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Back to top Overview

Title A normal life Year 2003
Director Dewey Moss Writer Dewey Moss
Country USA Language English
Cast Kelly AuCoin, Dewey Moss, Barney Fitzpatrick, Zack Savage, Colette Duvall, Eric Christie, Gwendolyn Saska-Brown, Amy Raudenbush, Stephanie Mnookin, Shaun Sheley, Fernando Arze
Movie links Official site
Videoclips
Trailer Quicktime
Comments from Dewey Moss (the director/writer/actor):
On creating "A normal life" Small Large
On casting "A normal life" Small Large
On directing "A normal life" Small Large

Back to top Synopsis

Josh (Kelly AuCoin) is a gay man tortured with the guilt of what he perceives to be the mistakes of his past. Raised in a traditional, blue-collar family, he has tried to live up to the expectations of the dominant force in his life - his father Jack (Barney Fitzpatrick) - by marrying, having a child, continuing the family business - living the normal life.

Much to the dismay of his family, Josh is now divorced and living with his lover, Ben (Dewey Moss). When tragedy strikes the family, Josh's six year old son, Nolan (Zack Savage), comes to live with him.

As Josh comes to terms with being a father, the influences around him grow stronger and begin to conflict in a heated battle.

Ben grows attached to little Nolan and wants to raise him with Josh. Josh's sister, Nancy (Colette Duvall), is unable to have children and wants desparately to be a part of the child's life.

Jack sees an opportunity to help Josh find his way, and begins to pressure Josh to "do the right thing" - to give up his son to Nancy and her husband, Bobby (Eric Christie), so that the child may have a chance to live 'A Normal Life'.

Back to top Gay Interest

A man has to choose between being a gay parent, or giving up his son as his family wants.

Back to top Personal review

I saw this at a prescreening focus group in New York City. It's a low budget film, but one of the best I've ever seen. A lot of times the subjects in gay movies are trite, or even worse the acting is horrific.

This features incredible, real performances - especially from the movie's two leads, Kelly AuCoin and Dewey Moss, and the situation is very powerful.

I don't think I've ever seen a movie that was brave enough to show real aspects of gay life - the good and the bad - and how difficult it still is for some guys to live as a gay man.

This is the kind of movies that we should be watching and showing to all of our straight friends!

Written by: Jeremy Balucci

Back to top Quotes

Jack [to Josh about Nolan]: Do you really want him growing up like this? He'll never have a normal life. Never!

Jack [to Ellen, his wife]: My grandson is not going to grow up like this.

Josh [to Ben]: Pop's right. He's right, Ben. I can't raise him. It's not the right thing....he's gonna grow up in a real family.

Nancy [to Bobby]: He sits around for years and ruins my best friend's life, and I'm supposed to be fine with that... so by all means, let's give him and his boyfriend time to get used to having a child around that he doesn't even want!

Josh [to Nancy]: So I was thinkin'....I think...uh...I think it would be really good if Nolan came to live with you and Bobby.

Back to top Pictures

Kelley AuCoin as Josh Dewey Moss as Ben Josh and Ben Josh tries to teach Nolan how to play baseball A family dinner Josh leaves family dinner with Nolan Zack Savage as Nolan

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