Desert Hearts (1985)

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This American indie curio from 1985 is a bracing Lesbian romance, a trailblazer of the controversial genre and an accomplished feature-length doesn't make concessions with sensationalism of the subject matter and dramatise of the homosexual sub-culture. Set in 1959, Vivian Bell (Shaver), a 35-year-old uptight literature professor from NYC arrives to Reno, Nevada to obtain a quick divorce. She stays in a ranch house hosted by Frances Parker (Lindley) and meets Cay Rivvers (Charbonneau), the daughter of Glenn, Frances' significant other who died years ago, so biologically Cay and Frances are not related, but Frances is like a surrogate mother to her and deems her as the last remnant of Glenn. Cay is a free-spirited sculptor, a decade younger than Vivian and works in the local casino, she is pretty frank about her sexuality and defies all the unkindness for her lifestyle, although it creates discord with Frances. A mutual attraction between Vivian and Cay is germinating secretly, which slowly awakes Vivian's dormant homosexuality, yet she is a woman shackled by orders and social conventions, that's why the new sensation is equally exciting and scary for her, she has to battle against her rational sense to even accept their passionate first kiss after a night alone with Cay al fresco, when she finally opens up herself unconditionally, their passion is inextinguishable. Shaver instils a considerably nuanced showcase of Vivian's dilemma, while Charbonneau strikes gold in bringing Cay to life for her bravery and honesty, as well as her irresistible vitality, the steamy sex scenes are rendered with even-handedness, neither too coy nor a blatant lesbian pornography to suffice straight men's fantasy, Vivian's frisson of pleasure is vented through a series of creditable niceties, quite an achievement if we take the year of its making into account. One might find it is quite pleasing that a jaundiced eye has never become prominent in the plot, no homophobic straight hillbillies, everyone is pretty cool with regard to Cay's unconventional conducts, and being a gorgeous beauty like her, men can easily one-sidedly mad about her, which could have served as a fertile ground of jealousy and violence, fortunately it is not being tapped into the script, which unerringly homes in on Vivian and Cay's romantic bonding, only Andra Lindley's Frances, is the ostensible exemplar of malice, yet whose growing hostility towards Vivian is more originated from her own selfish possession of Cay than any other objective arguments.So, in a nutshell, DESERT HEARTS deserves a re-discovery 3 decades after its release, it is tender, heartfelt, sincere, in spite of telling a conventional same-sex love story with every predictable twist and turn, this low budget labour-of-love of Donna Deitch even manages to pull off an entirely satisfactory coda which defies to be a stereotyped Hollywood ending and leaves a sweet taste in our imaginations.

Solid lesbian-themed film from Jane Rule's book "Desert of the Heart" has an unusual ambiance and compelling desert locales. Set in Reno in the 1950s, Audra Lindley plays a salt-of-the-earth type who runs a ranch for women preparing their divorces. Prim and proper boarder Helen Shaver quickly becomes curious over sexy, smoky hellion Patricia Charbonneau, who enters the film driving in reverse down the wrong side of the road. A balky pace and several odd directorial touches detract, but the modestly-produced picture is frequently intriguing and absorbing. The love scenes are tasteful, while Charbonneau steals much of the acting thunder with a terrific performance. Not a landmark in gay cinema, but a step in the right direction. **1/2 from ****

Before Ellen, kd lang, and Chastity Bono came out, there was this Lesbian genre classic, and classily done, I might add. The storyline was unique to movies at the time it was filmed, but the story is not. Anyone who has been in love with a supposed "straight" person, knows how real this movie can seem. The flirtation, the backing away, the come-hither looks, and finally the conquest all will bring back good (and painful) memories. In my opinion, the lesbian love scene between the two female leads is still the best yet on film - it sizzles without being too graphic. I'm giving it only an 8 because the acting is a little stilted at times (mostly from the star Patricia Charbonneau and her former on-screen love interest Dean Butler). If you can overlook that, and see the movie for what it was (lesbian/gay history) and what it is today (a great love story), you will enjoy it. The clothes, music, sets, (and the hair-dos!) are great and correct for the period. Sit back, enjoy, and make sure your girlfriend is watching with you!

It was a really beautiful movie. The director really captures the beauty of 2 women and 2 women finding true love in 1950's in the least expected situation. As you watched the film, your emotions just followed the main characters'. It is a very touching, tender, romantic movie. This is my favorite movie. I have been watching it many times since I got it.Thumbs up for Patricia Charbonneau for her stunning performance esp. this was her first performance on films. She played this young, dark haired, beautiful, free spirited, and passionate woman, Cay, who compelled Helen Shaver to look into her heart and finally allowed herself to admit her feelings for Cay. Patricia is really HOT in this movie. Her beautiful smile, her sparkling eyes, her sexy voice, and every move of hers is really attractive and charming. How can anyone not fall for her? I wonder why she didn't become a star after this movie?! She is absolutely Gorgeous and she can really act. It is a shame that she didn't get enough recognitions for her talents as she deserves in the film industry. Helen Shaver did an excellent job as well. She played a repressed English professor, Vivian, who went to Reno for a quick divorce. After closing herself up for years, meeting and knowing Cay finally forced her to face her true emotions and admitted her feelings for Cay. These 2 characters' personalities are really opposite of each other. One enjoys order and the other is free spirited but somehow they are able to find true love with each other. This movie described really well how Helen Shaver struggled with her own feelings and the society's expectations, and the hardship the society and Cay's family gave to the same sex couple. Yet, Cay is very courageous, facing her true feelings, and chasing after who she wants, Vivian. Although there was no clear ending for these 2 women, it is still hopeful since Patricia got on the train with Helen. One can only hope for the best for these 2 women and May they live happily ever after. The scenery views are quite beautiful. The mountain, the lake views and horses running are extra plus. The other characters are quite good such as Frances Parker, Cay's step mother. The love scene between these 2 is amazing. You can feel these 2 women's desires for each other. Vivian is initially repressed but once she follows her heart, you can feel these 2 women are truly in love and enjoy being intimate with each other. There is Great chemistry between Patricia and Helen, which makes this movie very real. The glances they exchanged with each other, the way they look at each other, and the way they talk to each other are very convincing that they are in love with each other. I love to watch the scenes between them over and over. I think they build up a strong foundation with each other, which then leads to a very believable, amazing, and erotic love making at the end. The director, Donna Deitch, did an outstanding job. The script is nicely written. The display of emotions is appropriate in 1950's. There are wonderful background musics. Donna Deitch is really successful bringing out the outstanding performance of these 2 lead actresses. It is not easy to direct a film such as this one in 1980's and she had to raise the fund for this movie herself. Overall, it is an excellent movie, something you can watch over and over. Highly recommended.