“Hooked” is a compelling, eye-opening work of fiction that draws on reality and awakens awareness of the homelessness affecting America’s unprotected youth.
The story is a gay drama that mirrors our modern-day society and chronicles the untried days of Jack, a handsome escort tangled in drugs and prostitution.
Besides performing semi-naked with his guitar on the streets of New York, the free-spirited young hustler also gains a few extra bucks doing tricks with men and women.
Jack (Conor Donnally) also enjoys playing pranks on the streets with his supportive, naïve boyfriend Tom (Sean Ormond), a penniless aspiring photographer.
In search of their own identity, they plan to move out of the shelter to a place of their own and live happily ever after. As the days pass, they discover that life is not a fairy tale.
Jack has promised not to get “Hooked” on drugs until his 18th birthday, but it’s tough for kids at this age to keep those promises alive, mainly when his birthday is around the corner.
Meanwhile, Terrence Murphy plays Ken, a mature, religious, but confused film producer who wants to go out and have fun with guys while his wife has to take care of their baby at home.
Conor Donnally. Copyrights @ headshots, 2017
Resembling the gay version of “Pretty Woman,” Jack and Ken meet for dinner in an expensive restaurant. Quickly, Ken invites “the boy” on a trip to his penthouse in Miami, something Jack had never dreamed of. Jack is ambitious and territorial, mostly with people he cares for.
Triggered by jealousy, Jack decides to go to the treacherous streets of Florida to continue his life involved in drugs and prostitution. Life can be harsh for young, “dazed and confused” people.
This film reveals Jack’s enormous need for belonging as he cries out for acceptance, love, and respect. Redemption may be on its way.
Conor Donnally. Copyrights @ headshots, 2017
Actor Conor Donnally is a revelation—he’s a natural in front of the camera. He expresses Jack’s emotions through perfect body language, capturing both happiness and inner pain simultaneously.
Max Emerson, writer/director/celebrity Copyrights @ Festival in LA 2016
Praising this distinctive, character-driven debut project by writer/director Max Emerson (“Eastsiders,” “Hit the Floor,” and the “Glee” TV Series). He leveraged his celebrity status to crowdfund a film that centers on LGBTQ+ youth issues and how to address them.
“Hooked” contains some clichéd elements and unrealistic scenarios that could have been avoided. For some viewers, this film might be frustrating, leading them to wonder if, in general, all gay people behave like this in real life.
Overall, the actors did a compelling job portraying the complex and paradoxical experiences of being gay and homeless in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
According to recent statistics, in America, LGBTQ+ young people are eight times more likely to be homeless. These youths are twice as likely to face sexual abuse, develop severe drug addictions, experience psychological problems, or even contemplate suicide.
The producers will donate 50% of the proceeds to nonprofit organizations that support troubled young people.
For more information on how you can help, give, volunteer, or become a foster parent, please visit:
The controversy continues on whether the nomination should be based on outstanding performance and not on gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation. But politics, especially those in recent days, have been darkening the spectrum of opportunities for all.
Hashtag #OscarsSoWhite
The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite continues, even after the Best Picture snafu of the Awards ceremony in 2016, as people of color still find themselves the second most unrepresented community in the Entertainment Industry.
The Academy continues addressing the gaps in race and gender equality and has increased its diversity invitations accordingly.
Hashtag #AcademysMembership
While the Academy® wisely and urgently opened its enrollment to more women and minorities - including the LGBTQ community - all members will have new responsibilities.
The new Academy Members from the underrepresented communities could make a difference from here forward.
Each year new talented voices are rising. The Academy has drafted new rules in the wake of the continuing rape, sexual assault, and harassment scandals that each day expose those who have made a life and lifestyle of predatorial sexual behavior. The members now understand that membership is a privilege with responsibilities.
The Hollywood Sex Scandal is also going to be a factor. Many contenders who may have been nominated are off the charts. The replacement of Kevin Spacey in “All the Money of the World” indicates that the ceremony will turn out differently. The nominees and the winners may not go to be “The Usual Suspects.”
“Call Me by Your Name” is one of the front-runners for Best Picture and is expected to be well-represented come January. The LGBTQ community is facing its shake-up regarding an authentic representation.
Luca Guadagnino ("I Am Love / Sono il amore"), Italy.
Photo by Jose Hermosillo COPYRIGHTS FestivalinLA 2017
Is what’s good for the community suitable for all within the community? As more gay and transgender actors, actresses, directors, and producers represent themselves in their movies, will a gay film with non-gay actors fair well within the community, or will backlash derail the expected multiple nominations of this coming-of-age queer cinema?
