'Straight Up' Review: Jam Sweeney's Gay Braiac Screwball Comedy - Variety

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• "STRAIGHT UP" STAR JAM SWEENEY ON COMG OUT, BAD DAT, AND BI STIGMATHE ACTOR-DIRECTOR'S WTY NEW ROM- IS ABOUT A NROTIC GAY MAN WHO GETS VOLVED WH A WOMAN. HOW MUCH OF IS BASED ON HIS OWN LIFE?{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}MOVIBY LAWRENCE FERBERMARCH 3, 2020/8:37 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:2160PX;WIDTH:2880PX;}STRAND RELEASGKATIE FDLAY (LEFT) AND JAM SWEENEY "STRAIGHT UP."BY LAWRENCE FERBERMARCH 3, 2020 / 8:37 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"\"STRAIGHT UP\" STAR JAM SWEENEY ON COMG OUT, BAD DAT, AND BI STIGMA","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2020-03-03T13:37:36.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2020-03-03T13:37:36.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"LAWRENCE FERBER","ARTICLESECTN":"MOVI"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD SCREWBALL ROM-—THK HIS GIRL FRIDAY, BRGG UP BABY, AND IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT—HAS GOTTEN AN TERSECTNAL, QUEER AF UPDATE WH JAM SWEENEY’S RLY FUNNY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BRISKLY PACED WH CRACKERJACK DIALOGUE (AND SHOT 4:3 RAT JT LIKE THOSE OLD-TIMEY GEMS), THE ACTOR-DIRECTOR'S NEW FILM TRACKS THE RELATNSHIP BETWEEN OBSSIVE-PULSIVE 20-SOMETHG TODD (SWEENEY, ABOVE RIGHT) AND SHARP ASPIRG ACTRS RORY (KATIE FDLAY, ABOVE LEFT). THE TWIST? TODD IS GAY, BUT HIS BAD EXPERIENC WH DATG AND AN AVERSN TO BODILY SECRETNS (PECIALLY POOP) HAVE LEFT HIM PONRG WHETHER A HETEROSEXUAL RELATNSHIP MIGHT WORK FOR HIM. HE IALLY KEEPS HIS QUEERNS A SECRET OM RORY, A MOVE THAT LEAV HIS IENDS AND ACQUATANC (CLUDG FORMER HEATHERS STARS JAM SCULLY AND BRENDAN SNNELL) TOTALLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;POSN:RELATIVE;PADDG-BOTTOM:56.49999999999999%;} .TWTER-TWEET-RENRED, {M-WIDTH:65%;WIDTH:TO !IMPORTANT;} {WIDTH:100%;} {MARG-LEFT:TO !IMPORTANT;MARG-RIGHT:TO !IMPORTANT;} IMG{MAX-WIDTH:100%;WIDTH:100%;} > IAME{BORR:NONE;MAX-WIDTH:100%;} > *{MAX-WIDTH:NONE !IMPORTANT;POSN:ABSOLUTE;HEIGHT:100% !IMPORTANT;WIDTH:100% !IMPORTANT;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WH HYSTERIL RIFFS ON ROM- MOVIE NVENTNS, SWEENEY’S WRY YET SWEET BUT FEATURE—BASED ON HIS 2015 SHORT, NORMAL DOORS , WHICH HE ADMS “IS PERSONAL BUT NOT TOBGRAPHIL”—IS SURE TO BE ANOTED AS ONE OF THE FUNNIT MOVI OF THE YEAR. NEWNOWNEXT UGHT UP WH THE ALASKA-BRED, HALF-ASIAN MULTI-HYPHENATE TO CHAT ALTER EGOS, MISADVENTUR DATG, AND HIS OWN EXPERIENC WH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HOW MUCH OF TODD IS DRAWN DIRECTLY OM YOU?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I KD OF FET WHERE TODD ME OM, BUT I THK HE’S A HYPERBOLE OF MYSELF, AN EMBELLISHMENT OF MY CHARACTERISTICS. HE WASN’T A CHARACTER I WAS STG WH. HE JT AROSE OUT OF MY IMAGATN AT THE SAME TIME RORY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TODD IS… TRATG. WOULD YOU WANT TO MURR HIM IF YOU MET HIM REAL LIFE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[LGHS] I WOULD NOT MURR ANYONE! BUT HE’S FELY PERSNICKETY. THAT’S PARTIALLY WHY I SAY THE FILM IS PERSONAL BUT NOT TOBGRAPHIL—BEE I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO THK I WOULD BE AS TERRIBLE AS TODD. THAT SAID, I HAVE A LOT OF LOVE FOR TODD, AND HE HAS A LOT OF GOOD QUALI THAT I DON’T, LIKE THE ABILY TO OK AND CLEAN. YOU TAKE THE GOOD WH THE BAD.STRAND RELEASGJAM SWEENEY (LEFT) AND KATIE FDLAY "STRAIGHT UP."