The Green

Plot

Michael Gavin and his partner Daniel trade the rat race of New York City for the idyllic charm of the Connecticut shoreline…

Release Year: 2011

Rating: 6.0/10 (183 voted)

Director:
Steven Williford

Stars: Jason Butler Harner, Cheyenne Jackson, Julia Ormond

Storyline
Michael Gavin and his partner Daniel trade the rat race of New York City for the idyllic charm of the Connecticut shoreline, with hopes of a simpler life and time for Michael to finish his first novel. All that changes when one of Michael's high school students accuses him of 'inappropriate conduct', and the town rushes to judgment.

Cast:

Jason Butler Harner
–

Michael

Cheyenne Jackson
–

Daniel

Julia Ormond
–

Karen

Illeana Douglas
–

Trish

Karen Young
–

Janette

Bill Sage
–

Leo

Boris McGiver
–

Philip

Mary B. McCann
–

Bethanne

Mark Blum
–

Stuart

Chris Bert
–

Jason

Marcia DeBonis
–

Brenda

Michael Godere
–

Glenn

Tom Bloom
–

George

Laura Esterman
–

Mrs. Heller

Sarah Hayon
–

Donut Shop Worker

Details

Official Website:
Official Facebook |
Official site |

Release Date: 3 Jan 2011

Filming Locations: Connecticut, USA

User Review

A Wise and Thoughtful Exploration of Prejudice

Rating:


THE GREEN (to satisfy many people's quandary about the name) refers to
the luxuriant fields and trees of Connecticut: in this film it
represents the haven for escaping the chaos of New York City to the
quiet and civilized country. Strike 'civilized', as this film is about
anything but civilized behavior on the part of the townspeople where
schoolteacher/writer Michael Gavin (Jason Butler Harner) and his
longtime partner, locavore caterer Daniel (Cheyenne Jackson) move from
the chaotic life of New York City to the gentility of the small
Connecticut town. Michael and Gavin are gay: Michael elects to keep his
sexuality sub rosa in his new job as a teacher in a private high
school, a 'don't ask-don't tell' adaptation, while Daniel simply goes
about his catering business with his assistant Glenn (Michael Godere).
Michael makes a good friend with Trish (Illeana Douglas) who has a
healthy outlook despite the presence of recurring cancer requiring
chemotherapy. Trish tries to warn Michael of the gossip in the school,
but it is not until Michael attempts to defend a bright student Jason
(Chris Bert) that the students and teachers and parents accuse Michael
of inappropriate behavior with the shy Jason.

Once the accusation is made the town escalates the situation, Jason
runs away from home, and Jason's parents Leo (Bill Sage) and Janette
(Karen Young) decide to go after Michael in court. The men's friends
Philip (Boris McGiver) and Bethanne (Mary B. McCann) attempt to help
Michael but it becomes apparent that Michael need's a special lawyer –
and that expert lawyer is Karen (Julia Ormond) who happens to be in a
committed lesbian relationship. An old truth comes out: Michael had a
prior arrest in NYC years ago for indecent exposure (police
entrapment), but worse than for the case progress is the fact that
Michael has never told Daniel about the incident, a fact that creates a
serious schism between the two men. There is a surprising truth that
enters into the story that provides an ending few could anticipate and
revealing any aspect of it would taint the experience of the new
viewer.

The brilliant script was written by Paul Marcarelli and the film is
directed with great sensitivity by Steven Williford. The entire cast is
first rate, but special kudos have been earned by Jason Butler Harner,
Cheyenne Jackson, Illeana Douglas and Julia Ormond – each deserves
careful consideration for awards. But the power of this excellent film
is the presentation of homophobia both on the part of the townspeople
and students and faculty, but also in the way Michael has elected to
lead his life: his own fear of his true identity is as much the cause
of his downfall as the external forces. There are many lessons to be
learned form this film, but above all THE GREEN is an example of superb
American independent film making at its best, presenting an excellent
story in a sophisticated, mature, and reasonable manner. Highly
Recommended.

Grady Harp