Common Ground (2000)

Common Ground Poster

This movie contains three short stories dealing with the theme of homosexuality. In "A Friend of Dorothy", a woman joins the Navy during the 1950's and discovers lesbianism. In "Mr. Roberts", a teacher in a 1970's classroom struggles with his closeted gay status. Finally in "Amos and Andy", a father wrestles with his own emotional acceptance of a present day wedding between his son and another man.

Film Intro
"Common Ground" is a three-part television movie directed by Donna Deitch and based upon a trio of narratives collated by the prominent openly gay author, Paul Monette. The film, launched in the year 2000, is divided into 3 sectors, each recording unique periods and favorable developments relating to gay rights in America.

The Plot
The narrative focuses on the fictional town of Homer, Connecticut, revealing its development from the 1950s to the 1980s regarding attitudes towards homosexuality. Each of the three parts is embeded in various durations, with its own set of characters exploring numerous themes incorporating homosexuality.

Section 1: A Friend of Dorothy
The very first episode, "A Friend of Dorothy", composed by Paula Vogel, focuses on Dorothy Nelson, a young woman who returns to her hometown after serving in the Navy, just to recognize that she's a lesbian. Dorothy's struggle to fit into society while accepting her own sexuality forms the very first segment's essence. The sector showcases the hostility and intolerance towards homosexuality during the 1950s.

Sector 2: Mr. Roberts
"Mr. Roberts", the second sector drops through the 1970s period. This part focuses on the character Robert, a former World War II soldier who has actually suppressed his homosexuality for many years. When he ends up being the principal of a secondary school, he subsequently faces examination and bias for designating a gay teacher. However, this leads him to take a stand versus the narrow-minded bigotry, opening up a fresh theological and social dispute within the community.

Segment 3: Amos and Andy
The final segment, "Amos and Andy", is embeded in the 1980s where two gay men, one a previous footballer, transfer to Homer to live a peaceful life. Their serene existence is interfered with when they respond to the homophobic local clergy. This courageous act places them in the center of virulent debate and vindication, showing the altering times.

Cast
The movie takes pride in a sterling ensemble with efficiencies by Steven Weber, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Brittany Murphy, James Le Gros, Helen Shaver, Mimi Rogers, Margot Kidder, Beau Bridges, and Jason Priestley, to name a few.

Message
Over these 3 engaging stories, "Common Ground" provides a reflective chronicle about the fight for acceptance and equality for homosexuality. From the stifling intolerance of the 1950s to the relative approval in the 1980s, the movie showcases an American society gradually changing its understanding about homosexuality. In the end, "Common Ground" highlights the importance of love, acceptance, and equality, with an enthusiastic note for a more tolerant and inclusive future.

Conclusion
"Common Ground", with its three unique however interconnected stories, offers a poignant, compelling narrative about the slowly changing attitudes to homosexuality. It brilliantly encapsulates the historic journey of acceptance and tolerance towards homosexuality. The movie effectively outlines the social shifts of attitudes, painting a historic picture of the struggle for gay rights and liberation. It offers audiences with a thought-provoking, moving, and ultimately confident perspective on the journey of LGBTQ+ approval in society.

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