The history of literature and film is strewn with stories of protagonists who don't fit in. This weekend's set of recommendations from Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary Film Critics suggests outcasts are still in vogue. Whether their alienation is rooted in psychology, sexuality or something else, these movies all feature characters who struggle — with varying degrees of success — to find value in their individuality.
Steve Walker
"McQueen," R
- This documentary about the brilliant and troubled fashion designer Alexander McQueen relishes the "savage beauty" of his work: inventive, often macabre clothes he once described as "the horrors of my soul put on the runway."
"Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood," not rated
- A bawdy exposé of the closeted film community in Los Angeles in the 1950s and 60s as told by Scotty Bowers, who claims he slept with or provided lovers to many of the biggest Hollywood stars.
"The Miseducation of Cameron Post," not rated
- In this winner of a grand jury prize at Sundance, Chloë Grace Moretz gives a passionate performance as a teenage lesbian sent to a religious treatment facility that purports to turn gay youth straight.
Cynthia Haines
"The Cakemaker," not rated
- When the affair ends between a married Israeli man and his German paramour, a baker named Thomas, the jilted lover travels to Jerusalem and infiltrates the café of his beau's wife.
"The Miseducation of Cameron Post," not rated
- After a post-prom, same-sex tryst is discovered by her boyfriend, Cameron Post, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, is sent by her conservative Christian custodians to a gay conversion therapy center.
"McQueen," R
- A catwalk footage-heavy chronicling of Alexander McQueen's rise from a lowly teenage tailor to a tortured and inspired designer for international fashion labels like Givenchy and Gucci.
