This month's selection is Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Three drag queens, one big bus, whole lotta ABBA and a road trip across Australia.Tick (Hugo Weaving) receives a phone call from his estranged wife. She needs some help with the entertainment in her hotel in Alice Springs, Australia. While it's been years since they last talked, he agrees to pack up and leave Sydney. He asks two of his friends to come along: Ralph (Terence Stamp) and Adam (Guy Pearce).
Tick, Ralph, and Adam are also known as Mitzi, Bernadette, and Felicia. Bernadette is a transsexual; Adam is flamboyantly gay, and Tick is seemingly confused about which team he is on.
The three find a bus, christen it Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and begin the long drive across Australia.
Outrageous, exaggerated, and over the top, Priscilla is a feast for the eyes and the ears. The contrast of the rugged and rough Australian outback to the flamboyancy of Tick, Felicia and Bernadette is set against the tender story of a father's journey to see his son and the fear of his rejection.
Tick is seemingly confused about which team he is on.
ReplyDeleteDisagree. Anybody who wears a dress made of flip flops with matching earrings is NOT confused about which team he's on!
God I saw this movie so long ago. I don't remember much except I laughed my butt off. I got a feeling Jake has seen this movie. Maybe he will participate in the dicussion today:-)
ReplyDeleteTough loss last night Sox fans. The Sox should have scored in the eigth. Beckett who I have on my fantasy team certainly did not deserve to get a loss. I am headed to Citizens Bank Park today to see the fading Phils. Hopefully they can score some runs for the delicious Cole Hamels today. The poor guy cant catch a break. He should have 20 wins. God I hate the Mets. Sorry Destiny.
Wicked he love the frocks and things that rhyme with frocks, but I think he wonders if he can call a bye (bi) for the game.
ReplyDeleteClothes don't always make the man. Maybe he just likes something a little kicky.: )
But I love love love the flip flop dress.
The flip flop dress is one of my favorites too. The outfits are one of the best things about the movie.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Tick is confused about his sexuality either. I think he doesn't think he can have a family outside of a traditional heterosexual one and at the beginning of the film seems to be a lonely person. I I think he views going back to see his kid and ex-wife as a chance to recapture that feeling of family he doesn't have, and of course part of that is being nervous that he'll be rejected by his son if he doesn't fit into that norm.
By the end of the movie Tick realizes that family can be anything you want it to be. One thing I'm never sure of is if Adam is going to end up being his boyfriend, but even if doesn't Adam, Tick and his son, I think, are on their way to forming a family, whatever shape that may take.
I love this movie so much. The outfits alone are amazing. That flip-flop dress and matching earring ensemble was priceless. I also thought the 3 actors played off each other so well. Those one-liners just seemed to roll of their
ReplyDeletetongues : D
"Where you guys from? - Uranus"
What's great is that all three of them have played very macho roles (Superman, Matrix, Memento, LA Confidential) then for them to do this and do it fearlessly is what makes it work.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I wasn't able to watch the movie this time, but I will. So, until then, I'm not going to read the comments - I do love the contrast of the Outback to the characters - and it sounds like a wonderful story. I love Terrence Stamp, and I don't think I saw this film at the time. :)
ReplyDeleteI got confused and got To Wong Foo not Priscilla. Sh*t.
ReplyDelete3 drag queens driving across the desrt, isn't it the same thing? LOL
ReplyDeleteMy favorite line-
ReplyDelete"A cock in a frock on a rock."
I loved seeing Bernadette take a chance with Bob. Reminded me of Mrs. Madrigal from the Tales of the City series.
Perez' check must be late again
ReplyDeleteBetter take care of that, Evelyn.
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: No more f***ing ABBA."
ReplyDelete"I hereby christen this budget Barbie camper Priscilla, queen of the desert."
Must admit Priscilla always make want to go make up some great drag outfits for friends.
Anyone have a favorite song or outfit from the movie?
ReplyDeleteBut the big question what's your best drag name?
ReplyDeleteI submit two into the drag name pool:
Ginger Vitas
Ophelia Dick
Hey guys! Shitty day over here with a thunder storm under way so it's good to talk about sunny and heart-warming Priscilla. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was the third time I watched this movie and I find it even more enjoyable after repeated viewings.
Stamp, Weaving and Pierce are totally believable and manage to be both hilarious and touching.
Terence Stamp's Ralf/Bernadette disillusioned search for that real gentleman who will treat her like a lady is so bittersweet. You're just happy when Bob shows up and you wish these two will settle down and live happily thereafter.
Weaving was fabulous – totally believable as the ultimate professional showman, a father who feels inadequate and a gay man who's still deeply hurt when faced with intolerance. I don't think he's confused at all about his orientation though. I loved it when he says to his son that he might have a BF someday and that his kid is totally alright with this.
Pierce's Adam/Felicia is the terribly funny sharp-tongued boy-man who still has to learn a couple of tricks from the trade from his elders but whom you just can't resist.