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JAM SWEENEY (LEFT) AND KATIE FDLAY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SO THEN HOW MUCH OF RORY IS YOU?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A LOT! TODD AND RORY REPRENT MY NER SOCRATIC DIALOGUE, AND THAT’S WHY THEY PLEMENT EACH OTHER SO WELL. CERTA THGS SHE’S SAID, I’VE SAID, LIKE THE LE ABOUT "IF YOU SHOOT FOR THE MOON, EVEN IF YOU MISS YOU’LL LAND AMONG THE STARS." AND I GUS HER WHOLE MERCIAL ACTG ARC IS HOW I FELT ABOUT TRYG TO BE AN ACTOR L.A. I WAS ALWAYS DIRECTG AND WRG, SO I FELY RELATED TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WOULD YOU BE ANGRY IF YOU FOUND YOURSELF RORY’S SHO AND DATED A GUY WHO TURNED OUT TO BE STRAIGHT BUT HOPED THE GAY THG WOULD WORK BETTER FOR HIM?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I HAVE DATED BISEXUAL PEOPLE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SOMETIM PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO DATE THEM BEE OF . I DON’T THK THAT’S FAIR. IF TWO PEOPLE ARE RIGHT FOR EACH OTHER, THEY’RE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE’S BISEXUAL AND “BISEXUAL,” THOUGH. WHICH HAVE YOU ENUNTERED MORE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE BISEXUAL BUT ON THE WAY TO BEG GAY? I TRY TO TAKE PEOPLE AT FACE VALUE—IF THEY TELL ME THAT’S WHAT THEY ARE, I TRY TO BELIEVE THEM. I ALSO THK, AND WE SEE THIS A LTLE B THE THEM OF STRAIGHT UP, THAT THERE’S GAY AS A POLIL INTY—YOU KNOW, WHERE SERV A POLIL PURPOSE. BUT I KNOW PEOPLE WHO ARE "GAY" AND AAID TO SAY THEY STILL HAVE AN ATTRACTN TO WOMEN BEE THEY’D BE OSTRACIZED BY THEIR PEERS. THAT’S UNFORTUNATE—THAT WE HAVE TO CLG TO AN INTY SO MUCH, WE’RE EATG OUR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WAS G TO GRIPS WH YOUR SEXUALY A SMOOTH ROAD PARED TO TODD’S?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I’D SAY SO. I’M PROBABLY A LATE BLOOMER. I GREW UP ALASKA, SO THAT SAYS ENOUGH. I DIDN’T HAVE A BIG G OUT. IT WAS ONE PERSON, THEN ANOTHER. I GOT MYSELF TO THERAPY, READ THE VELVET RAGE, DID ALL THE WORK, AND HERE I AM!AMANDA EDWARDS/GETTY IMAGHOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: ACTOR, WRER AND DIRECTOR JAM SWEENEY ARRIV AT THE 2019 OUTFT LOS ANGEL LGBTQ FILM FTIVAL BREAKTHROUGH CENTERPIECE SCREENG OF "STRAIGHT UP" AT THE TCL CHE 6 THEATR ON JULY 23, 2019 HOLLYWOOD, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A FEW OTHER FILMS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN G THE 4:3 ASPECT RAT, CLUDG ROBERT EGGERS’ HOMOEROTIC MOVIE THE LIGHTHOE. WHY'D YOU CHOOSE TO E ?