A Very Natural Thing" (1974) unfolds against the backdrop of the burgeoning gay liberation movement. The film traces the journey of David, a former monk turned English Literature teacher, as he navigates the complexities of a romantic relationship with Mark. In response to societal expectations and the constraints of traditional norms, Mark and David grapple with the challenges of commitment, leading to a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the unconventional nature of same-sex relationships. Set in the early 1970s, the movie defies prevailing stereotypes, offering a positive and optimistic portrayal of gay life during a brief period when filmmakers could explore such relationships with newfound freedom.
The film opens with a mini-documentary capturing the vibrant atmosphere of New York City’s 1973 Gay Pride parade and rally, where a young lesbian boldly asserts that “being gay is a very natural thing.” The focus then shifts to the protagonist, David (Robert Joel), undergoing the process of leaving his life as a monk in a monastery. Transitioning to his role as a public school teacher of English Literature in the New York City area, David spends his free time frequenting a gay bar in the city with his “oldest friend from Schenectady,” Alan (Jay Pierce).
At the bar one evening, David is approached by Mark (Curt Gareth), a businessman, and their night together evolves from what initially appears to be a one-night stand into the beginning of a monogamous relationship. David moves in with Mark, but tension arises when Mark expresses a desire for sexual encounters with other men. Their differing views on the nature of their relationship lead to a breakdown, with Mark rejecting the idea of modeling their connection on traditional heterosexual marriage.
Mark’s reluctance to commit to a romantic relationship and his proposition of an open arrangement strain their bond. Despite David’s playful attempt to coax Mark into expressing love, their relationship becomes increasingly strained over the course of a year. A weekend trip to Fire Island is an attempt to revive their connection, but even David’s participation in an orgy fails to mend the growing rift. Following a heated argument, David temporarily moves in with his friend Alan, who provides an objective perspective on the situation.
During a later encounter with Mark at Coney Island, David comes to the realization that reconciliation is not possible. Mark’s prioritization of physical intimacy over a romantic connection becomes evident, leading David to acknowledge the irreconcilable differences in their desires and ultimately marking the end of their relationship.
Critical reaction
The film is recognized as one of the first mainstream movies to portray homosexuality as a valid and normal expression of love, encapsulated in the phrase “a very natural thing.” It delves into the options available to gay couples in 1973, incorporating actual footage from a Gay Pride celebration. However, some heterosexual film critics viewed the film as more of an argument than entertainment, as it depicted romantic love between two men. For many heterosexual viewers, the film provided insight into the shared rituals and challenges experienced by both gay and straight couples.
Criticism from some gay film critics suggested that the characters in the film were too apolitical and middle-class, lacking the political edge that some believed was essential for the gay liberation movement. Christopher Larkin, the director, responded to such critiques by asserting that he aimed to convey that same-sex relationships were neither more problematic nor easier than any other human relationships. He argued that, while there were similarities and differences from heterosexual relationships, same-sex relationships were equally possible and worthwhile.