Visually, my favorite outfit was the top-of-the-bus silver one, pictured on today's post. The first time I saw that long flowing silver trail, I thought it was one of those optical illusions caused by the reflection of the desert sun. During one split second, the outrageous trio and the harsh Australian outback are one. Loved it.
The jury's still out regarding my favorite song, although I don't know why but that opening syrupy ballad (still don't know the title) is one of my favorites! Off topic: since my sister heard the last number, Mama Mia, she's been on my back so I'll go with her to see that musical with Meryl Streep...
One of my favorite lines: "Is it true that when you were born the doctor turned around and slapped your mother?"
All in all a great summer movie suggestion. :)
Anyone have a favorite song or outfit from the movie?
ReplyDeleteOutfit- the silver one. I would be willing to wear that and lip sync on top of a moving bus!
Song- this one! :)
That looks more like my untie from Iowa, but if you think that is Reese...
ReplyDeleteA late start for me this AM. I just finished watching the movie. A bit too campy for my taste, but I enjoyed the Australian scenery, the songs and the high spirited nature of the movie. Terrence Stamp was great. Heart warming ending.
ReplyDeleteThis song is my favorite too.
ReplyDeleteI think he doesn't think he can have a family outside of a traditional heterosexual one and at the beginning of the film seems to be a lonely person. I I think he views going back to see his kid and ex-wife as a chance to recapture that feeling of family he doesn't have, and of course part of that is being nervous that he'll be rejected by his son if he doesn't fit into that norm.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you Destiny
How can you not pick Charlene's Never Been to Me. It is one of my go - to karaoke revenge/dare songs (where you pick the song someone else has to sing it) : )
Go West by Village People also is great.
Gotta say when Bernadette put the beat down on the asshole in the outback and made sure her hair was not out of place was classy.
Mitzi's Fabulous is alway up there as a favorite.
Did you know that the movie made such a culture impact that was a brief bit of Priscilla ...when the big stilleto, as part of the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney?
ReplyDeleteReese's Doggy Wedding
ReplyDeleteAtticus a ringbearer and moved in and living with Reese and the kids full time.
"A source said: "Marriage is definitely what they are working toward. They literally don't want to spend any time away from each other."
That's what that looks like? I've be doing it wrong then.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1419543.php/Reese_Witherspoons_doggy_wedding
I love the fact that Ticks wife didnt lie to her son about their lifestyle. Im sure it was such a relief when his son was so accepting of him. Interesting correlation between Tick and the guys meeting his son to having a baby.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of Bernadette and Bob together at the end was so sweet. Looks like Adam became a surrogate dad of sorts too : )
I cant decide which song was my favorite. I loved them all. The slow one at the end was totally fitting too.
The silver dress was definitely the best outfit imo. The silver streak against the brown desert was so beautiful.
Was it just me or did anyone else think that Guy Pearce was HOTT as both Adam AND Felicia? What a gorgeous guy.
the story 2 mos ago about Reese marrying Jake and having atticus as ring bearer has now turned into all over the net: Reese Witherspoon Plans To Marry Jake Gyllenhaal's Dog, Atticus! the stories say Atticus is the man of the house when Jake's gone. Theres alot to say about that! LOL
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you Special. Bernadettes hair was flawless. That beutiful upsweep at the end when shes standing outside the hotel made me jealous : )
ReplyDelete"Reese Witherspoon Plans To Marry Jake Gyllenhaal's Dog, Atticus!"
LMAO...thanks...that one made me laugh out loud : D
Reese Witherspoon Plans To Marry Jake Gyllenhaal's Dog, Atticus!
ReplyDeletesorry to post about reeke today Spesh and Wicked but i was the one who bought To Wong Foo instead of PQD.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you think of To Wong Foo? LOL.
ReplyDeleteHow can you not pick Charlene's Never Been to Me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Spesh! Come to think of it, getting the whole OST might not be a bad idea.
I love the fact that Ticks wife didnt lie to her son about their lifestyle.
I agree Clarity. When I first saw the wife's character, wow, what a breath of cool, fresh air!
The way the son's character is painted reminds you of how children can be accepting... before society and some adults teach them otherwise.
Talking about adults, one scene that's a prime example of how well the movie blends dark reality and humor is that flashback where a young Adam is lured in the bathroom by that old pervert. You just feel sooooo terrible for the kid, up until he plays that nasty trick on the man. Priceless! :D
What did you think of To Wong Foo?
ReplyDeleteI second that question. I've never seen TWF, just bits here and there on TV. How is it compared to Priscilla?
What did you think of To Wong Foo? LOL.
ReplyDeleteHavent seen it yet!. I was goin to read the coments here first then watch the movie. when you all talked about the actors in POD i thought whoa..I better check. I asked the guy at the vid store about a movie that had 3 drag queens driving cross countery and he said oh its TWF. lol
Havent seen it yet!. I was goin to read the coments here first then watch the movie. when you all talked about the actors in POD i thought whoa..I better check. I asked the guy at the vid store about a movie that had 3 drag queens driving cross countery and he said oh its TWF. lol
ReplyDeleteOk, now I'm officially and definitely curious about that movie. :)
TWF
ReplyDelete-- Wesley Snipes in drag - oh my no! John Leguizamo -- he can pull it off. Patrick Swayze - I leave that up to everyone else to decide.
