The Velocity of Gary
The Velocity of Gary, also known as The Velocity of Gary* *(Not His Real Name), is a 1998 American dramatic comedy film directed by Dan Ireland and written by James Still, based on his homonymous play. It stars Thomas Jane in the title role, along with Salma Hayek and Vincent D'Onofrio.
| The Velocity of Gary | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Dan Ireland |
| Produced by | Dan Lupovitz |
| Screenplay by | James Still |
| Based on | The Velocity of Gary (Not His Real Name) by James Still |
| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Vincent D'Onofrio |
| Music by | Peitor Angell |
| Cinematography | Claudio Rocha |
| Edited by | Luis Colina Debra Goldfield |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Sony Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 97 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $4 million[2] |
| Box office | $34,145US[3] |
The film was screened at the 1998 San Sebastián International Film Festival,[4] and was released in Los Angeles and New York City on July 16, 1999.[5]
Plot summary
Gary (not his real name, which is never revealed) is a hustler walking through the streets of New York City, looking for business. On the way, he saves Kid Joey, a young deaf transvestite who just arrived in New York, from a group of gay bashers, but he regrets it afterwards because Kid Joey becomes infatuated with Gary and follows him everywhere. Gary introduces him to his friends: Valentino, a former porn star, and Mary Carmen, the Latina who works as a doughnut shop waitress and is in love with Valentino, with whom she has been living for some time. Together they form a bohemian family, which includes Veronica, a still-active porn star, and Nat, a tattoo artist. Gary is also in love with Valentino, who is dying of AIDS. Through the stages of the disease, Mary Carmen and Gary argue over what kind of care he should be receiving, and who is going to supply that care. As Valentino draws near death, Mary Carmen finds out she is carrying Valentino's baby. The three take stock of themselves and their relationships with one another.
Cast
- Vincent D'Onofrio as Valentino
- Salma Hayek as Mary Carmen
- Thomas Jane as Gary
- Olivia d'Abo as Veronica
- Ethan Hawke as Nat
- Chad Lindberg as Kid Joey
- Jason Cutler as Romaine
- Shawn Michael Howard as Coco
- Elizabeth D'Onofrio as Dorothy
- Hakan D'Onofrio as Running Boy
- Keegan de Lancie as Choir Boy
- Ravell Dameron as Receptionist in Clinic
- Yvette Diaz as Young Mary Carmen
- Marion Eaton as Miss Sweetheart
- Phillip Esposito as Phone Sex Guy
- Luchisha Evans as Waitress
- Michael Mantell as Angry Customer
- Gloria Irizarry as Mrs. Sanchez
- Ruby Rufus Isaacs as Sleeping Beauty
- Khalil Kain as Venus
- Arielle Santos as Hope
- Stephen C. Marshall as Angry Boss
- Hugh Palmer as Paramedic
- John Panico as Saxophone Player
- Cordelia Richards as Jana Roberts
- Jacob Sidney as Sean
Reception
Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a rating of 22% based on reviews from 18 critics.[6]
Roger Ebert gave the film 2 out of 4 stars, saying "It's more fun to see conventional characters break the rules than for outlaws to follow them."[7]
References
- "THE VELOCITY OF GARY | British Board of Film Classification". www.bbfc.co.uk. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- "The Velocity of Gary". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- "The Velocity of Gary (1999) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
- Rooney, David (October 5, 1998). "The Velocity of Gary". Variety. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- Grode, Eric (July 18, 1999). "STAGE TO SCREEN: Gary, Gadget, McGillin & Gorgeous". Playbill. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- "The Velocity of Gary (1999)". Retrieved May 31, 2020 – via www.rottentomatoes.com.
- Ebert, Roger. "The Velocity Of Gary movie review (1999) | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.