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Big Eden

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Big Eden (2000)

April. 18,2000
|
7.3
| Drama Romance
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Henry Hart is a young gay artist living in New York City. When his grandfather has a stroke, Henry puts his career on hold and returns home to the small town of Big Eden, Montana, to care for him. While there, Henry hopes to strike up a romance with Dean Stewart, his high-school best friend for whom he still has feelings. But he's surprised when he finds that Pike, a quiet Native American who owns the local general store, may have a crush on him.

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UnowPriceless
2000/04/18

hyped garbage

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Steineded
2000/04/19

How sad is this?

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TaryBiggBall
2000/04/20

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

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BelSports
2000/04/21

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

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kevin54-1
2000/04/22

I watched this movie based on the reviews here and elsewhere. What a disappointment. I thought I was watching a different movie than the one reviewed. The premise of the movie was encouraging, but the execution and the acting was just not believable. In fact at times it was laughable (unintentionally). The lead was just not believable nor likable - I couldn't get past the premise that he was being pursued by TWO men, not just because he wasn't traditionally 'cute', but there was NOTHING in his personality that made him attractive or appealing. In fact, he seemed to be uncomfortable being gay. Another problem I had was that the movie was filled with all these 'wacky' but lovable and understanding characters who became annoying (to me) since they were so over the top 'cutesy'. This movie tries to be a 'feel good' movie, but I couldn't get past the bad acting and unbelievable characters. The movie's soundtrack was the best thing (older Country).

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thesar-2
2000/04/23

As close to a masterpiece a gay-themed movie can be, I've now seen 'Big Eden' eight times. And all eight times, they've got the same emotional response (well, let's say I cry at the appropriate times) from me. I loved this movie, this pure fantasy so much, I don't view it so much as a "gay-themed" movie as much as I see it as a great romantic film, beautifully shot. We have Henry, who, after being raised by his grandfather in the northwestern American city of "Big Eden," left for the "Big Apple" only to be called back home due to Grandpa's stroke. There he learns his growing-up best mate-crush returned at the same time. It's touching how Henry tries to rekindle those feelings with Dean, whom Henry had to have therapy to get over. Under the radar is Pike, a local who is dealing with both feelings for Henry and his own sexuality. As little as his character speaks, you truly feel his longing to be with Henry and to make him happy. Henry's messed up, however, he's so unfocused on life (I'm sure a lot of us can feel the same way; I do) he can't see 2 feet in front of him. Even the great Louise Fletcher delivers a great speech involving his "wandering." (This and the following scene, by the way, is what breaks me – see previous comments – each/every time.) Sure, it's predictable and unrealistic (even in this day and age, it's hard to believe such a small town would be so accepting of homosexuals.) For this, I call it a fantasy. And it's nice to be wrapped in such a far-away land where everyone's accepted. Bonus points to beautiful scenery, romance, good dialogue, great acting and small-town atmosphere that makes you believe you are there.Side Note: Nice to see a gay-romantic movie produced in 2000 that doesn't involve nudity, violence, sex, language or AIDS-related subplots. It was just a simple love story about loving life. It can be enjoyed by anyone, gay or straight with such believable characters who really get into character. I truly believe I am in "Big Eden." Despite the seasons never changing (see a snowless Montana at the end of November) and a small town group of people who obviously have enough money to "hang out" all day without obligations – man, didn't anyone work for money? – it's highly recommended.(EXTREME SPOILER, only read if you've listened to the audio commentary.) I was so curious to learn more about one of my all time favorite films, one of the eight times I've seen this, I listened through the audio commentary. "Big" mistake. I learned why there are so many close-up shots of both people and structures. This was due to the time of shooting, as this took a long time to shoot, the seasons and surroundings changed so much, they didn't want to give too much of a distraction to the audience. Now, with that knowledge, it's painfully obvious why so many close-ups were in the film and now, they're a distraction. Fortunately, I can get past them to one of the best movies ever made. If only this fantasy/romance could become a true life story. For anyone.

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Mario Brescio
2000/04/24

A must see movie, Big Eden is a beautifully done fairy tale. It is the story of true gay love in the most unlikely of places, the small hamlet of Big Eden, Montana.Big Eden is a tiny town tucked away in the timberland of northwestern Montana, where cowboys lounge on the porch of the general store to pass the time away. It is also the childhood home of Henry Hart.Henry Hart (Arye Gross of Ellen and Minority Report), a NYC artist, returns home to Big Eden to care for his ill grandfather. Henry meets his old school teacher Grace Cornwell (Louise Fletcher) at the hospital, and she suggests that when Sam leaves the hospital and goes home, that they make arrangements for cooked food to be brought in. They stop by Dexter's General Store, where they run into Jim Soams (O'Neal Compton), in his usual spot with a group of guys on the store porch, where they sit all day and shoot the breeze about much of nothing. He goes inside and asks store owner Pike Dexter (Eric Schweig) for his idea on the subject. Pike thinks that Widow Thayer (Nan Martin) might do the cooking and he would take care of the delivery.Meanwhile, Native American Pike Dexter has his eyes set on Henry, and the whole town does its best to get Henry and Pike together.We sense that Henry and Pike are mutually attracted to one another. But Pike is very shy and Henry must decide if he will consummate his relationship with Dean Stewart (Tim DeKay), who he's loved since high school. Dean is divorced from his wife and has two young children that he is caring for. He has returned to Big Eden to raise them. Will Henry and Dean complete their unfinished relationship of 18 years ago, or will Anna, who is attracted to Dean, help him decide where his love truly belongs?Being gay in Big Eden is no big deal to anyone. Falling in love and being happy is the big deal. It is thrilling to watch the unique way Pike decides to impress and catch Henry's eye.

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moonspinner55
2000/04/25

While "Big Eden" has lots of aw-shucks charm, and a rather surprising amount of male-to-male affection, it features relationships and character quirks which aren't always made clear--and, as a result, its plot gets bunched up in knots. Arye Gross seems rather fatigued and unfocused as a gay, single artist in New York who travels back to his hometown in Montana after his beloved grandfather suffers a stroke; once there, he meets up again with the straight best friend from high school he's harbored a crush on for many years. Nicely-made, nicely-judged movie about getting a gay relationship off the ground, although Gross's heart isn't really into this role (he only comes to life during a dance at the outdoor festival). The straight hunk he's loved from afar (Tim DeKay), divorced and with two kids, is a much more interesting and complicated man than the shy, awkward Native American (Eric Schweig) who is added to the mix, yet writer-director Thomas Bezucha doesn't allow either of these supporting characters to bloom. In the straight fellow's case, Bezucha gives him little bits and pieces of on-screen time in which nothing important gets said, and the Indian is so insecure he comes off as anti-social. Still, the attempt is certainly there, and all the others in this friendly town (full of cracker-barrel wisdom and united mischief) are a wily, fun bunch. The soundtrack songs are exceptionally smart and the woodsy settings are very attractive. **1/2 from ****

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