Rules of the Game 1998
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Producer n/a
Directed by Jörg Fockele
VHS, color and b&, 50 min.
Jr. High - Sr. High
Gay and Lesbian Studies, Gender Studies, Adolescence
Date Entered: 08/06/2004
Reviewed by Cindy Badilla-Melendez, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MNFour young people tell their stories of being gay. These four individuals belong to the Hetrick-Martin Institute in New York which was founded in 1979 by Emery S. Hetrick, psychiatrist, and A. Damien Martin, university professor. The Institute provides social support and programming for all at-risk youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (“LGBTQ”) youth from the ages 12 to 21.
Each individual tells his/her story of the difficult times they had “coming out,” telling their parents and their friends about their orientation, growing up gay, and why they left their homes.
There are several videos focused on gay youth that are far more interesting. Compared to the title Out: Stories of Lesbian and Gay Youth (Filmakers Library), which is far more informative, Rules of the Game lacks depth and intensity, drags on with loud music and quite frankly, is boring.
The picture and sound quality are very good. It would be most suitable for high schools and is not recommended for higher education.