9/27/12

Lesbian Film Review - Desert Hearts

Desert Hearts came out back in 1985, almost twenty-seven years ago. It may be the first film to portray a happy lesbian ending - both women ride into the sunset together, alive, not apart, and not with a man on one arm or the other.


The story surrounds Vivian Bell, played by Helen Shaver, an elegant, sophisticated, Columbia University professor who has begun a six-week residency in Nevada while waiting to obtain a divorce. She has taken up temporary residence at a guest ranch in Reno for women seeking divorce (who knew?). Her host at the ranch is Frances, an older, single woman still grieving, (and drinking) for the man she had an affair with many years ago. Frances's brashness comes across as butch, but she's not the lesbian in this pic.

Vivian is cautious and seemingly cold but her lawyer is surprised by her requests for an end to her marriage without alimony or any form of restitution. She calmly explains that she is ending her marriage because she's seeking more in life, in love, and a relationship. She states her desire for these things but without the belief in their possibility.


Cay is a gangly, energetic, and brown-eyed, 25 year-old that we meet as she comes flying down the highway in a convertible shouting a conversation to Frances before driving off in the opposite direction.  Cay is openly (yet cautiously) lesbian. She is also the daughter of the man Frances has been grieving for and lives at the ranch with the other women. Upon meeting Vivian, Cay is clearly drawn in. The two spend time together, shopping and talking. Cay is full of compliments, and advances though Vivian seems somewhat oblivious - she is a woman used to being pursued. We see from these interactions Vivian's guard begin to come down. She is warm, potentially brave and beautiful.

Over time Cay's desire for Vivian gets the attention of Frances who promptly kicks Vivian out of the house. Although Frances loves Cay, she seems jealous and disapproves of her sexual pursuits, especially with the educated and affected woman she believes Vivian to be. Vivian's departure from the ranch is awkward and frustrating. Cay makes a spectacle and Vivian wants to hide away, avoiding contact with Cay and taking up residence at a nearby hotel.

Cay, ever diligent and naive continues her pursuit and eventually pushes her way into Vivian's hotel room. Vivian paces around the hotel room, nervously avoiding eye contact while trying to persuade Cay to leave. When she does finally look at Cay she sees her waiting, naked; resolved to stay. From here we watch Vivian unravel into a sexual awakening, into fear, into love, and into ecstasy.  As far as lesbian sex scenes go, this one is lovely. Helen Shaver beautifully portrays every element of Vivian's fearful desire; every touch is felt, and every moment is registered.  The two women shut the world away and become one, exploring each other for days, never seeming to leave each other's arms.

As they emerge from their lovemaking their circumstances as lesbians in 1950's rural America becomes more palpable. Both women exhibit courage as they try to figure out what happens next. Vivian's divorce is final and she is needed back at school. Cay escorts her to the train station and as they prepare to say goodbye Vivian invites Cay to escape with her to New York. Without luggage or preparation Cay accepts,  and in the final moments of the film she boards the train at Vivian's side.



Yes this movie is over twenty years old, but it still resonates as a true and honest portrayal of lesbian love. If you can get beyond the saturated colors of the film, dated hair and wardrobe, and the awkward, often inferior acting of Patricia Charbonneau (Cay), you will surely get drawn in. Helen Shaver as Vivian is great, and the sweeping landscape of the American West frames the film beautifully. To top it off the film has a great soundtrack of Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash (just to name a few).

According to director Donna Dietch's website, a sequel is in the works...


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