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A LOT OF WAYS TODD AND RORY ARE LIVG A BOX, AND YOU ULD ARGUE THAT SOME OF THEIR RELATNSHIP IS TAKEN OUT OF A 1930S HAYS CO–ERA MOVIE PLOT, WHICH IS WHEN THAT RAT WAS STANDARD. THEY NFORM TO THE MORN IAL BUT DON’T F, AND FEEL BOXED BY THAT. THEMATILLY THAT’S WHERE LANDS, BUT ALSO LENDS SELF ATHETILLY TO A LOT OF THE POSN AND SYMMETRY WE WERE TRYG TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YOU MANAGED TO GET A FEW FAIAR FAC THE FILM, CLUDG REDHEAD QUEER ACTOR AND EDIAN BRENDAN SNNELL, WHO SEEMS TO BE POPPG UP EVERYWHERE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS HE SHOULD BE! MY STG DIRECTOR IS ALSO A REDHEAD. WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE PALETTE OF THE FILM AND KEEPG CLIVE AND DIVERSE. SHE SAID, "CASTG GGERS IS DIVERSY," WHICH I THOUGHT WAS FUNNY. THEY ARE A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YOUR TRATN OVER BEG SGLE ALSO HELPED SPIRE STRAIGHT UP. WHAT’S THE MOST DISHEARTENG THG SOMEONE HAS SAID TO YOU WHILE YOU WERE DATG? ANYTHG THAT WAS AN STANT AL BREAKER?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FIRST THG TO E TO MD, AND I HOPE THEY DON’T READ THIS, IS A DATE WHERE THEY HAD LORED NTACTS. IT EAKED ME OUT. I N’T DATE SOMEBODY WH LORED NTACTS. IT WAS REALLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HOW DO YOU UALLY FD GUYS THE DAYS? THROUGH APPS? FILM CLUBS?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OH, ’S JT THE WORST! I’M SO CYNIL BUT ALSO A HOPELS ROMANTIC. I’VE BEEN ON THE APPS. RIGHT NOW I’M TRYG TO FOC ON OTHER THGS AND HOPG I’LL MEET SOMEBODY ANILLY. IF NOT, I’LL JT DIE ALONE.STRAND RELEASGJAM SWEENEY AND JAM SCULLY "STRAIGHT UP."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SWEENEY AND JAM SCULLY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SCE THE FILM PLAYED FTIVALS THIS SUMMER, HAS SERVED AS A SORT OF FLYPAPER FOR FOLKS WHO APPRECIATE YOUR W? OR AT LEAST SOME STARFUCKERS?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}NO. I THK PEOPLE WATCH THE FILM AND THK, HE’S CUTE, BUT I WOULDN’T WANT TO DATE THAT. LIKE, ’S TOO MUCH! BUT I ULD BE PROJECTG. THAT’S WHAT I’D THK IF I SAW THE FILM!{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I’VE GOT A FEATURE ABOUT TWS—A DARK EDY THAT I’M ALSO HOPG TO DIRECT AND -STAR . MAYBE WE’LL MAKE THIS YEAR. I ALSO HAVE A PILOT VELOPMENT. I’D ALSO LIKE TO WORK SCI-FI. I HAVE A LOT OF IAS THAT ARE BLACK MIRROR–QUE. AND I’D LIKE TO DO A THRILLER ONE DAY. WE’LL SEE WHAT LANDS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IF YOU HAD TO ST A DIFFERENT ACTOR TO PLAY YOUR ONSCREEN ALTER EGO ANOTHER MOVIE, WHO WOULD BE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I N’T EVEN NAME A YOUNGER HALF-ASIAN ACTOR! WE TRIED THAT WH STRAIGHT UP. LIKE, "WHO’S A MORE BANKABLE VERSN OF ME?" AND WE ULDN’T E UP WH A NAME, WHICH IS WHY I END UP PLAYG THAT ROLE. WHO’S A STRAIGHT VERSN OF ME? JOHN MULANEY? THE TWO PEOPLE I’VE BEEN PARED TO ARE JOHN MULANEY AND SETH MACFARLANE. I DON’T SEE , BUT I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT BY TWO OR THREE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SO WHERE ARE ALL THE GAY HALF-ASIAN ACTORS?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I DON’T KNOW. IT’LL MAYBE BE THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}STRAIGHT UP IS CURRENTLY PLAYG AT THE IFC THEATER NEW YORK CY AND OPENS MARCH 6 LOS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MA IMAGE: JAM SWEENEY (RIGHT) AND KATIE FDLAY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• STEP-BY-STEP INSTCTNS FOR SHOOTG YOUR SHOT WH GAY GUYS

