Urbania ⁞⁞ Queer Classics

The independent queer drama Urbania was released in 2000. The haunting film follows Charlie (Dan Futterman), a young man living through sleepless nights on a mysterious journey of trauma throughout a weekend in New York City. Through flashes of Charlie's memories, viewers are shown pieces of his relationship with Chris (Matt Keeslar), while Charlie journeys through the city, seemingly searching for a mystery man from his past (Samuel Ball). Along the way, he interacts with several residents of the city, including his dying friend Brett (Alan Cumming) and an attempted hookup, Ron (Gabriel Olds). When Charlie finally crosses paths with mystery man Dean and befriends him, the flashbacks become more tinged with violence, as it's revealed that Dean led a homophobic attack on Charlie & Chris in the past, leading to an assault and Chris' death on the street in New York. On a path of revenge, Charlie gets Dean alone in a remote field where he is stunned that the man doesn't remember who he is. He torments Dean at knife-point and appears to stab him to death. But, in a dreamlike interaction, Chris objects to his confession, not believing him to be a killer. Charlie then reveals that he did not kill Dean, and only left him abandoned in the field. Charlie then confronts his grief, coming upon himself cradling the dying Chris on the street. Charlie is able to finally say goodbye, allowing him to move forward and rest.

 

Queer Classic Film Facts: 

• Urbania was a film festival favorite in 2000, winning five different awards at five different festivals. The film was also nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film (Limited Release) in 2001. 
• The film was the directorial debut of Jon Shear. Prior to moving behind the camera, Shear was an actor having appeared in films like Heathers and Independence Day, in addition to appearances on television series like L.A. Law. This is Shear's only directing credit to date.
• The film was based on the play "Urban Folk Tales" which was written by Daniel Reitz. He shares writing credit for the film with Jon Shear.
• Leading man Dan Futterman previously starred as the straight son to gay dads in the comedy The Birdcage. He would play gay again later for the sitcom Will & Grace.
• The film's storytelling incorporates several urban legends, which play out during several of Charlie's interactions.
  
• Queer icon Alan Cumming appears in just one sequence, lasting just under 10 minutes. However, his name was used heavily to promote the film's video release.  
  
• Josh Hamilton appears in the film playing a straight bartender that interacts with Charlie in multiple bar scenes. He would later play a secretly queer character on the drama series Ray Donovan and the father of the gay lead character in the film Take Me to the River.
• Gabriel Olds & Dan Futterman play potential lovers in the film. Gabriel would later guest star on the family drama Judging Amy. Futterman starred on the series.
  
• Urbania was the first feature film for actor Samuel Ball, who had previously appeared on television series like Sex and the City and the soap opera One Life to Live.
  
• The term urbania is a combination of urban and suburbia, and is used to describe the dense environment that results when a city and suburb overlap.