Bye Bye Victor (1989)
Friendship between two old men becomes love. Slightly-unkempt, tired, and frail, Philippe Lanctot moves into a rest home. The administrator says she wants him to be happy, but that seems far from his mind: he's waiting to die. Then, into his room, unannounced, rolls the voluble Victor Laprade, who draws out Philippe over the next few months. Victor gives Philippe the gift of experiencing the moment. In return, the well-heeled Philippe organises field trips to dinner and to a botanical garden, and, unknown to Victor, becomes the man's benefactor when Victor's children get stingy. The openly-gay Victor also pushes Philippe to acknowledge feelings he's always kept suppressed.
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Absolutely the worst movie.
To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
This movie takes the touching, sincere tear-jerker into another world: men, growing old, making new friends, and dealing with the problems of aging. As time goes by, it is disclosed that the two main characters are both gay, from vastly different backgrounds, who are delighted to discover a true friend so late in life. One, Phillipe, owned a successful antiques business, the other, Victor, was never well off, and has to deal with being deserted by his grown children. Both suffer from disabilities brought on by aging, and initially meet when Phillipe moves into the same nursing home as Victor (but in a much nicer room). From this start a true and loving friendship blossoms, to the delight of both men (and the audience). Then, as happens in real life, things take a turn for the worse and you better have some tissues available. A glowing, loving celebration of the human spirit which I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. Find this film (French-Canadian) and Watch It!
Is it unfair to say the gay community is youth obsessed? One might get that opinion looking at marketing towards this group, films included. Salut Victor exquisitely portrays the love and friendship that develops between two men, both residents in an old folks home. They are truly a gay odd couple in the latter years of their lives. One is brash, garrulous and completely (intentionally) oblivious to other people's personal boundaries. The other is painfully closed, repressed and isolated. During their short-lived relationship each embraces the other lending their best qualities. I was awed by the way the couple savored every moment no matter how small. Whether sipping the last drops of liquor from a flask, or delighting in merely spending a few moments together. There seems to be a lesson here about cherishing the people and events in our lives. Salut Victor is a must see for all who seek a well rounded, fully representative experience in queer cinema. (video rental)