Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel (2000)

Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel Poster

In 1970s Atlanta, a diminutive gay man tries to find succor from the small-town religion that filled him with self-loathing. He meets Miss Make-Do, who teaches him the fun of reckless behavior and emotional management via getting higher than a kite. The film features a host of cameos from John Ritter, Marilu Henner, Kathy Kinney and others.

Summary of "Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel"
"Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel" is a 2000 indie movie directed by Julia Jay Pierrepont III, based upon the autobiographical book by Leslie Jordan, who also wrote the screenplay and stars in the movie. The motion picture provides a depiction of the American South throughout the 1960s through the lens of a young, effeminate kid, and discuss themes such as identity, social standards, and the struggle for approval.

Plot
The story is framed around the adult protagonist reviewing his past from the perspective of his contemporary situation at the titular Pershing Point Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The primary narrative follows the young boy, played by Jordan, as he matures in a conservative Southern neighborhood coping his identity and sexuality.

From the outset, the lead character understands his difference from other boys, experiencing early on the confusion and isolation that accompany his rejection, or failure, to conform to the expectations positioned upon him. He is raised in an environment filled with inconsistent messages about morality and habits, and in spite of the overbearing atmosphere, he starts a journey of self-discovery.

Characters and Performances
Leslie Jordan provides a poignant efficiency as the protagonist, whose flamboyant character and witty viewpoint bring both humor and depth to the often awful scenarios of his life. The movie provides an abundant gallery of characters, each representing the diverse attitudes of the time, from deeply discriminative to silently encouraging. Supporting efficiencies include texture and complexity to the story, producing an engaging picture of the world in which the lead character must browse.

Styles and Social Commentary
"Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel" delves into the difficulties of growing up gay in a mid-20th-century conservative Southern society. It addresses head-on the pain and absurdity of the societal needs to follow a narrow idea of normalcy. Beyond the protagonist's personal struggles, the film also touches on more comprehensive issues like bigotry, homophobia, and the suppressing grip of custom on private flexibilities.

Moreover, the film doesn't shy away from the self-destructive courses one may take when confronted with relatively insurmountable challenges. Through its tragic-comic lens, the movie reflects a complex, often harsh world while still finding moments of levity and resilience.

Creative Style and Direction
Pierrepont's direction infuses the film with a dreamlike quality that underscores the surreal experiences of the primary character's life. The artistic style is marked by a gritty, unpolished visual common of indie films of the duration, which assists ground the somewhat whimsical narrative in a palpable reality.

The use of commentary narration is a key element, enabling viewers to get in touch with the inner thoughts of the protagonist and offering insight into his complex psychological landscape. The contrast in between the colorful internal world and the grim external truths helps stress the dichotomy the primary character faces.

Reception and Legacy
"Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel" got mixed evaluations upon its release. Some critics applauded the film for its genuine storytelling and Jordan's performance, while others found it too uneven or detached to fully engage with the challenging product it sought to confront. In spite of the combined important reception, the film has actually amassed a cult following, especially amongst audiences who resonate with its portrayal of an outsider coming to grips with his identity against a backdrop of intolerance.

In conclusion, "Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel" stands as an intimate account of one male's experience with the complexities of maturing different in a time and location where conformity was the standard. It provides an honest, often raw look at the search for self in a world resistant to alter.

Top Cast

  • Leslie Jordan (small)
    Leslie Jordan
    Storyteller
  • Erin Chandler (small)
    Erin Chandler
    Miss Make Do
  • Mark Pellegrino (small)
    Mark Pellegrino
    Tripper
  • John Ritter (small)
    John Ritter
    Christian Therapist
  • Karen Austin (small)
    Karen Austin
    Pierrepoint Summers
  • Marilu Henner (small)
    Marilu Henner
    Mother
  • Michelle Phillips (small)
    Michelle Phillips
    DeeDee Westbrook
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph (small)
    Sheryl Lee Ralph
    Nurse
  • Kathy Kinney (small)
    Kathy Kinney
    Red Neck Nurse
  • Adam Wylie (small)
    Adam Wylie
    Duane Striker
  • Arthur Hiller (small)
    Arthur Hiller
    Evangelist