Gypsy 83----Reviews (Spoilers)

[RavenOfRhiannon]

I watched Gypsy 83 yesterday with a friend, it was actually a pretty good.

Whatever you may think of what Sara Rue said and didn't say about Stevie Nicks, she was compelling to watch. She had a good grasp of what a 'devoted fan' is like. (This would be the first time the absence of Stevie's songs hurt the film. She could never quote lyrics or use them in a conversation).She wore the shawls and boots like they were second skin. Kudos to Kitty Boots for the incredible costumes.
Clive, her gay friend who pushes her into the road trip for NOTS, was pretty good too. You could tell he was a casual Stevie fan but a big Cure fan. (Another point where the lack of Nicks tunes hurts, Clive has a Cure soundtrack following him, it lets the audience know without any dialogue how much he likes them).
Running into Karen Black as a drunk has-been (or never was) was one of the highlights of the film. As Bambi, the host of Kareoke night at Small Town USA, Black was dead on. Knowing she had talent, but unable to use it to really make it big, she turns to drinking and becoming a local celebrity (It's much easier to be a big fish in a small pond). This scene was also the only one where Rue was able to really let loose of her inner Stevie, as she performed a very good 'Talk To Me' before falling off the stage in mid twirl. (If I had been Clive, I would have just announced to the audience that Stevie was a little too coked up and he was taking her to Betty Ford). Again, this hurt the film, as you never got another chance to recapture that magic.
I am a steadfast believer that if the sex scenes in the bathroom had been shot differently or been rewritten, Stevie's music whould have been in the film. I see why the scene is needed, and it represents a turning point for the characters, Clive especially. So, I can't say how to fix that.
The NOTS scene is great, an assemblage of various Stevie's in a 'Talk to Me' montage. Gypsy is permitted to perform, and sings a song her mother wrote, which would have been poingniant if we hadn't been hearing everything under the sun but Stevie tunes.
I would love to be able to talk to Todd Stephens and ask what songs he would have used to score the movie if he had the chance and find a way to score it myself.
As you can tell, the lack of Stevie's music was a sore spot for me, BUT in the overall picture it did not detract too much from a very good film. Probably the only people who will feel this way are those of us with an inner Gypsy Vale...

Randy

[gldstwmn]

I watched this for the first time last night.
Gypsy's clothes are incredible, the shawls, boots and the head piece she wears that is a replica of Stevie's. It's from one of the Bella Donna era photos and might even have been on one of the singles, though I can't quite remember now, I'd have to go looking for it.
I loved hearing The Cure but I have to agree, it would have been much better to augment had Stevie's songs/lyrics had been used. Still, it was prety brave for TS to go ahead without them and the message of his film is still conveyed.
The kareoke bar and Bambi scenes are a hoot. I especially like it when Clive asks Gypsy why they're leaving, saying "But I really like her." :lol:
The bathroom scenes are necessary to the film. I guess they could have done it some other way but it gave those scenes a real life feel to them instead of some flowery, unrealistic romantic movie love scene. I was soo scared for Clive because I kept thinking those fraternity boys are going to bust in there and beat the crap out of him. So that whole scene had me on edge.
The NOTS scenes were fab. I especially love where Gypsy goes back to see Chi Chi and there is one performer who is done up a la Edge Of Seventeen from the HBO special and is totally doing the dance moves from the song. He or she had it nailed in that scene. It cracked me up. I also loooved Chi Chi.
I wonder if Stevie has seen this yet? I think she'd like it.

[DeadliestPoison]

You guys haven't lived until you watch the NOTS Featurette. Believe me. You have to play the music along with it. Classic.

I think the soundtrack was the best part of the film. I really dug it. The costumes were great, too, as were the little shoutouts and all the sass.