To Wong Foo has its moments, but I don't think it's as good as Priscilla.
ReplyDeleteBernadette also ends up with someone she didn't expect to be with. Like all good road movies, this one is about finding yourself as well as having adventures.
I also liked the outfits they wore when they performed for the Aborigines they met in the desert.
TWF Wiki
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteanon; 'Great film--met Weaving's brother in Sydney a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I know the ID of Jake's dad's gf. She is a film professor at Vasser College, they met in Boulder. My sources say they couldn't keep their hands off eqch other. http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1133876736/nm1479802 '
thot it was cantara? kathleen mann?
I will have to see To Wong Foo. I
ReplyDeletewent back and read some of the comments on Ted's BI. Do any of
you honestly think that Ted would
make up the Toothy Tile saga? I
do not. If Jake and Reese are setting up home together, why not
just say that I have someone and
let it go at that?
If Reese is his number one now,
why should she mind Jake out with
some of his old friends like Chris
and Austin? One reason why there
should be some new pictures.
I guess the new story will be
that Austin has bought a new home
really close to Jake and Reese and
that he and Adrienne are setting up house and getting married. I
thought that you might get a laugh
out of that!!
You might think that you can
fool people, but you cannot.
It will be really interesting how
all this unfolds. Sometimes you
cannot help but laugh at how silly
Hollywood is!
If Atticus will be the ring
bearer, then Austin will be best
man or one of the ushers! This is
getting utterly stupid and ridiculous!
Prairie Girl, you were right!
I will bet you a dollar that Jake
will hem and haw, talk in riddles,
or say that he does not discuss
his personal life! Or he will announce that he has married and is going to be a father with Reese! I will bet Jake and Reese
will show up with matching wedding
bands! You wait and see or Reese
will announce she's expecting.
I just have a feeling Austin
will announce he has a new girlfriend too. You wait and see!
Prairie Girl, do you think Ted would make stuff up and tell
lies? I do not. You will never
convince me that Jake and Austin
were not involved at one time. I
still think something happened
that they got scared and were not
photographed together since May
2007. May 6th is my birthday so
that's why I remember it. I am
going to head off to bed so catch
you OMGs later.
How like a soap opera this is
turning out to be. I have to say
that I admire Neil Patrick Harris
for being honest about his life and his handsome boyfriend. I have
him playing King Charles V of France in Joan of Arc on VCR. He's
really handsome and a great actor.
I really enjoyed hearing him talk
on Friday's TV show View.
Sorry for such a long post. I
know that I have put you to sleep
now so I will stop! Everybody have
a good week!!
What will happen will happen, Kacie. I don't see it going quite that distance, and I do think J&A are still together :)
ReplyDeleteWell I didn't re-watch the movie because I was still hoping for one I hadn't seen, but it's been great to read everyone's opinions and reminders. I loved Guy Pearce in Priscilla (and Memento - just love him as an actor) and Terence Stamp gets major cool points both for doing this stately role and for his interesting vegetable crisps (chips).
That looks more like my untie from Iowa, but if you think that is Reese...
ReplyDeleteCheck the pic. She's wearing a gold ring on her middle finger. Reese has been wearing that for a while now.
^^^I am very sorry for such a long
ReplyDeleterambling post. I guess I do have
quite a vivid imigination. All this has opened my eyes to some of
the lengths some people will go to
hide their private lives. I think
it is just sad that people just
cannot be honest.I have just one
question: if they were to prove
that Ted made up something, could
they pursue it legally?
Another thought I had: if the
band type ring Austin wears is a
sign of commitment, I wonder why
he does not wear it on the LEFT
HAND?
It will be interesting to see
what the next few months bring
forth. I just wonder if Jake will
release a statement confirming
that he and Reese are living together. Whatever happens, I wish
him the best as well as Austin.
I promise you I WILL NOT post such
long posts. Everybody take care.
Yeah, it's her - a ring on the middle finger means a ring on the middle finger. Is it even her? I didn't see rings in her last pics.
ReplyDeleteKacie, the right hand is more subtle.
This is just a thought. Did I
ReplyDeletemisunderstand-didn't somebody
say that when Austin was in MI
filming that he had been dating a
girl for awhile? Was she with him
then-could it have been Adrienne?
We know he had the ring necklace
last summer! Is it possible that
it came from Adrienne? Yes, I have
noticed that Reese is wearing the
gold ring on the middle finger.
Anyway, good luck to all and
let me know when The Informers
arrives.
I guess you get tired of me
posting. So I probably will not for a couple days.I really am pretty boring.One thing I wonder
if Jake will confirm one way or
the other if he is setting up
home with Reese?