"STRAIGHT UP" STAR JAM SWEENEY ON COMG OUT, BAD DAT, AND BI STIGMATHE ACTOR-DIRECTOR'S WTY NEW ROM- IS ABOUT A NROTIC GAY MAN WHO GETS VOLVED WH A WOMAN. HOW MUCH OF IS BASED ON HIS OWN LIFE?{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}MOVIBY LAWRENCE FERBERMARCH 3, 2020/8:37 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:2160PX;WIDTH:2880PX;}STRAND RELEASGKATIE FDLAY (LEFT) AND JAM SWEENEY "STRAIGHT UP."BY LAWRENCE FERBERMARCH 3, 2020 / 8:37 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"\"STRAIGHT UP\" STAR JAM SWEENEY ON COMG OUT, BAD DAT, AND BI STIGMA","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2020-03-03T13:37:36.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2020-03-03T13:37:36.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"LAWRENCE FERBER","ARTICLESECTN":"MOVI"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD SCREWBALL ROM-—THK HIS GIRL FRIDAY, BRGG UP BABY, AND IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT—HAS GOTTEN AN TERSECTNAL, QUEER AF UPDATE WH JAM SWEENEY’S RLY FUNNY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BRISKLY PACED WH CRACKERJACK DIALOGUE (AND SHOT 4:3 RAT JT LIKE THOSE OLD-TIMEY GEMS), THE ACTOR-DIRECTOR'S NEW FILM TRACKS THE RELATNSHIP BETWEEN OBSSIVE-PULSIVE 20-SOMETHG TODD (SWEENEY, ABOVE RIGHT) AND SHARP ASPIRG ACTRS RORY (KATIE FDLAY, ABOVE LEFT). THE TWIST? TODD IS GAY, BUT HIS BAD EXPERIENC WH DATG AND AN AVERSN TO BODILY SECRETNS (PECIALLY POOP) HAVE LEFT HIM PONRG WHETHER A HETEROSEXUAL RELATNSHIP MIGHT WORK FOR HIM. HE IALLY KEEPS HIS QUEERNS A SECRET OM RORY, A MOVE THAT LEAV HIS IENDS AND ACQUATANC (CLUDG FORMER HEATHERS STARS JAM SCULLY AND BRENDAN SNNELL) TOTALLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;POSN:RELATIVE;PADDG-BOTTOM:56.49999999999999%;} .TWTER-TWEET-RENRED, {M-WIDTH:65%;WIDTH:TO !IMPORTANT;} {WIDTH:100%;} {MARG-LEFT:TO !IMPORTANT;MARG-RIGHT:TO !IMPORTANT;} IMG{MAX-WIDTH:100%;WIDTH:100%;} > IAME{BORR:NONE;MAX-WIDTH:100%;} > *{MAX-WIDTH:NONE !IMPORTANT;POSN:ABSOLUTE;HEIGHT:100% !IMPORTANT;WIDTH:100% !IMPORTANT;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WH HYSTERIL RIFFS ON ROM- MOVIE NVENTNS, SWEENEY’S WRY YET SWEET BUT FEATURE—BASED ON HIS 2015 SHORT, NORMAL DOORS , WHICH HE ADMS “IS PERSONAL BUT NOT TOBGRAPHIL”—IS SURE TO BE ANOTED AS ONE OF THE FUNNIT MOVI OF THE YEAR. NEWNOWNEXT UGHT UP WH THE ALASKA-BRED, HALF-ASIAN MULTI-HYPHENATE TO CHAT ALTER EGOS, MISADVENTUR DATG, AND HIS OWN EXPERIENC WH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HOW MUCH OF TODD IS DRAWN DIRECTLY OM YOU?