Amos Lassen wrote on 12/11/2009:

“The Art of Being Straight”
The Boundaries of Youth
Amos Lassen
The youth of the world tend to have stricter boundaries than those who have lived a bit although many times we feel that this is not the case. “The Art of Being Straight”, a first film from director/writer Jesse Rosen explores those boundaries with respect to sexuality. Jon (Rosen) is in his twenties and just broken up with his girlfriend. He decides to move away—to L.A. in order to begin his life anew. He arrives at a friend’s (Jared Grey) house and regresses to his college years—womanizing, partying and just having fun and he reconnects to Maddy (Rachel Castillo), an old girlfriend who is now a lesbian and introduces him to her girlfriend. In the meantime Jon has taken a job and his boss, Paul (Johnny Ray Rodriguez) takes a special interest in him. Maddy began having problems when she started to fall for her neighbor, a man, Aaron (Peter Scherer). The film deals with discovering one’s sexuality. John thought he had everything figured out before he broke up with his girlfriend until he moved to L.A. and woke up in Paul’s bed. He begins his search for identity and his journey seems, at times, to be more than he can handle. He, however, discovers that when he accepts the unknown, there are unlimited possibilities.
It is never really clear if John is gay or not and herein lays the cleverness of the film. This is a low key comedy with a lot of charm and good observations of those in their 30’s. Although there are times when the film seems to fragment, the acting is quite good and the cast is able. In a strange sort of way the film is a tad revolutionary in the way it deals with intimacy and the approach to having same sex relationships. It shows that sleeping with a member of the same sex does not change one’s sexual identity. Made on a small budget the film is far from perfect but it does provide a lot of ideas that will make you examine yourself. I think it is quite clever and should be seen by all audiences.

JANORM wrote on 09/30/2009:

This is one flix that really hit very close to home! I was in the closet for some 48 yrs due to the era in which I was an adolescence, a military career, and immediate family responsibilities. My partner is almost a perfect example of the main character in this film. Really, quite unbelieveable for him to see this film. I'm just thankful that I was there when he watched it. Whew! Quite emotional, to say the very least! Highly recommend that you have that special someone with you when you view this filx. TRUE HUMAN NATURE CAN BE A VERY EMOTIONAL BEAST!! NJMJr!!