[diamondsnake]

I rented this movie last week and really didn't care for it. I really didn't like the characters very much and cringed during certain points of the movie (Gypsy falling off the stage, Gypsy taking her top off, which was completely unnecassary- I don't think Rue is attractive at all and she certainly doesn't have what it takes to pull off a nude scene). I couldn't realte to Clive or Gypsy and they are both Stevie fans so I thought I could have related to one of them. I felt almost embarrassed for these characters and really hope that people don't assume most Stevie fans are so strange. That is just how I feel (sorry!)

[dissention]

You guys haven't lived until you watch the NOTS Featurette. Believe me. You have to play the music along with it. Classic.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I almost had a heart attack when I watched it. I felt like twirling around in my chenille throw and shouting "Blessed be!"

I have to play music with it now. :laugh:

[dissention]

I rented this movie last week and really didn't care for it. I really didn't like the characters very much and cringed during certain points of the movie (Gypsy falling off the stage, Gypsy taking her top off, which was completely unnecassary- I don't think Rue is attractive at all and she certainly doesn't have what it takes to pull off a nude scene). I couldn't realte to Clive or Gypsy and they are both Stevie fans so I thought I could have related to one of them. I felt almost embarrassed for these characters and really hope that people don't assume most Stevie fans are so strange. That is just how I feel (sorry!)

I liked it, it came across as a very heartfelt movie. And I'm such a whore for anything with Karen Black. :laugh:

[amber]

I liked it, it came across as a very heartfelt movie. And I'm such a whore for anything with Karen Black. :laugh:
I was thinking that same thing. :D

[dissention]

I was thinking that same thing. :D

Christ, I even braved "It's Alive III: Island of the Alive" because she was in it. :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

You guys haven't lived until you watch the NOTS Featurette. Believe me. You have to play the music along with it. Classic.

I think the soundtrack was the best part of the film. I really dug it. The costumes were great, too, as were the little shoutouts and all the sass.

I just did that. Thank you for reminding me. That was so fun! :woohoo:

[amber]

Christ, I even braved "It's Alive III: Island of the Alive" because she was in it. :laugh:
that's some pretty serious dedication. I'm just happy when she turns up!

[gldstwmn]

I don't think Rue is attractive at all and she certainly doesn't have what it takes to pull off a nude scene).

Only women that look like Playboy centerfolds should be doing nude scenes? Is that it?
I give Sara Rue big props for doing that scene and whether you realize it or not (not being a woman) it was the crux of the scene, her willing to trust him.
BTW, weren't you the one that got all pissed off when people made comments about Stevie's weight and the dress parodies? If that wasn't you, please forgive me.

[dissention]

that's some pretty serious dedication. I'm just happy when she turns up!

Did you ever see "House of 1000 Corpses"? I couldn't believe she was in that. That flick was nasty. :nod:

[amber]

Did you ever see "House of 1000 Corpses"? I couldn't believe she was in that. That flick was nasty. :nod:
Hell no, i didn't see that! There's tons of good movies i haven't seen! :laugh: :laugh:
Karen's weird, but i'm glad she still has some sort of career. Cancer power! :rolleyes:

[dissention]

Only women that look like Playboy centerfolds should be doing nude scenes? Is that it?
I give Sara Rue big props for doing that scene and whether you realize it or not (not being a woman) it was the crux of the scene, her willing to trust him.

I think she's a beautiful woman. When her show first went on the air, I did a double take. I think it's pretty shitty how they make fat jokes at her expense on it sometimes, though. She's anything but fat.

[dissention]

Hell no, i didn't see that! There's tons of good movies i haven't seen! :laugh: :laugh:
Karen's weird, but i'm glad she still has some sort of career. Cancer power! :rolleyes:

My friend tricked me into seeing it with her (she switched the tape at the store) and it was nauseating. Now they're making a sequel. :rolleyes:

Karen was a hoot, though. She definitely camped it up. She must have realized that the material was so bad that it was the only way to bring herself to do it. :laugh:

She made some flick with Oliver Reed and Bette Davis back in the late-seventies that I love called Burnt Offerings. That ending is horrifying.