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I KD OF FET WHERE TODD ME OM, BUT I THK HE’S A HYPERBOLE OF MYSELF, AN EMBELLISHMENT OF MY CHARACTERISTICS. HE WASN’T A CHARACTER I WAS STG WH. HE JT AROSE OUT OF MY IMAGATN AT THE SAME TIME RORY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TODD IS… TRATG. WOULD YOU WANT TO MURR HIM IF YOU MET HIM REAL LIFE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[LGHS] I WOULD NOT MURR ANYONE! BUT HE’S FELY PERSNICKETY. THAT’S PARTIALLY WHY I SAY THE FILM IS PERSONAL BUT NOT TOBGRAPHIL—BEE I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO THK I WOULD BE AS TERRIBLE AS TODD. THAT SAID, I HAVE A LOT OF LOVE FOR TODD, AND HE HAS A LOT OF GOOD QUALI THAT I DON’T, LIKE THE ABILY TO OK AND CLEAN. YOU TAKE THE GOOD WH THE BAD.STRAND RELEASGJAM SWEENEY (LEFT) AND KATIE FDLAY "STRAIGHT UP."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JAM SWEENEY (LEFT) AND KATIE FDLAY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SO THEN HOW MUCH OF RORY IS YOU?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A LOT! TODD AND RORY REPRENT MY NER SOCRATIC DIALOGUE, AND THAT’S WHY THEY PLEMENT EACH OTHER SO WELL. CERTA THGS SHE’S SAID, I’VE SAID, LIKE THE LE ABOUT "IF YOU SHOOT FOR THE MOON, EVEN IF YOU MISS YOU’LL LAND AMONG THE STARS." AND I GUS HER WHOLE MERCIAL ACTG ARC IS HOW I FELT ABOUT TRYG TO BE AN ACTOR L.A. I WAS ALWAYS DIRECTG AND WRG, SO I FELY RELATED TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WOULD YOU BE ANGRY IF YOU FOUND YOURSELF RORY’S SHO AND DATED A GUY WHO TURNED OUT TO BE STRAIGHT BUT HOPED THE GAY THG WOULD WORK BETTER FOR HIM?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I HAVE DATED BISEXUAL PEOPLE, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SOMETIM PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO DATE THEM BEE OF . I DON’T THK THAT’S FAIR. IF TWO PEOPLE ARE RIGHT FOR EACH OTHER, THEY’RE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE’S BISEXUAL AND “BISEXUAL,” THOUGH. WHICH HAVE YOU ENUNTERED MORE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE BISEXUAL BUT ON THE WAY TO BEG GAY? I TRY TO TAKE PEOPLE AT FACE VALUE—IF THEY TELL ME THAT’S WHAT THEY ARE, I TRY TO BELIEVE THEM. I ALSO THK, AND WE SEE THIS A LTLE B THE THEM OF STRAIGHT UP, THAT THERE’S GAY AS A POLIL INTY—YOU KNOW, WHERE SERV A POLIL PURPOSE. BUT I KNOW PEOPLE WHO ARE "GAY" AND AAID TO SAY THEY STILL HAVE AN ATTRACTN TO WOMEN BEE THEY’D BE OSTRACIZED BY THEIR PEERS. THAT’S UNFORTUNATE—THAT WE HAVE TO CLG TO AN INTY SO MUCH, WE’RE EATG OUR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WAS G TO GRIPS WH YOUR SEXUALY A SMOOTH ROAD PARED TO TODD’S?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I’D SAY SO. I’M PROBABLY A LATE BLOOMER. I GREW UP ALASKA, SO THAT SAYS ENOUGH. I DIDN’T HAVE A BIG G OUT. IT WAS ONE PERSON, THEN ANOTHER. I GOT MYSELF TO THERAPY, READ THE VELVET RAGE, DID ALL THE WORK, AND HERE I AM!AMANDA EDWARDS/GETTY IMAGHOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: ACTOR, WRER AND DIRECTOR JAM SWEENEY ARRIV AT THE 2019 OUTFT LOS ANGEL LGBTQ FILM FTIVAL BREAKTHROUGH CENTERPIECE SCREENG OF "STRAIGHT UP" AT THE TCL CHE 6 THEATR ON JULY 23, 2019 HOLLYWOOD, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A FEW OTHER FILMS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN G THE 4:3 ASPECT RAT, CLUDG ROBERT EGGERS’ HOMOEROTIC MOVIE THE LIGHTHOE. WHY'D YOU CHOOSE TO E ?