This year, many excellent LGBTQ movies are up for nominations in almost every category - Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Documentary, and Foreign Language film. Even in the Animated Shorts category, the Academy pre-selected the viral sensation “In a Heartbeat,” written and directed by Esteban Bravo and Beth David. The story of a boy falling for another boy, masterfully told in four minutes, has reached more than 33 million views Worldwide.
In recent years, the mainstream audience has been exposed to more diverse films, yet further work is needed to create a global audience that is open-minded, appreciative, and tolerant of alternative lifestyles in cinema.
Studios are now producing bolder and more “inclusive” films.
Actor Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water.
Photo by Jose Hermosillo COPYRIGHTS FestivalinLA 2017
Actor Timothée Chalament
Photo by Jose Hermosillo COPYRIGHTS FestivalinLA 2017
Timothée Chalament is exceptionally sublime - his natural performance evolves into a wide range of emotions. For playing Eliot so right, he has the strong possibility not only to be nominated but to win the Oscar for Best Actor - competing, neck to neck, with the great Gary Oldman, the lead actor of “The Darkest Hour.”
Actor Armie Hammer
Photo by Jose Hermosillo COPYRIGHTS FestivalinLA 2017
Armie Hammer is terrific in the supporting role-playing Chalament’s older counterpart, Oliver. Eliot’s intellectual Jewish father, Michael Stuhlbarg, is brilliant.
Hashtag #OscarsSoForeign
More recently, foreign LGBTQ movies are captivated audiences around the world. Those films combine daring stories with controversial topics and arresting imagery. The Academy recognized the talent and efforts of global filmmakers. A record of 92 countries submitted their projects for consideration. The Academy already shortlisted 9 semifinalists to nominate five - January 23rd, 2018.
The French submission “BPM (Beats per Minute)” exposes a “Youth in Revolt” and highlights the first ACT UP Paris group born out of the government’s lack of response to the AIDS/HIV crisis.
The group became known for pushing the boundaries to embarrass, shock, and gain media attention, forcing the Mitterrand government and pharmaceutical companies to recognize their rights to health coverage.
The group fought to be accepted and treated with respect. They clashed with the power structure and other members of society. The story, set during the 1980s, fell into anarchy as the AIDS/HIV crisis ballooned worldwide.
“Tom of Finland” chronicles six decades of the life of the Iconic graphic designer. His work influenced and revolutionized the gay rights movement as they felt liberated from the brutal repression of the conservative governments. As Harvey Milk brought gay politics into the mainstream, Tom did the same with his daring drawings that empowered many in Finland, California, and worldwide.
“Thelma” is an exquisitely crafted psychological thriller from Norway. The intense coming-of-age story is about a young girl who falls in love with another girl while discovering her telekinetic powers.
Director Joachim Trier, "Thelma," Norway.
Photo by Jose Hermosillo. COPYRIGHTS FestivalinLA, 2017.
Thelma becomes unstable when she has to confront doctors, her parents, her passions, and her sexuality. Her conservative parents are holding an enormous amount of resentment for something terrible from their past. Her world falls apart as she tries to adjust her emotions and control her powers.
“The Wound,” winner of the OUTFEST 2017 for Best International Feature, is an emotionally poignant work of art. The arresting South African film vividly examines manhood initiation rituals in a marginalized tribe.
Director John Trengove “The Wound” South Africa.
Photo by Jose Hermosillo. Copyright FestivalinLA 2017.
Controversial and piercing, “The Wound” ignites the debate over male sexual identity in a millenarian culture where taboos and personal experiences are kept secret.
Hashtag the #OscarsSoFabulous for your consideration,
BEST PICTURE: “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST DIRECTOR: Luca Guadagnino, “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST ACTRESS: Daniela Vega, “A Fantastic Woman”
BEST ACTRESS: Emma Stone, “Battle of the Sexes”
BEST ACTOR: Timothée Chalament, “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST ACTOR: Harris Dickinson, “Beach Rats”
BEST ACTOR: Nahuel Perez Biscayart, “BPM (Beats Per Minute)”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Andrea Riseborough, “Battle of the Sexes” BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Michael Stuhlbarg, “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Armie Hammer, “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Josh Gad, “Beauty and the Beast”
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: “Call Me by Your Name” BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST SONG: The Mystery of Love, “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST SONG: Visions of Gideon, “Call Me by Your Name”
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: “Strong Island”
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: “In a Heartbeat”
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:
“A Fantastic Woman,” Chile (Shortlisted),
“The Wound” from South Africa (Shortlisted), Out of the competition:
Hollywood would not have had a Golden Age without Orry-Kelly. "Women He's Undressed" is a fabulous and glamorous documentary about the life of one of Hollywood’s most outstanding costume designers. A milestone that involves everyone interested in fashion, costumes, and filmmaking.