[amber]

My friend tricked me into seeing it with her (she switched the tape at the store) and it was nauseating. Now they're making a sequel. :rolleyes:

Karen was a hoot, though. She definitely camped it up. She must have realized that the material was so bad that it was the only way to bring herself to do it. :laugh:

She made some flick with Oliver Reed and Bette Davis back in the late-seventies that I love called Burnt Offerings. That ending is horrifying.
well, of course i've seen that one, Bette's in it! :p

[dissention]

well, of course i've seen that one, Bette's in it! :p

I was bummed that she died in it. I didn't like that. :laugh:

Did you see the last movie she made "Wicked Stepmother"? Oy, what a turkey. :shocked:

[diamondsnake]

Only women that look like Playboy centerfolds should be doing nude scenes? Is that it?
I give Sara Rue big props for doing that scene and whether you realize it or not (not being a woman) it was the crux of the scene, her willing to trust him.
BTW, weren't you the one that got all pissed off when people made comments about Stevie's weight and the dress parodies? If that wasn't you, please forgive me.
No, she didn't have to look like a playboy centerfold but I thought the nude scene was not called for. I just don't find anything about her attractive. Obviously, that was not the point of the scene though.

And when it comes to Stevie's weight, I do get a little offended if people make rude comments but Stevie is also not exposing herself to the world. And I never posted on the "dress parody" thread.

I'm really sorry but it is just the way I felt about the scene.

[amber]

I was bummed that she died in it. I didn't like that. :laugh:

Did you see the last movie she made "Wicked Stepmother"? Oy, what a turkey. :shocked:
I think i almost watched that, but i couldn't, she looked so old and decrepit.. :( I just couldn't take my beautiful bette looking like that. I sure admire her thing about work being her life, and having to act, cause she sure can, but...it was too much for my delicate heart... :( Barbara Carrerra is foxy, though :) No, I opted to watch Jezebel and All About Eve again! I wore black for a week when bette died...as a sophomore in highschool...gosh, i was a dork!! :laugh: Especially when i told everyone "Bette Davis died! :( "
:laugh: :laugh:

[dissention]

And when it comes to Stevie's weight, I do get a little offended if people make rude comments but Stevie is also not exposing herself to the world. And I never posted on the "dress parody" thread.

So, it's alright to get offended if soemone said Stevie was a little thick in the middle, but it's nothing for you to say that a woman with a few extra pounds can't pull off a nude scene? That's rather hypocritical. If you don't like seeing her jugs, fine. But how can you pick and choose what meaty woman you'll get offended over? And if Stevie exposed her breasts, would you not get offended if someone said she can't pull it off because she's too big?

[dissention]

I think i almost watched that, but i couldn't, she looked so old and decrepit.. :( I just couldn't take my beautiful bette looking like that. I sure admire her thing about work being her life, and having to act, cause she sure can, but...it was too much for my delicate heart... :( Barbara Carrerra is foxy, though :) No, I opted to watch Jezebel and All About Eve again! I wore black for a week when bette died...as a sophomore in highschool...gosh, i was a dork!! :laugh: Especially when i told everyone "Bette Davis died! :( "
:laugh: :laugh:

:laugh: LMAO!

It was an awful film, she died halfway through making it. :(

[amber]

:laugh: LMAO!

It was an awful film, she died halfway through making it. :(
Yup - I couldn't take it...she looked cadaverous. :distress: But, by golly, she worked til the end, didn't she? Gosh, i miss her. She had such a foul, clever mouth, too. Like, really funny.

[dissention]

Yup - I couldn't take it...she looked cadaverous. :distress: But, by golly, she worked til the end, didn't she? Gosh, i miss her. She had such a foul, clever mouth, too. Like, really funny.

