Directed by San Francisco-based filmmaking collaborative The Mariposa Group (whose members went on to produce Absolutely Positive, The Times of Harvey Milk, Winter Soldier and more), Word Is Out showcases the stories of 26 gay men and women of varying ages, races and backgrounds. Talking directly to the camera, they relate childhoods spent confused by their orientation; struggles towards personal acceptance; coming out to families both hostile and loving; living, loving and working in a predominantly hetero world; and dreams for equal rights. Their words are inspiring, often humorous and many times heartbreaking. They also proved revolutionary.
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Word Is Out allowed late-’70s gay filmgoers to see themselves on the screen not as caricatures or idealizations, but as real people with unifying experiences. It was a powerful moment. The film also functioned beyond affirmation to impact the mainstream, showing a world beyond stereotypes where gay men and women lived lives the same as any straight person — a universality that moved Word Is Out beyond gay cinema to become human cinema.
This restored 30th anniversary DVD
release is exquisite with several bonuses that truly complement the
film, especially a then-and-now documentary that brings the interviewees
into the present. Revelations that many succumbed to AIDS are
absolutely devastating, hanging a haunting specter over the film’s
hopeful histories. Grade: A
