Watch Straight-Jacket
- TV-MA
- 2004
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.6 (969)
Set in 1950s Hollywood, Straight-Jacket is a thrilling drama that follows the life of Guy Stone, a successful movie-star whose life is turned upside down when his love affair with a male screenwriter is made public. As the scandal breaks out, Guy is forced to marry his long-time girlfriend, Sally, to save his career and reputation. However, the marriage is only a façade, and Guy continues to see his lover in secret.
Soon enough, Guy's deceitful ways catch up with him as the couple is hounded by the paparazzi wherever they go. Sally begins to suspect that Guy might be cheating on her and hires a private investigator to spy on him. Meanwhile, Guy struggles to balance his public and private life, unable to come out as a homosexual in a society that is not yet ready to accept it.
As the pressure mounts, Guy becomes increasingly unhinged, resorting to alcohol and drugs to cope with the stress. His behavior grows erratic, and he becomes more and more paranoid, convinced that someone is out to get him. His lover, Jack, tries to help him, but Guy refuses to listen, leading to a tragic finale that will change their lives forever.
With superb performances from the cast, Straight-Jacket captures the essence of the 1950s Hollywood era, with its glamorous parties, lavish theaters, and blockbuster movies. The film highlights the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community during a time of intense homophobia and bigotry, when coming out could ruin one's career and reputation.
Matt Letscher delivers a powerful performance as Guy, portraying him as a conflicted man torn between his desires and the expectations of society. He perfectly captures the inner turmoil of his character, as Guy navigates through the treacherous waters of Hollywood's secretive underworld, where the truth is often buried beneath lies and deceit.
Carrie Preston shines as Sally, the loyal and loving wife who tries to be the perfect partner for Guy, despite knowing deep down that their marriage is a sham. She brings depth and nuance to her character, highlighting the emotional complexity of a woman caught in a love triangle she never asked for.
Adam Greer gives a mesmerizing performance as Jack, Guy's lover, and the only person who truly understands him. He brings a genuine warmth and tenderness to his character, contrasting sharply with the cold and calculating world of Hollywood where appearances are everything.
Director Richard Day masterfully captures the feel of the 1950s, immersing the audience in the glitz and glamour of the era, while also shining a light on its dark underbelly. He elegantly weaves together the storylines of the characters, building to a satisfying and emotional climax that will leave the viewers on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, Straight-Jacket is a must-see movie that delves deep into the heart of Hollywood's secrets, while also exploring the struggles of love, lust, and LGBTQ+ acceptance in a society that was not yet ready for them. With its powerful storytelling, incredible performances, and stunning visuals, this film is a true masterpiece that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Straight-Jacket is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 50.