# Bedrooms & Hallways (1998)

### reviewed by
Greg King

BEDROOMS AND HALLWAYS (M). (NewVision) Director: Rose Troche Stars: Kevin McKidd, Tom Hollander, Hugo Weaving, James Purefoy, Jennifer Ehle, Julie Graham, Simon Callow, Harriet Walter, Christopher Fulford, Paul Higgins Running time: 96 minutes.

This sparkling and very funny romantic comedy from Rose Troche (Go Fish) explores the issue of sexual identity and the ambiguous sexuality of gay characters. This has been the central theme of a number of recent comedies, such as The Opposite Of Sex, The Object Of My Affection and Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss, which have also created sympathetic central characters. While Bedrooms And Hallways taps into the same premise, it doesn't really offer a lot that is particularly new. However, what this engaging and entertaining British sex comedy lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with a sparkling wit and style.

Leo (Trainspotting's Kevin McKidd) is gay, and on his 30th birthday he despairs of ever finding the right man and settling into a stable relationship. His gay flat mate Darren (Tom Hollander, recently seen in The Very Thought Of You) and next door neighbour Angie (Julie Graham) offer advice. However, Darren is busy trying to sort out his relationship with Jeremy (Aussie actor Hugo Weaving, from Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, etc), a real estate agent who likes to have kinky sex in his client's houses.

Leo's business partner takes him along to a men's therapy group, hoping that it will help him work out his lack of self confidence. Instead, during one bonding session, Leo blurts out that he is attracted to the handsome Brendan (James Purefoy, a regular with the Royal Shakespeare Company), another member of this mixed up group. Brendan has just ended a long relationship with Sally, and is confused and vulnerable. Is Leo the right man to help him over the emotional strain of his break-up? The question of whether or not Brendan is gay also brings an element of comic suspense to the film. Then Sally (Jennifer Ehle, from Wilde, etc) enters the picture, and Leo is surprised to realise that she is an old friend from school days. He is also slowly attracted to her, and finds himself questioning his own sexual orientation.

The script from Robert Farrar, who wrote the disappointing spy spoof The Man Who Knew Too Little, is sophisticated and crackles with witty dialogue and some quite funny situations. Troche directs with flair and she keeps things moving along at a brisk pace. Some elements of the film are reminiscent of Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss, and Bedrooms And Hallways has something of the same flavour and broadly appealing humour. However, the characters here have more depth and seem less like clichés, and the overall quality of the writing and production is superior.

The wonderful ensemble cast deliver solid performances that bring these characters to life, and seem to be having a lot of fun. It is Hollander who gets the best lines and effortlessly steals scenes. Simon Callow is also memorable as Keith, the therapist, while Weaving brings a sly sense of humour to his role.

This is not a gay film, but a film in which some of the main characters are gay. As with many recent gay themed comedies, Bedrooms And Hallways is non-judgmental and broadly appealing. It's sly sense of humour should strike a chord with audiences.

    ***
    greg king
    http://www.netau.com.au/gregking

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