Do I Sound Gay?

Writer David Thorpe directs this uneven film essay on vocal stereotypes associated with gay men. The theory is that gay men out themselves once they begin to speak, due to an effeminate speech pattern burdened with a heavy nasality and a light lisp. Thorpe presents 1970s game show icons Paul Lynde, Rip Taylor, and Charles Nelson Reilly as examples to back up his argument, and he spends a lot of time whining with his friends about his own perceived vocal inadequacies. Thorpe employs a pair of speech therapists—both with show business clients—but his voice sounds the same after all of the exercises. He also interviews several prominent gay figures (including writers David Sedaris and Dan Savage, CNN anchor Don Lemon, Star Trek's George Takei, and Project Runway's Tim Gunn) for insight, but they offer little more than personal experiences, along with the ultimate message that a gay man should not be ashamed of his voice. Thorpe avoids obvious questions including whether the problem is the same for non-English-speaking gay populations or whether lesbians have similar concerns. Thorpe is an engaging personality—albeit in a neurotic New York sitcom way—but his filmmaking skills are shaky and this effort becomes repetitive long before the closing credits. Still, the catchy title and interesting subject make this a strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)