Parting Glances

1986

Parting Glances

Critics Consensus

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Parting Glances Photos

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Movie Info

Gay Manhattanite Michael (Richard Ganoung) is the glue that holds together the various vignettes that make up Parting Glances. This bittersweet overview of New York's gay community begins with Michael breaking up with longtime lover Robert (John Bolger). En route to a farewell dinner staged by Robert's boss, Michael touches base with several other gay acquaintances, including sardonic AIDS victim Nick (Steve Buscemi). The dinner is used as a clearing house for several character revelations; afterwards, Michael attends another going-away party thrown by artist Joan (Kathy Kinney). As the night creeps into the morning, Michael becomes more and more despondent over Robert's impending departure to Africa. The various subplots are resolved in the last few minutes, some happily, others far less so.

Rating:

R (adult situations/language)
Genre:

Art House & International, Drama, Romance, Gay & Lesbian
Directed By:

Bill Sherwood, Barrett Sherwood
Written By:

Bill Sherwood
In Theaters:

Jan 1, 1986 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Apr 11, 2000
Runtime:

90 minutes
Studio:

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Cast

John Bolger
as Robert

Richard Ganoung
as Michael

Steve Buscemi
as Nick

Adam Nathan
as Peter

Kathy Kinney
as Joan

Patrick Tull
as Cecil

Yolande Bavan
as Betty

Richard Wall
as Douglas

Jim Selfe
as Douglas' Sidekick

Kristin Moneagle
as Sarah

John Siemens
as Dave

Bob Koherr
as Sam

Theodore Ganger
as Klaus

Nada
as Liselotte

Patrick Ragland
as Ex-Seminarian

Cam Brainard
as Ricky

Daniel Haughey
as Commendatore

Sylwia Hartowicz
as Chris

Hana Hartowicz
as Chris' Mother

Nicholas Hill
as Cab Driver

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Critic Reviews for Parting Glances

All Critics (7) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (1)

The film may be shot like a breezy New York City trifle, but an aching undercurrent resides in every interaction.

Nov 3, 2018 | Full Review…

Glenn Heath Jr.
San Diego CityBeat
Tender and resolutely unsentimental, Parting Glances avoided future AIDS movie clichés not because the example had yet to be set, but because its interests lay elsewhere.

Aug 22, 2017 | Full Review…

Annie Wagner
The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
It was one of the first films to confront the emotional repercussions of AIDS, and has not become dated--which speaks volumes for this appealing candid movie.

Nov 23, 2007 | Rating: A- | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Bill Sherwood's film is one of the first and most significant works (indie, of course) about the AIDS crisis that goes beyond the issue of coming out, placing its romantic triangle in the broader context of a vibrant gay community.

Jul 27, 2006 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Still the best and most honest film ever made about AIDS.

Jun 16, 2003 | Rating: 5/5

Ken Hanke
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

View All Critic Reviews (7)

Audience Reviews for Parting Glances

Feb 16, 2010

Relationship drama with an seminal AIDS story contains a notable debut performance from Steve Buscemi and several other performers who were just starting out but now are familiar faces. Fine direction by Bill Sherwood, sadly his only film before falling victim to the disease himself.

jay n Super Reviewer
Feb 02, 2008

early steve bushimi, as one of many gay guys living in newyork in 80s, with aids full throw, and relationships tested, cutting edge in a way as this was shot in 86, so a very relevent film at time, and great seeng a young bushimi, n

scott g Super Reviewer