Watch A Very Natural Thing

A Very Natural Thing is a 1974 film that follows the life of David, a successful teacher in his thirties living in Washington D.C. David is gay and soon begins a romantic relationship with a younger artist named James. As their relationship progresses, David begins to question his own identity and the expectations that come with being gay. While navigating the challenges of living in a world that doesn't accept him, David must also come to terms with his own feelings and desires.

The film starts by establishing David's life as a successful teacher, who has a close relationship with his colleagues, particularly his best friend, Margaret, who is also a teacher. Through his interactions with his colleagues, David's homosexuality is known, but they do not treat him any differently. David meets James at a party and the two begin a relationship, quickly falling in love. James is an artist who is free-spirited and artistic, living a more bohemian lifestyle than David.

As their relationship deepens, David begins to question his own identity and the labels that come with it. He finds himself struggling with the expectations of society and wondering if he truly belongs in the gay community. These doubts are furthered when he meets Jack, a man who is more conventional and conformist in his identity as a gay man. Jack tries to convince David that he should embrace a more traditional gay lifestyle.

Throughout the film, David is juxtaposed with Jack, who represents the more traditional side of the gay community, and James, who represents a more free-spirited and artistic side. David struggles with the pressure to conform to society's expectations of what a gay man should be while also trying to understand and accept his own desires.

As the film progresses, David is faced with several challenges, including confronting his own internalized homophobia, dealing with the societal pressures that come with being gay, and navigating his complicated relationship with James. Ultimately, David must come to terms with his own desires and figure out what it means to be true to himself.

The film is a powerful exploration of identity and the challenges that come with living in a society that often shames and ostracizes those who are different. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the necessity of living an authentic life, even in the face of adversity.

The three main actors, Robert McLane as David, Curt Gareth as James, and Bo White as Jack, all deliver compelling performances that bring depth and nuance to their respective characters. McLane, in particular, gives a moving and powerful portrayal of a man struggling to come to terms with his own desires and the expectations that come with being gay.

The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy, with director Christopher Larkin utilizing a naturalistic style that emphasizes the film's themes of authenticity and truth. The camera work is simple and unobtrusive, allowing the characters and story to take center stage.

Overall, A Very Natural Thing is a groundbreaking film that remains relevant and powerful to this day. It offers a rare and honest look at gay life in the 1970s and explores the complexities of identity and self-discovery with insight and sensitivity. For anyone interested in LGBTQ cinema or in exploring the nuances and complexities of the human experience, A Very Natural Thing is a must-see film.

A Very Natural Thing is a 1974 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.