Gray Matters (2006 film)
Gray Matters is a 2006 American romantic comedy film directed and written by Sue Kramer, starring Heather Graham, Tom Cavanagh, and Bridget Moynahan. The film premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 21, 2006. It opened in limited release in the United States on February 23, 2007.
Gray Matters | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Sue Kramer |
Produced by |
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Screenplay by | Sue Kramer |
Starring | |
Music by | Andrew Hollander |
Cinematography | John Bartley |
Edited by | Wendey Stanzler |
Production companies |
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Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 96 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Box office | $944,479[3] |
Plot
Gray Baldwin (Heather Graham), a family oriented and quiet bachelorette, lives a close-knit life with her brother, Sam (Tom Cavanagh). Their lifestyle is generally co-dependent, involving them living together, going to dance classes together, etc. Gray and Sam's relationship has never been thought of as strange, but once a dinner party guest mistakes the siblings as a couple, Gray and Sam decide to venture outside of one another. While discussing with each other what they can do about their single lifestyles, and how they can "hook each other up" with a significant other, their conversation continues to the park, where Gray spots a possible girlfriend for Sam, Charlie Kelsey (Bridget Moynahan). Gray introduces herself, then Charlie to Sam, and they instantly bond, agreeing to see each other again.
To Gray's surprise, Charlie and Sam become engaged the morning after their meeting. Charlie and Sam are so madly in love with one another, they plan to go to Las Vegas the following morning and elope there, and invite Gray along. Gray is a little hesitant, but agrees when Charlie says they can have a "mini bachelorette party". Gray agrees and the three make their way to Vegas. While in Vegas, Gray takes Charlie out for a hen night, and after many drinks, the two share a drunken but passionate kiss. The next morning, Charlie doesn't remember anything, but Gray hasn't slept the whole night, due to the bond she felt with Charlie. The situation makes Gray finally realize that not only is she attracted to women, but is falling in love with her sister-in-law.
The events in Vegas force a journey of self-discovery, testing the relationship between two very close siblings, and to finding happiness in lonely Manhattan. When Gray eventually comes out to Sam, he tells her he's known all along, since they were young kids.
Later, Sam accidentally discloses Gray's orientation to her entire office, which, along with Sam's encouragement, gives her impetus to move on to further self-actualizing.
Cast
- Heather Graham as Gray
- Bridget Moynahan as Charlie
- Tom Cavanagh as Sam
- Molly Shannon as Carrie
- Rachel Shelley as Julia Barlett
- Bill Mondy as Jordan Phillips
- Don Ackerman as Conrad Spring
- Warren Christie as Trevor Brown
- Alan Cumming as Gordy
- Sissy Spacek as Dr. Sydney
Gloria Gaynor appears as herself.
Production
Gray Matters was shot on location in New York City in twenty-one days. The screenplay was inspired by the life of Carolyn Kramer, the director's sister.
Release
Gray Matters premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival, in the Spotlight section, on October 21, 2006.[4][5] It opened theatrically in limited release in New York and Los Angeles on February 23, 2007.[6]
Reception
Critical response
Although a few reviews were favorable, the film was generally not well-received by critics.
References
- Scheib, Ronnie (October 25, 2006). "Gray Matters". Variety. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- "Gray Matters". Freestyle Releasing. 2007. Archived from the original on 2019-02-18. Retrieved 2015-04-10.
- "Gray Matters". Box Office Mojo. 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- "14th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival - Screening of 'Gray Matters'". Wire Image. October 21, 2006. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- Masone, Marian (December 2, 2006). "Shades of 'Gray'". The Brooklyn Paper. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- Holden, Stephen (February 23, 2007). "Brother and Sister, With Similar Taste in Girls". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- Beierle, Aaron (June 23, 2007). "Gray Matters". DVD Talk. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- "Gray Matters". Amazon. 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- DVD Reviewer (August 13, 2007). "Gray Matters (UK)". myreviewer.com. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- "Gray Matters". Amazon. 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
External links
- Official website (Archive)
- Gray Matters at Yari Film Group
- Gray Matters at BFI
- Gray Matters on IMDb
- Gray Matters at Metacritic
- Gray Matters at Rotten Tomatoes