Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Excellent, a Must See

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Before 1997, gay characters in both Hollywood and Indie films were most likely to wind up dead in the final reel, either by violence or disease. While there were a few upbeat short subjects as early as 1994, "Defying Gravity" was among the first feature-length films to portray what I'll call "regular guys" as gay (those without the usual gay stereotypes) who lived to appear in a possible sequel.Alas, there was no sequel to this film and lead actor Daniel Chilson never again appeared on the screen. It's a shame because his understated, melancholy performance is quite believable and moving. I think this film played for only one week in first run in San Francisco. After seeing it on opening night, I related so strongly to the characters I went back to see it several times during the week and caught the very last showing as well. It was one of the first times I had seen young gay men who seemed to have a chance at a happy life together—a theme that's still all too rare today.Writer/Director John Keitel would go on to be the film editor of 2003's gay-themed "Latter Days."As far as I know, in the 16 years since this film was released, no other gay-themed entertainment film has explored the topic of a gay frat boy coming out—or even a gay fraternity. So, "Defying Gravity" remains a one-of-a-kind "must see."

I must say, I love the continuity in this film. Others have said that it should be shortened a bit, because writer/director John Keitel feels compelled to tie up every loose end. But that is what I love about this film. When a character is sitting on a hillside looking at a view, the director actually shows you the view! So many much more expensive movies fail to provide the viewer this simple courtesy. The view shot is just a physical example, but there is emotional continuity in the film as well. Defying Gravity has given me a great deal of pleasure. I wish John Keitel would direct more. He seems more interested in editing which I am sure he is great at. I noticed he edited Latter Days, another favorite.

I am not sure where to begin...the screenplay is convoluted, the performances overall are atrocious and the direction is confusing and base. The worst performance in this movie, by far, is that of Daniel Chilson. The fact that he was cast is further proof of director Keitel's ineptness. Yes, Chilson is lovely to look at but beyond that every "acting" moment is PAINFUL; and never once believable. The only redeeming factor in this movie is the performance of Don Handfield as Pete Bradley. Understated, pensive, and honest, Handfield is the clear standout in this cast. Thank goodness I find no other acting credits for Chilson! P.U.

I have finally seen Defying Gravity, and I have found the story line to be very good. It is hard to make life altering decisions like that. On the other hand the found the acting to be poor. Other then that it was a great movie and I would watch it again. It was nice to see that "Griff's" Friend stuck by him, even though he always knew. He was just waiting for Griff to tell him. It is hard to find friends like that....now that is a TRUE friend. I will be checking out for simular movies, that have the same/basic story line. If anyone knows of any that you would recommend, please don't hesitate to forward them off. Thank You, Take Care And Have A Good One....I hope to get some feedback...TazNS