And she still smoked those f*cking cigarettes up to the end. :laugh:

Did you read her last book? At the end, she responded to her daughters book and was vicious. Not blatantly vicious, she was very subtle about it, but you could tell she was dripping with venom. :nod:

[amber]

And she still smoked those f*cking cigarettes up to the end. :laugh:

Did you read her last book? At the end, she responded to her daughters book and was vicious. Not blatantly vicious, she was very subtle about it, but you could tell she was dripping with venom. :nod:
oh, honey, i read all the books! Oh, she was totally dripping - but her daughters book was a little more whiney, than say, Mommie Dearest. Bette just sounded like regular bitchy mom. I love Bette dripping with venom, though...Did you read Bette and Joan? Omigah!!! :laugh: :laugh:
I know, she smoked, had both her boobs removed, and was still working! And still being a smart ass! loveit, loveit, LOVEIT!!!!

[DeadliestPoison]

I think she's a beautiful woman. When her show first went on the air, I did a double take. I think it's pretty shitty how they make fat jokes at her expense on it sometimes, though. She's anything but fat.
Yeah, I think she's very pretty. I really didn't like how the summary on the NetFlix (sorry, Diss!) envelope called her an "obese twentysomething." :distress:

[diamondsnake]

So, it's alright to get offended if soemone said Stevie was a little thick in the middle, but it's nothing for you to say that a woman with a few extra pounds can't pull off a nude scene? That's rather hypocritical. If you don't like seeing her jugs, fine. But how can you pick and choose what meaty woman you'll get offended over? And if Stevie exposed her breasts, would you not get offended if someone said she can't pull it off because she's too big?
The difference is I love Stevie Nicks and think she is a beautiful person in and out. I don't think Stevie is that overweight either. Maybe I am blinded because I am in love with Stevie. I don't like Sara Rue at all. Her nude scene was not attractive due to the fact that she is obese (it even says so on the dvd cover). Hypocritical? Sure, but it is how I feel and I am just posting my thoughts on this message board. Sorry...

And I never would have made any comments if they didn't have her disrobe in front of the camera.

[GypsySorcerer]

Only women that look like Playboy centerfolds should be doing nude scenes? Is that it?
I give Sara Rue big props for doing that scene and whether you realize it or not (not being a woman) it was the crux of the scene, her willing to trust him.
BTW, weren't you the one that got all pissed off when people made comments about Stevie's weight and the dress parodies? If that wasn't you, please forgive me.


:nod: :nod: :nod: Ditto.

[gldstwmn]

And when it comes to Stevie's weight, I do get a little offended if people make rude comments but Stevie is also not exposing herself to the world.

She's not? I guess that depends on how you look at it. :shrug: :)

[dissention]

And I never would have made any comments if they didn't have her disrobe in front of the camera.

After reading those previous comments of yours, I question whether or not you were mature enough to have viewed the film.

If Sara Rue is your idea of "obese," you're in for a rude awakening.

[ontheEdgeof17]

She's not? I guess that depends on how you look at it. :shrug: :)


Yeah....Stevie would never wear a mini skirt and strapless tops on stage when her weight is "not up to par." :rolleyes:

[gldstwmn]

After reading those previous comments of yours, I question whether or not you were mature enough to have viewed the film.



I thinks that's precisely the issue and I in my motherly way was trying to put it in perspective but I have a girl, not a teenage boy so...

[diamondsnake]

After reading those previous comments of yours, I question whether or not you were mature enough to have viewed the film.

If Sara Rue is your idea of "obese," you're in for a rude awakening.
"Obese" was the DVD cover's words- not mine.

Sara Rue is not attractive and I would have preffered if her clothes stayed on. Sorry if that offends you, Diss.

[dissention]

"Obese" was the DVD cover's words- not mine.

Sara Rue is not attractive and I would have preffered if her clothes stayed on. Sorry if that offends you, Diss.

It doesn't offend me in the least. But your hypocrisy when it comes to applying offense to comments made about weight does. Obese was your word, you can read it for yourself:

"Her nude scene was not attractive due to the fact that she is obese (it even says so on the dvd cover)."

