Stonewell

Author(s): Brian Kress
Location: N/A

Director: Todd Field (In the Bedroom, Little Children)
Screenplay: Alexander Payne (Sideways, About Schmidt)
Cinematography: Phedon Papamichael (Sideways, Walk the Line)
Production Design: John Myhre (Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago, Ali, Elizabeth)

Principal Cast:

1. Raymond DiMarzo, a young gay man – Ian Somerhalder
2. Ramona DiMarzo, Raymond’s mother – Kathy Bates
3. Jack Harlin, Raymond’s boyfriend - Ryan Gosling
4. Albert Felch, a New York City police officer – John. C Reilly
5. Maureen Felch, Albert’s wife – Marcia Gay Harden
6. Kenneth Felch, Albert’s brother – William H. Macy

Tagline: “June 27, 1969 – the beginning of change"

Synopsis: Summer 1969. The 20-year-old Raymond DiMarzo (Ian Somerhalder) lives in the heart of Little Italy in Manhattan with his widowed mother, Ramona (Kathy Bates). She works long hours at a textile factory to support them, while he works at a local market. At night, unbeknownst to his mother, Ray lives his true life in the gay bars of Greenwich Village with his boyfriend Jack Harlin (Ryan Gosling). On June 27, Ray goes to a popular homosexual spot, the Stonewall Inn. At 1:40 AM New York City police officers show up to raid the club – a relatively common practice throughout the 60’s. Something goes wrong, and the bar erupts into a brawl – rioting ensues. For the next three nights, the Stonewall Riots would go down in history as nearly 2,000 homosexuals in New York City riot in the streets of Greenwich Village, outraged by the way they had been treated by police for decades. Ray and Jack riot along with the crowds. On the third night of rioting, Ray is brutally beaten by police officers.

Told concurrently is the story of Albert Felch (John C. Reilly), a hard-working, good man with a loving wife (Marcia Gay Harden) and family. He is also a New York City police officer called to control the Stonewall riots. While there, he encounters his brother, Kenneth (William H. Macy), among the homosexual rioters.

In the aftermath of the Stonewall riots, a severely injured Ray is hospitalized as his boyfriend Jack is the one who must break the news to Ray’s deeply religious mother.

Albert completely disowns his brother, however his compassionate wife (Harden) goes against her husband’s wishes and continues to meet and talk with Kenneth.

As the film ends, Ray comes home to confront his mother, while Albert must come to terms with his brother’s sexuality.

What the press would say:

A touching story of love, family and relationships set against the tumultuous backdrop of the summer of 1969, STONEWALL is a complete triumph. Leading man Ian Somerhalder seizes the breakout role of his career, and plays it to perfection, capturing passion, angst and love. John C. Reilly’s portrayal of Albert Felch is heartbreaking – one of the best performances seen on screen this year. He brings the depths of Albert’s soul to the screen – we can see that he is homophobic not because he hates, but because he does not understand, a daunting feat for a controversial subject matter. Kathy Bates gives a truthful, beautiful performance as the hard-edged but loving Ramona, while William H. Macy is brilliant (as always) in his portrayal of Kenneth Felch. Ryan Gosling shines in his first confrontation with Kathy Bates – their interaction is flawless. Marcia Gay Harden’s role, albeit small, stands out as a truly memorable character in the film.

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Todd Field
Best Original Screenplay: Alexander Payne
Best Actor: Ian Somerhalder
Best Actor: John C. Reilly
Best Supporting Actress: Kathy Bates
Best Supporting Actor: William H. Macy