Changing Spots Dir. by Susan Turley

Former child star Molly Brite (Lane West) is having a rough week. After scoring the lead in a mainstream movie - her first in years - she is soon fired. Her partner of five years, Peg, (Danielle Egnew) miscarries and then walks out on her. Molly continues to be haunted by the violent incest of her past that has never been addressed, by herself or her family.

Changing Spots tackles a number of serious and taboo issues in its comparatively brief 93-minute span. Incest, rape, pregnancy/miscarriage, middle-aged artists struggling to revive their careers and pay the rent, alcoholism – you name it.  However, the film falls short of dealing with these themes in meaningful ways. In many respects, the film reads like a television drama – every single problem is neatly wrapped up by the film’s end, which makes the resolutions superficial, and ultimately unbelievable. Sure, everyone’s a sucker for a happy ending and after all the hardship the characters endure, they deserve SOME kind of gratification, but to resolve every complex situation in such a superficial way is irresponsible and underscores the severity of the circumstances. A surprise pregnancy! Cures for alcoholism and Alzheimers! Renewed successful careers for everyone! Relationships mended! Too much focus is placed on the predictability of the quick fix and because of that, the rest of the film’s laudable elements suffer.

In true lesbian fashion, several of the people involved with the film are also romantically involved with each other. Lane West is in a relationship with the director Susan Turley. Lane’s screen partner Danielle Egnew is dating Jenny Sherwin, who plays her best friend in the film. In addition, Lane and Susan co-wrote the script.  Lane also co-produced the film with Jenny. And the film’s dedication went to Lane as well. While props are certainly in order for these Renaissance women, the film would have perhaps been aided had they looked outside themselves and their pillow partners for collaboration.

This film is showing as part of Reeling 27 - The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival. For showtimes please visit: reelingfilmfestival.org

Anna is a freelance masochist who's seen almost every bad lesbian movie to date and secretly loves them all. You can contact her at banannarama01@yahoo.com