Nice revision, though. ;)

[diamondsnake]

It doesn't offend me in the least. But your hypocrisy when it comes to applying offense to comments made about weight does. Obese was your word, you can read it for yourself:

"Her nude scene was not attractive due to the fact that she is obese (it even says so on the dvd cover)."

Nice revision, though. ;)
I said "obese" and then backed it up by saying that it was part of the official movie summary. I never would have said obese if I hadn't read that.

And how am I being hypocritical? Defending Stevie when her weight comes up and then saying that I didn't care for Sara's nude scene because she isn't attractive? The difference is Stevie dresses appropriately and doesn't take her clothes off at her concerts (and to me at least is much more sexy). I never would have even mentioned weight (and actually I didn't- I just said she wasn't attractive- everyone just assumed that is what I meant) if not for that one scene.

[Hawkeye]

No, she didn't have to look like a playboy centerfold but I thought the nude scene was not called for. I just don't find anything about her attractive. Obviously, that was not the point of the scene though.

And when it comes to Stevie's weight, I do get a little offended if people make rude comments but Stevie is also not exposing herself to the world. And I never posted on the "dress parody" thread.

I'm really sorry but it is just the way I felt about the scene.

I agree, I have no desire to watch a movie that depicts fans of Stevie as crazy people. And they all dress like her and make pilgramiges to NOTS :rolleyes:

[DeadliestPoison]

.
.
I agree, I have no desire to watch a movie that depicts fans of Stevie as crazy people. And they all dress like her and make pilgramiges to NOTS :rolleyes:
Eh, it's really something you have to know the full plotline of to understand. They're not all depicted as crazy twirling chiffonheads who make pilgrimages to NOTS.
Spoilers ahead.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sara Rue's character, Gypsy, lost her mother, who was a singer/bartender at the venue where NOTS is being held. This, plus the fact that Gyspy loves Stevie, plus the fact that Gypsy wants to go to NYC anyway to make it big as a singer, is the catalyst for her journey. She brings along her best friend Clive for some reason I forget. It might be because he designs her clothes & does her make-up or something. Anyway, they find things out about themselves, blahblahblahoutcastscakes, find acceptance, get ditched, etc, etc.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
So it's not really JUST about crazy Stevie fans heading to a club for a party. The end. :)

[dissention]

.
.
I agree, I have no desire to watch a movie that depicts fans of Stevie as crazy people. And they all dress like her and make pilgramiges to NOTS :rolleyes:

You should see the film, because no one is depicted as crazy.

[Livia]

*spoilers - duh...*

I liked the movie very much - Karen Black raaawks! And so does John Doe...I watched the NOTS part first, took 3 tries to get it synched up perfectly, but you'll still get it...I loved the poofy Tusk-Sara-Hair drag queen (dq) in the back. The one up front, with the red corset, definitely knew the lyrics, but had no moves. The dq on the right, albeit not the most attractive, definitely had all the moves. Sara Rue and Todd Stephens did look bombed, but were also having tons of fun....

Okay, one of the scariest movies I've ever seen - literally haunted me as a child...starred Karen Black. It was a made for TV film called Trilogy of Terror - 3 little vignettes all starring Karen Black, kind of a Tales of the Crypt thing. One of the stories involved this little wooden warrior doll that came to life and killed people with his tiny knife. :laugh:

[RavenOfRhiannon]

Karen Black in 'Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean' and 'Airport 77' are two classics. She is awsome...

[Livia]

Forgot to mention this - the kid who plays the gay frat boy - is the same actor who plays Joey's nephew on Joey. :nod:

[DeadliestPoison]

I loved the poofy Tusk-Sara-Hair drag queen (dq) in the back. The one up front, with the red corset, definitely knew the lyrics, but had no moves. The dq on the right, albeit not the most attractive, definitely had all the moves. Sara Rue and Todd Stephens did look bombed, but were also having tons of fun....
Hee. My favorite Stevie was the one with the headdress & the tambourine. Bella Donna/WH Stevie. <3<3

(I attached a screencap I made of her. I wanted to show my friend how crazy this part was)

[diamondsnake]

Forgot to mention this - the kid who plays the gay frat boy - is the same actor who plays Joey's nephew on Joey. :nod:
I thought I recognized him...

