lead characters end up together even if they are so different that we're not sure why things would work between them. I really like the way that doesn't happen here - there is no love at first sight and they don't announce a happy ending as soon as Helen and Jessica move in together. Instead we follow a far more realistic plotline, as the relationship goes through tensions like Jessica coming out to her family and friends, and their different sex drives.
If you're looking for a film about two women living happily-ever-after then this won't fit the bill, but it's thoroughly entertaining, realistic in the settings and plotline, and there are so many great lines I could quote half the film. Take a chance on it...and then maybe let it marinate ;-)
IMDb page for Kissing Jessica Stein
The film is available to watch instantly on Netflix