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Rating:  - A Portrait of Unrequited Love
"Making Love" is a portrait of unrequited love. After their first torrid, sexual encounter, Zack (Michael Ontkean) fell in love with Bart (Harry Hamlin), but Bart did not want a relationship with him (or anyone for that matter). Claire (Kate Jackson) was married to and in love with Zack, but Zack revealed he was attracted to men and no longer desired her sexually--the perfect setting for a drama about unrequited love.
I thought the three leading characters turned in wooden performances. I felt the acting was best during the last five minutes of the film when, after years of separation, Zack (Ontkean) and Claire (Jackson) met at the funeral of a mutual friend. When Zack told Claire he had to leave soon to return to New York (he was a doctor at a prestigious hospital), she invited him to follow her home on his way to the airport so that he could meet her husband (an architect) and young son. Zack accepted her invitation, which was good because he saw for himself that Claire had indeed survived their break-up and found love once again. She had married a good man--Larry--one who cherished her and gave her the child she desired. Larry assured Zack that he would take good care of Claire.
Claire walked Zack to his car as he was leaving for the airport. She asked him if he had found someone special as well. He told her he had--another man. When she asked him if he was happy, Zack replied that he was. At this point, Claire reached up and gently caressed his cheek. It was such an intimate, bittersweet moment. While looking into each others' eyes, Zack moved his face into Claire's hand with the same tenderness and affection he displayed when they were together. It was apparent that, although there was no longer a sexual connection between them, they still loved each other and were now free emotionally to move on with their lives. This is the part where I break down in uncontrollable tears each time I watch this movie. I bought the DVD so that I could rewind the last five minutes over and over again and have a good cry. (Women love a good cry every now and then; it's so cathartic.)
I initially gave "Making Love" three stars, but after viewing it in Spanish with English subtitles, I feel it rates at least four. The Spanish dialogue is better-acted than the English version. Lastly, Michael Ontkean is so outrageously handsome that if someone were to make a two-hour film of him just standing before a camera, I would be the first one in line to watch it. I would buy the DVD, too.
Rating:  - IT WAS A MUCH NEEDED MOVIE. WHAT A CLASSIC!
'Making Love' (along with Personal Best) opened in threaters at a time when positive LGBTQ movies were unheard of...at least in threaters. If you are a collector of LGBTQ (especially pioneering) movies, then this should be on your shelf. At the time of its release, the LGBTQ communities around the world were estatic, because this movie was being shown to the general public. It was advertised along with all of the other blockbusters. This isn't just a 'B' gay themed movie. It is an exceptionally well made movie. Finally, we could go to a movie and be the majority with regard to the audience.
Rating: - The actors delivered a decent performance, particularly Jackson and Hamlin
If this movie were to be released this day in age, I doubt it would get much attention. But it very well may have been considered cutting-edge and enlightening for its time (early 80's). I felt that it could have focused more on the development of the struggle between the husband and wife after she finds out he is involved with another man. It seemed as though that revelation was rather late in the movie-- and the emotional recovery time for them was a little impractical under the circumstances. That being said, the actors delivered very decent performances in light of what they had to work with. Kate Jackson always delivers well and Harry Hamlin did a particularly fine job with what was probably a very difficult and controversial role for him to take on at the time.
Rating: - One of the greatest and most mature movies made about love ever.A gay classic!
This movie has aged like fine wine.A sensetive and mature look at gay relationships,and how gay men find themselves and there place in our society.This movie touched me deeply.I can't watch this movie even now without crying.This movie has three of the most honest character portrayal's of love I have ever seen in any movie.
Making love can touch anyone,gay or straight.Love is universal.
Beautiful 16:9 transfer,and wonderful sound really bring this classic to life.For a super low price.
Rating: - A Perfect Movie, Sad, But True.
It wasn't perfect in a sense that they were Gay, but these things happen all the time in everyday life of people. I felt bad for the wife. Wow, what a blow to someones life. Michael Ontkean sure played his part. It's a interesting movie.
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