[Livia]

Hee. My favorite Stevie was the one with the headdress & the tambourine. Bella Donna/WH Stevie. <3<3

(I attached a screencap I made of her. I wanted to show my friend how crazy this part was)

Cool - you can see everyone I mentioned in that pic as well - and that guy on the far right - not dressed up at all, but having a blast!

[SuzeQuze]

Forgot to mention this - the kid who plays the gay frat boy - is the same actor who plays Joey's nephew on Joey. :nod:

I finally saw this because I bought it through Amazon and I really liked it too. I agree that it suffered for not having Stevie's music in it. I think that is so sad. I thought Sara was beautiful and the topless scene was necessary in a way to understand the level of betrayal she would feel later.

Livia, thanks for pointing out who that actor was, I knew he was familiar. In my sheltered life I have never seen a scene like that and I thought it was brilliant even though it was "soft porn". I was also waiting on pins and needles for the frat boys to bust in.

I loved the costumes. They really got that right and the twirls and everything, probably mostly due to Susan Childs' "Stevie consultant" credit.

I could identify with Gypsy's character and I really thought Sara Rue did a great job portraying her, she was very real. Sometimes her singing just wasn't on though, especially the scene where she sings with her father, it just didn't sound good. Her karaoke performance and her final song were both passable however.

I haven't watched the NOTS footage, what music am I supposed to cue up to it? I really really want to go to that this year.

[ShangriLaTroubl]

I finally saw this because I bought it through Amazon and I really liked it too. I agree that it suffered for not having Stevie's music in it. I think that is so sad. I thought Sara was beautiful and the topless scene was necessary in a way to understand the level of betrayal she would feel later.

Livia, thanks for pointing out who that actor was, I knew he was familiar. In my sheltered life I have never seen a scene like that and I thought it was brilliant even though it was "soft porn". I was also waiting on pins and needles for the frat boys to bust in.

I loved the costumes. They really got that right and the twirls and everything, probably mostly due to Susan Childs' "Stevie consultant" credit.

I could identify with Gypsy's character and I really thought Sara Rue did a great job portraying her, she was very real. Sometimes her singing just wasn't on though, especially the scene where she sings with her father, it just didn't sound good. Her karaoke performance and her final song were both passable however.

I haven't watched the NOTS footage, what music am I supposed to cue up to it? I really really want to go to that this year.

Thanks to you for bumping this thread up...I just bought it on Amazon.com
I had forgotten all about it, and realized that i still had never seen it.

Chris

[GODDESS6]

I liked it, it came across as a very heartfelt movie. And I'm such a whore for anything with Karen Black. :laugh:
i loved the movie, someone sent me the soundtrack like secretly, i have no idea who sent it to me:shrug: , it came w/ no return address & it is a great soundtrack to listen to, i especially loved the song at the end that sara rue sang about her mother~

[Livia]

Suze - it's the live version of Edge of 17, from Enchanted, that you use for the NOTS footage. It took me a couple tries to get it to sync up exactly right.

I really really really really want to go to a NOTS also! I'm seriously considering it next year.

[ragandbone]

Did you ever see "House of 1000 Corpses"? I couldn't believe she was in that. That flick was nasty. :nod:
I almost put Trilogy of Terror on my scary movies list.
I thought her acting was really great in "Come Back To The Five And Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean",
and I have always loved the acid scene in Easy Rider - she's so young, and sweet, and cross-eyed!

[SuzeQuze]

Thanks to you for bumping this thread up...I just bought it on Amazon.com
I had forgotten all about it, and realized that i still had never seen it.

