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I submit to you that if there’s a film that
can perfectly express the notion of gay pride, “Breakfast on Pluto”
would properly fit that ideology. Because, there’s never been a film
before that’s depicted its flamboyantly homosexual main character before
as something other than a caricature, gag, or sex joke. The character
Patrick Braden is so utterly in tune with his own nature that he comes
off more as an avenger and true symbol than as someone who is simply
gay. Patrick knows he’s gay, dresses as women quite often, and simply
will not be knocked down by people who fear his differences, because he
enjoys what he is. “Breakfast on Pluto” is pretty much a film in the
vein of “Forrest Gump” with our special main character experiencing all
sorts of events and odd characters along the journey to their own
self-fulfillment, and coming of age. Cillian Murphy drops himself into
this role and disappears into the character of Braden who worships Mitzi
Gaynor based on the fact that he’s told his mom looked like her.
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It could be said that perhaps
Patrick became a woman to compensate for the lack of the
mother presence he desired in his life, but he takes this
and uses it to create a strong sense of character, getting
by on his wit, and unflinching charm.
“Breakfast on Pluto” is a basic
gallery of some of the best British actors in modern cinema
with Murphy, Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson and
the like. All respectively put in very good performances. |
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But Murphy, who I am a huge fan of,
takes a very interesting turn here as this homosexual cross dresser
who uses his optimism to reach people gay or straight, and seems to
attract everyone. That is due in part of his own confidence and
inability to accept that as a man he’s supposed to be a man.
“Breakfast on Pluto” stands as an example that pride in who you are
is something you can’t let people break. Whether you’re gay,
straight, disabled, or different, keep the pride, and be happy with
yourself.
“Kitten” is one of the most admirable
characters ever depicted on-screen. He is a man who longs to be a
woman, and doesn’t hate himself for that. He uses that as a way of
knowing that he’s forever special and individual. Jordan begs the
question, if someone is preaching love, peace, and pride, what does
it matter if they’re gay, lesbian, straight, or a transsexual? Jordan’s
direction is wonderful with surreal images of Kitten’s psyche, and
his attempts to combat the world of cruelty and hatred, through
fantasies and great music. I enjoyed “Breakfast on Pluto” in all of
its originality and whimsical atmosphere.
Sadly, Jordan creates such a fantasy aspect
about Patrick/Kitten, that he’s unable to full flesh him out as a
relatable entity. “Breakfast on Pluto” becomes so lost in its own
whimsy, it never fully creates a humanity about Patrick and keeps us at
a distance in our attempts to discover why Patrick becomes the way he
becomes. There’s no solid rhyme or reason, so Patrick remains
disconnected from the audience at all times, and Kitten never becomes as
complex as we hope or expect in its running time.
In spite of dragging the story longer than
it should, “Breakfast on Pluto” is an entertaining and original piece of
filmmaking with great performances from an all-star cast, and from
Murphy who dives into this transsexual character and disappears into a
character who only wants to live her life and love.
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