Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force (1978)

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

In today's continuing heated discussions over gays in the military, Leonard Matlovich's story remains relevant and exemplary. Matlovich was brave to do what he did: to challenge the Air Force to reject him--a model member of the Force--because of who he was as a person. It took a lot of strength for Matlovich to undergo the scrutiny and harsh verbal treatment, but it proved an unfortunate point: the military could not deal with having an openly gay man in their ranks. He was discharged with dishonor (later, after this film was made, the designation was changed to honorable). Brad Dourif's performance as Matlovich, while seemingly tentative at first, is a winning one and just right for the character and his purpose. The other acting honor should go to Stephen Elliot, who plays Matlovich's father. Their scene together is a pivotal one in the film, and the only truly great moment, beautifully played by both actors. Perhaps the only serious criticism of this film is that Matlovich's homosexuality is never more than abstract, an asserted idea. We never see him actually being a gay man. A sex scene may not have been necessary, but no scene of intimacy between Matlovich and another man (aside from his father) or even any sign of sexual interest in any other male is evident. At one point he enters a gay bar and starts to converse with two men, but that scene feels unduly shortened (maybe it was edited at the final stage before TV broadcast). This is a major limitation. It prevents the viewer from seeing Matlovich as a fully realized human being who happens to be a gay man. If made today, this film would likely be much more open about Matlovich's private life. Still, for some of the acting (besides Dourif and Elliott, Marc Singer isn't bad as Matlovich's best friend) and the main point of the story, this is a film worth seeing.

This is an excellent TV documentary I luckily found on ebay one day. This movie is extremely rare so if you find it anywhere it won't be very cheap. some people are currently selling it on amazon, so if you want it you may find it there. I have 3 good reasons to watch this film. 1. Great acting 3. Good Quality 3. is very realistic If you like documentaries about the army you will like this. If you don't, I wouldn't suggest it. It also has an awkward plot, which made me think a little bit about getting it. Then I realized Brad Dourif was in it! He portrayed Sergeant Matlovich very well. If you get it I hope you enjoy it!