Roy Cohn/Jack Smith

Roy Cohn/Jack Smith is a seminal movie released in 1994 that showcases the acting prowess of Ron Vawter and Coco McPherson. The film is a deep, intense and thought-provoking comment on two contrasting personalities from different aspects of American society, particularly focusing on their connection to queer history and modern identity politics.

The movie ingeniously blends elements of theater and cinema, encapsulating a rich and vibrant script that is performed exceptionally well by Vawter and McPherson, under the brilliant direction of Jill Godmilow. Ron Vawter, known for his gripping performances and versatility, takes on the challenging task of portraying two vastly different characters in a tour-de-force performance. The central theme presents an engaging exploration of queer culture, alongside the individual idiosyncrasies, complexities, and struggles of the leading characters.

To understand this movie, one must know the backdrop of the dichotomous personalities it represents. The first part of the film introduces us to the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, who worked as Senator Joseph McCarthy’s right-hand man during the Red Scare in the 1950s. Cohn was a closeted gay man whose life was embroiled in controversy, scandal, and intimidation tactics. He is remembered for his aggressive stance against communism and his pivotal role in the prosecution and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. The film doesn't shy away from highlighting Cohn's personal paradoxes, particularly how he spearheaded the homophobic agenda while himself being a closeted gay man.

The second part of the film delicately shifts the narrative emphasis onto a brighter and flamboyant character, Jack Smith, portrayed with equal distinction by Vawter, breaking away from the sardonic world of Roy Cohn. Smith is known for his prominent role in the underground cinema and is recognized as a pioneering figure in New York's experimental filmmaking scene of the 1960s. A radical artist and celebrated performer, Smith embraced his queerness quite openly, a stark contrast to Cohn's hidden sexuality. His reprise of the legendary one-person performance piece "What's Underground About Marshmallows?" is used in the narrative to shed light on his unconventionality and eccentricity.

This dual portrayal by Vawter is not an attempt to compare or contrast these figures but to draw upon the broader social, cultural, and psychological aspects of their disparate lives. Director Godmilow exploits this dualism to deliver a densely layered narrative, drawing connections, often surprising ones, between the two characters that delve into the intricacies of public and private personas, their sexuality, their clandestine turmoil, and their disparate approaches to coping with the AIDS crisis, which ultimately claimed both of their lives.

Underpinning the narrative is Coco McPherson in a supporting yet pivotal role. Her character provides perspective, ensuring the narrative doesn’t become overwhelmingly consumed by the larger-than-life characters of Roy and Jack. McPherson lends an air of authenticity to the narrative thread, thereby enriching the cinematic experience.

The film delves into the inherent human struggle with personal identity and social acceptance, framed within the context of the relentless AIDS epidemic. While Ron Vawter channels empathy, humor, and pathos in his portrayal of Cohn and Smith, the film raises important questions about power, oppression, self-expression, and survival in challenging times. It's a captivating watch, not just for its performances, but for how it juxtaposes the complexities and contradictions that exist in individual lives.

Roy Cohn/Jack Smith is a fascinating blend of drama and documentary, bringing together two cultural worlds and two complex individuals in an engaging, emotionally stirring narrative. The film, coupled with Vawter's exceptional performance, is an impactful cinematic evaluation of the complex exploration of human identities, conveying an eloquent soliloquy that carries a lasting resonance.

In conclusion, Roy Cohn/Jack Smith is more than a movie. It's a journey into the complex realm of personal identity, societal roles, sexuality, and the intrinsic need for acceptance and understanding. It breaks the barriers of conventional cinematic narratives to present an artistic and sophisticated representation of two strikingly different yet interconnected lives. With its provocative story arc and exceptional performances, this film stands as a testament to the power of cinema in capturing and retelling individual experiences and societal issues.