“Women He’s Undressed” offers a personal look into the life, creations, and romance of the legendary Academy Award-winning Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly (“Some Like It Hot,” “Casablanca,” “An American in Paris”).
“Women He’s Undressed” is a well-researched documentary packed with incredible material no one thought existed. It features plenty of amazing footage of many films Orry-Kelly worked on, designing costumes for top movie stars and captivating audiences all over the world.
The interviews with directors, historians, celebrities, collectors, and close friends were thoughtfully arranged. They speak of Kelly’s work, talent, and friendship with admiration and great respect.
During Hollywood’s Golden Age, Orry-Kelly designed costumes for more than 282 movies. “Nothing makes you a better designer than practice.”
This documentary heavily focused on the details of the designer’s private life. At the time, it could have caused a major scandal. But how could he have a serious relationship or intimacy with someone while working on a set for 16 hours a day, 50 movies a year?
Director Gillian Armstrong. Photo by Tim Baure
Despite Orry-Kelly’s controversial life, director Gillian Armstrong maintained an elegant approach.
Orry-Kelly styled and undressed many actors and actresses, including Dolores Del Rio, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Betty Grable, Ava Gardner, Loretta Young, Angela Lansbury, Natalie Wood, and Jane Fonda.
Photo courtesy of Wolfe Video
Orry-Kelly was one of the most fabulous costume designers of all time. He studied the stars’ anatomy, making them look striking by accentuating their best features with glamorous results.
Most of the wardrobes Kelly designed for movies featured bold colors, even when the film was in black and white. This is true for “Jezebel” and the famous dress Bette Davis wore, which emulated the “red dress” of “Gone with the Wind.” People assured me the dress appeared in color.
Photo courtesy of Wolfe Video
Kelly’s visionary talent in storytelling was so effective that the wardrobe worn by the stars added authenticity and contributed to the film’s success.
As his popularity grew, Kelly became close friends with many stars.
Kelly’s designs were elegant, classy, stunning, and minimalist—similar to those from classic Western Oklahoma.
Veda Ann Borg and Orry-Kelly, CA 1937
Some of the dresses Kelly designed for Hollywood classics are now part of private collections and museums. Others have sold at auction for thousands of dollars.
Photo courtesy of Wolfe Video
Orry-Kelly’s life became controversial when rumors about his affair with a famous Hollywood actor surfaced.
“He kept his secret to his grave, even though he had a big mouth.”
As a writer, Orry-Kelly’s book was never published, and the manuscript was lost. Witnesses said Orry detailed the most intimate moments with the love of his life, Cary Grant.
Darren Gilshenan playing Orry-Kelly with the Warner Bros. sign. Photo Prudence Upton
Initially, being gay in Hollywood wasn’t seen as a big deal. In 1930, the enforcement of the conservative Motion Picture Production Code brought significant changes to the industry.
As Cary Grant gained more fame, got married, and later divorced, Orry and Cary maintained an “on-and-off” relationship.
Key Francis, Photo courtesy of Wolfe Video
Orry-Kelly was sent to fight in World War II for the United States, despite being born in Australia. After returning, he had to start over, knocking on doors in Hollywood. Being alone allowed Kelly to create his best designs for many classic films, including Harvey, An American in Paris, Auntie Mame, The Sweet Bird of Youth, Gypsy, and Irma la Douce.“Woman He’s Undressed” is a docu-fiction piece that recreates intimate scenes connecting key moments in Orry-Kelly’s life, as if he were still alive.
Photo courtesy of Wolfe Video
The reconstruction was conducted by professional actors who depicted what could happen to Kelly’s mom and friends. This technique advanced the story, making the documentary more accessible and engaging.
Paradoxically, Orry-Kelly was a complete stranger in his homeland, Australia. The only person who remembered him was his mother.
“Woman He’s Undressed” is comparable to other great films about fashion and filmmakers, such as ‘The September Issue,” “Valentino, the Last Emperor,” “The Celluloid Closet,” and “The Kid Stays in the Picture.”
Director Gillian Armstrong with Actor Jane Fonda. Photo Anna Howard
Director Gillian Armstrong’s detailed work depicts Orry-Kelly as a vibrant and vulnerable human being.
No matter what, Kelly’s spirit was never broken.
“Women He’s Undressed” highlights Kelly’s legacy as a key figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age of filmmaking.
Outfest 2016, photo by José A Hermosillo. Copyrights Festival in LA, 2016
“Women He’s Undressed” was one of the best films shown at OUTFEST 2016!
“Women He’s Undressed” is an extraordinary work of art that can serve as a learning tool to help future generations appreciate the work of costume designers in the film industry.