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A LOT OF WAYS TODD AND RORY ARE LIVG A BOX, AND YOU ULD ARGUE THAT SOME OF THEIR RELATNSHIP IS TAKEN OUT OF A 1930S HAYS CO–ERA MOVIE PLOT, WHICH IS WHEN THAT RAT WAS STANDARD. THEY NFORM TO THE MORN IAL BUT DON’T F, AND FEEL BOXED BY THAT. THEMATILLY THAT’S WHERE LANDS, BUT ALSO LENDS SELF ATHETILLY TO A LOT OF THE POSN AND SYMMETRY WE WERE TRYG TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YOU MANAGED TO GET A FEW FAIAR FAC THE FILM, CLUDG REDHEAD QUEER ACTOR AND EDIAN BRENDAN SNNELL, WHO SEEMS TO BE POPPG UP EVERYWHERE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS HE SHOULD BE! MY STG DIRECTOR IS ALSO A REDHEAD. WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE PALETTE OF THE FILM AND KEEPG CLIVE AND DIVERSE. SHE SAID, "CASTG GGERS IS DIVERSY," WHICH I THOUGHT WAS FUNNY. THEY ARE A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YOUR TRATN OVER BEG SGLE ALSO HELPED SPIRE STRAIGHT UP. WHAT’S THE MOST DISHEARTENG THG SOMEONE HAS SAID TO YOU WHILE YOU WERE DATG? ANYTHG THAT WAS AN STANT AL BREAKER?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FIRST THG TO E TO MD, AND I HOPE THEY DON’T READ THIS, IS A DATE WHERE THEY HAD LORED NTACTS. IT EAKED ME OUT. I N’T DATE SOMEBODY WH LORED NTACTS. IT WAS REALLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HOW DO YOU UALLY FD GUYS THE DAYS? THROUGH APPS? FILM CLUBS?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OH, ’S JT THE WORST! I’M SO CYNIL BUT ALSO A HOPELS ROMANTIC. I’VE BEEN ON THE APPS. RIGHT NOW I’M TRYG TO FOC ON OTHER THGS AND HOPG I’LL MEET SOMEBODY ANILLY. IF NOT, I’LL JT DIE ALONE.STRAND RELEASGJAM SWEENEY AND JAM SCULLY "STRAIGHT UP."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SWEENEY AND JAM SCULLY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SCE THE FILM PLAYED FTIVALS THIS SUMMER, HAS SERVED AS A SORT OF FLYPAPER FOR FOLKS WHO APPRECIATE YOUR W? OR AT LEAST SOME STARFUCKERS?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}NO. I THK PEOPLE WATCH THE FILM AND THK, HE’S CUTE, BUT I WOULDN’T WANT TO DATE THAT. LIKE, ’S TOO MUCH! BUT I ULD BE PROJECTG. THAT’S WHAT I’D THK IF I SAW THE FILM!{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I’VE GOT A FEATURE ABOUT TWS—A DARK EDY THAT I’M ALSO HOPG TO DIRECT AND -STAR . MAYBE WE’LL MAKE THIS YEAR. I ALSO HAVE A PILOT VELOPMENT. I’D ALSO LIKE TO WORK SCI-FI. I HAVE A LOT OF IAS THAT ARE BLACK MIRROR–QUE. AND I’D LIKE TO DO A THRILLER ONE DAY. WE’LL SEE WHAT LANDS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IF YOU HAD TO ST A DIFFERENT ACTOR TO PLAY YOUR ONSCREEN ALTER EGO ANOTHER MOVIE, WHO WOULD BE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I N’T EVEN NAME A YOUNGER HALF-ASIAN ACTOR! WE TRIED THAT WH STRAIGHT UP. LIKE, "WHO’S A MORE BANKABLE VERSN OF ME?" AND WE ULDN’T E UP WH A NAME, WHICH IS WHY I END UP PLAYG THAT ROLE. WHO’S A STRAIGHT VERSN OF ME? JOHN MULANEY? THE TWO PEOPLE I’VE BEEN PARED TO ARE JOHN MULANEY AND SETH MACFARLANE. I DON’T SEE , BUT I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT BY TWO OR THREE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SO WHERE ARE ALL THE GAY HALF-ASIAN ACTORS?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}I DON’T KNOW. IT’LL MAYBE BE THE NEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}STRAIGHT UP IS CURRENTLY PLAYG AT THE IFC THEATER NEW YORK CY AND OPENS MARCH 6 LOS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MA IMAGE: JAM SWEENEY (RIGHT) AND KATIE FDLAY STRAIGHT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

