Desert Hearts (1985)

"It's the perfect equation for a queer film. Blurred gender roles, or rather a lack thereof, and a love based just as much in familiar love as it is sexual."

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ // 5 STARS

Director: Donna Deitch (producer and screenwriter are female as well)

Where to Watch: Amazon, with a free 30 day Showtime trial. It's also on myflixer.

Google User Rating: 90% liked this movie!

"She just reached in, and put a string of lights around my heart." (Cay)

**This movie is based off the book "Desert of the Heart" by lesbian author Jane Rule in 1964. My review is strictly based on the movie.

Synopsis (No Spoilers)

Vivian Bell, a 35 year old English professor at Columbia University, moves to Reno temporarily in order to divorce her husband of 12 years. She stays on a ranch owned by Frances, and meets Cay Rivvers, a free spirited and rebellious 25 year old lesbian. Despite the homophobia that saturated Nevada in the 1950s, Cay is openly queer and deals with frequent gossip regarding her sexuality. Frances acts as a mother for Cay, as she is the daughter of Glen, Frances' dead lover. Cay works at a casino along with her close friend Silver, and her ex-boyfriend Darrell, who continues to pursue Cay despite her sexuality. Vivian and Cay begin spending time together and opening up emotionally, which leads to a building

sexual tension. Eventually, the two women attend Silver's engagement party, and end up leaving together before the event ended, resulting in much talk surrounding their relationship. Cay drives a drunk Vivian to a beautiful overlook point, and confirms she is a lesbian, to which Vivian responds with an assurance of her heterosexuality. Cay initiates a kiss, which is returned by Vivian in a passionate manor, though she eventually breaks the embrace due to her denial of her feelings for Cay. Frances is waiting for the women when they return to the ranch, and kicks out Vivian due to the rumors surrounding

the two's relationship, consequently making Cay move out of the ranch as well. Vivian is visited by Cay in her hotel room, and is able to push aside her internal homophobia and begin a relationship with her, though she continues to struggle with her new identity...

Official Review (Spoilers)

What can I say, I love a good western lesbian film. "Desert Hearts" features a stunning Nevada desert setting, women in pleated pants, and a classic "opposites attract" trope. I'm not going to say the plot was perfect, and it certainly would be controversial if it was released now, but this movie had the "umphf" to give it its 5th star. I think the movie can be interpreted in two different ways: as an

interpretation/amalgamation of the director's experiences and emotions, in addition to viewing

it simply as a movie with a plot. Meaning, there are undoubtably some holes in this movie, though if you view the film

as a piece of art rather than a complete logical and chronological string of events, then it works well enough. An example could be Cay's immediate obsession with Vivian. Personally I'm not a fan of the "love at first glance" trope, and it seemed unrealistic that Cay and Vivian could be magnetically attracted to each other from the get-go. However, I could see the writers using this trope as a reflection of the passion and fast-paced nature of lesbian relationships. Another hole, or rather problem, is Cay's nonconsensual exposure of her breasts in front of Vivian. Cay's persistent pursuit of Vivian is undoubtable concerning. She essentially rejected and rejected given to her by Vivian, and there was quite a bit of rejection. Eventually, as I mentioned, the result of the rejection was her removing her clothes in an attempt to get Vivian to accept her attraction to her. Once again, this is problematic, I don't think that's debatable, however I could potentially see it in a different light if we're thinking of the film as more abstract. If "Desert Hearts" is an reflection of Jane Rule and Donna Deitch's own emotions and experiences, then I believe in their mind there was zero doubt that Vivian wanted Cay, and the only thing that could get her to accept her sexuality was with a strong push. Unfortunately I don't think the scene was necessary. Either way, the movie earned it's 5th star due to its ending as well. Many claim this movie is the first lesbian film that excludes any scenes of rape, abuse, or hate crimes. Instead, the two get a happy ending, though its bittersweet. The movie itself doesn't confirm that they end up together in New York, but the director's confirmation of a sequel that takes place in the city does assure that their relationship persists. The uncertainty of the ending leans towards a positive conclusion, which even now is rare in LGBTQ+ filmography. In terms of characters, I absolutely love the contrast between Cay and Vivian. Cay, the adventurous and independent young woman, is presented as flawed, and unlike other masculine lesbian characters, her sensitivity and emotions are explored throughout the movie. She's a woman for women, flaws and all. Cay's lifestyle

bleeds into Vivian's, and through Cay she's able to literally and figuratively let her hair down, and relinquish her need for control. Overall, this movie is extremally realistic and introspective, and I was thoroughly impressed. It featured homophobia as a main plot point for the film, though it still prevailed as a feel good movie that I think everyone should give a chance. Not to mention, the soundtrack is both extremally pertinent to the movie, and very enjoyable!

Analysis (Spoilers)

What an absolute perfect representation of the dichotomy between a lesbian relationship. "Desert Hearts" parallels "The Color Purple" absolutely in terms of the featured queer relationships. The film blurs the line between femineity and masculinity, in addition to romantic and sisterly love. Cay and Vivian seem to use masculinity as a shield from a unforgiving patriarchy, as both are fiercely independent, cigarette-smoking women. Both are interested in careers, though those careers are based in feminine values (art and English). Cay sleeps around, but feels misunderstood due to a lack of serious connection with someone. Vivian feels unfilled in her marriage, and would rather be alone and pursue her career, but is immediately and intrinsically attracted to Cay. It's only until the two open up to each other completely that they can balance each other out, with Vivian able to open up emotionally, and Cay able to form a deep connection and be loved for who she is. Alternatively, the two toy the line between friends and lovers for the first half of the movie. I think the most interesting idea regarding this specific polarity is that romantic love thrives in the presence of sisterly and platonic love. They share moments that could happen to any two close friends, and it's only until Vivian realizes cares she deeply for Cay that she allows her romantic feelings to develop. The two types of intertwined, and impossible to separate, which makes their connection all the more substantial.

It's the perfect equation for a queer film. Blurred gender roles, or rather a lack thereof, and a love based just as much in familiar love as it is sexual.