Chris

Glad I'm not the only one, I was beginning to feel like I wasn't a good fan! :lol: I had it for a few weeks before watching it. :shocked:

Suze - it's the live version of Edge of 17, from Enchanted, that you use for the NOTS footage. It took me a couple tries to get it to sync up exactly right.

I really really really really want to go to a NOTS also! I'm seriously considering it next year.

Thanks Livia. It would be great if you could go! Note to self: save money for NOTS!

[CelticGypsy]

Only women that look like Playboy centerfolds should be doing nude scenes? Is that it?
I give Sara Rue big props for doing that scene and whether you realize it or not (not being a woman) it was the crux of the scene, her willing to trust him.
BTW, weren't you the one that got all pissed off when people made comments about Stevie's weight and the dress parodies? If that wasn't you, please forgive me.


I loved, loved this movie. I love Stevie and I had to see this movie!!! Sara Rue was wonderful in this movie. Karen Black too. Sara Rue is an actress. It was important for this movie to have her do that nude scene and she is a beautiful young woman. For those that think they are going to look like they are 16 years old and a size 2 when they hit their 40's and 50's are delusional:lol: :nod:

[Travis]

... the lack of Stevie's music was a sore spot for me, BUT in the overall picture it did not detract too much from a very good film. Probably the only people who will feel this way are those of us with an inner Gypsy Vale...

Randy


Totally agree with you Randy. It is a shame that Stevie's music was not allowed to be used in the film. It's a great movie.

[SuzeQuze]

Apparently Todd did not make any money off of this DVD in the US, I just went to the Web site which is still up.

http://www.gypsy83.com/news/indexnews.html

[RavenOfRhiannon]

Thanks.

I wouls still like to know what songs would have been used if he had permission

[michelej1]

Gaydar Nation, February 2009

http://www.gaydarnation.com/UserPortal/Article/Detail.aspx?ID=23572&sid=62&gnbox_cn=0&gnbox_ca=6


Plot
What can help one woman overcome the fears, anxieties and traumas of a lifetime? Perhaps the music of Stevie Nicks? Gypsy is a woman in her mid-20s who is still emotionally stuck in adolescence; her job at a drive-through photo-processing centre is nothing to shout about and her one consuming interest in life is the music of Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks. Gypsy has gone beyond collecting Nicks’s records and loves to dress like her idol, belting out her songs in loving tribute.

One of Gypsy’s only friends is Clive, an awkward gay Emo kid still in his teens who enjoys hanging out in cemeteries, where he and Gypsy sing their Fleetwood Mac favourites for posterity on Clive's camcorder. One day, while browsing the internet, Clive discovers a website advertising a ‘Night Of A 1000 Stevies’ at a New York City nightclub, in which any Stevie Nicks impersonator is welcome to take to the stage to pay homage to their idol. Clive is convinced this is an event Gypsy cannot miss, but it leaves them with only four days to get their act together and travel from Sandusky, Ohio, to the Big Apple. In addition, Gypsy has her own issues to deal with in New York, the city her mother ran off to when she abandoned her family many years ago.


Verdict
For those more familiar with writer/director Todd Stephens’ later work on the hyper-kitsch Gays Gone Wild franchise, Gypsy 83 will come as a pleasant surprise because, as opposed to being painted with a camp broad brush, this film is put together with finer strokes, resulting in a more meditative, contemplative, quietly affecting film than you might expect.


Director: Todd Stephens
Cast: Sara Rue, Kett Turton, Karen Black, John Doe
DVD Extras: Director’s commentary, cast interviews, trailers, deleted scenes, photo gallery
Released: 16 February 2009

[Sahara]

This movie wasn't my cup of tea, personally, but the soundtrack and costumes definitely won it brownie points in my estimation. I thought the characters characters were very believable, though not particularly sympathetic.
There were some great lines ("Don't you think we should dance while we can?" :)) and the scene with "Doing the Unstuck" by the Cure was a wonderful moment.