Sweeney plays Todd, who has been lled gay sce bulli tnted him fourth gra. He has always bought to the ia that he mt be gay bee he is a b lite and very precise, cludg stggl wh OCD pulsns about cleanls. Now an adult who has never had a sexual or a romantic relatnship, Todd wonrs if beg gay means more than beg perceived as effemate at age ne.

Ryr tells him, "You n't jt ci to be straight bee you don't like the gay people you are meetg. His OCD and general aversn to all bodily fluids has left him wh a arth of rnal experienc, and he begs to qutn his label of "gay. " Jt as some people feel they've been flted wh the label of "straight" at birth, Todd wonrs whether the "gay" label may have also been imposed upon him whout his own personal choice or exploratn of his entire selfhood.

His iends dismiss his ncerns out of hand and sist that he is gay — further exemplifyg the pot that even though Todd is clearly unsure of his own sexual affi, those around him sist they are certa. Todd is gay, but his bad experienc wh datg and an aversn to bodily secretns (pecially poop) have left him ponrg whether a heterosexual relatnship might work for him.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTCTNS FOR SHOOTG YOUR SHOT WH GAY GUYS

I was always directg and wrg, so I fely related to you be angry if you found yourself Rory’s sho and dated a guy who turned out to be straight but hoped the gay thg would work better for him? Like people who are bisexual but on the way to beg gay?

I also thk, and we see this a ltle b the them of Straight Up, that there’s gay as a polil inty—you know, where serv a polil purpose.

But I know people who are "gay" and aaid to say they still have an attractn to women bee they’d be ostracized by their peers.

A few other films over the past few years have been g the 4:3 aspect rat, cludg Robert Eggers’ homoerotic movie The Lighthoe. I don’t see , but I’ve been told that by two or three where are all the gay half-Asian actors? Todd has failed to form any romantic nnectns and starts to wonr if he might be bisexual as opposed to his current stat of homosexualy.

Before the events of the film, he had nsired himself gay, but now, he is startg to wonr if that was somethg that he had ndned himself to believe whout explorg other avenu.

If there was any qutn about Todd’s gayns, is cleared up as his relatnship wh Rory progrs. He has stopped wonrg jt how gay he is, and he se himself spendg the rt of his life wh Rory. He uld be gay, he uld be bi, he uld also be asexual.

• I don’t have any reason to spect that he is gay or even bi. • Could a straight guy get dnk enough to fool around wh another guy jt bee “felt good”, or is more likely that he has some gay/bi/cur feelgs that perhaps he’s been reprsg? Even acuntg for the fact that he might remember some of what happened, don't mean he's bisexual, secretly gay, or that you're his magil "exceptn." He was dnk out of his md.