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Chris & Don: A Love Story
- Director: Tina Mascara; Guido Santi
- Producer: Julia Alexander; Martina Battistich
CGiii Comment
This is difficult - on one level it's a love story, cutely remembered by an old man. On another level it is the story of child abuse, and the abuse of a wealthy man.
Don may come over as a talentless old painter but deep down he is a cunning, manipulative old f&*ker - who abused his own life for money and vicarious fame.
Joseph Cotton obviously didn't like the man - he saw him as a parasite and that is exactly what he is.
A contemptible subject.
An illuminating documentary.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Depicts the remarkable life of artist Don Bachardy and his relationship with the distinguished writer Christopher Isherwood. Includes footage shot by Chris and Don in the 1950s and interviews with Leslie Caron, John Boorman, Liza Minnelli, and others. Isherwood and Bachardy were open about their life together, regardless of the waves it caused. This was during a period when gay relationships were not acceptable. The age difference in their relationship brought obvious personal problems that had to be addressed. Don often felt disregarded by Chris's famous friends and frequently was. Nevertheless, Bachardy pursued his art career with great energy, painting and drawing every day. Finding a vocation gave Don a sense of fulfillment and independence. He began to realize that he could function independently, which made him question whether he wanted to stay with Isherwood.
Cast & Characters
W.H. Auden as Himself;
Don Bachardy as Himself - Narrator;
Ted Bachardy as Himself;
James Berg as Himself;
John Boorman as Himself;
Paul Bowles as Himself;
Katherine Bucknell as Herself;
Leslie Caron as Herself;
Eduardo Correia as Ahmed;
E.M. Forster as Himself;
Chris Freman as Himself;
Charlie Gordon as First Dinner Guest;
Kenneth Grimes as Paul Bowles;
Sara S. Hodson as Herself;
Evelyn Hooker as Herself