Before Darren Stein went on to direct such fabulous films as Jawbreaker and Sparkler, he made short videos with his friends in their suburban cul de sac. His sophisticated short movies touched on adult subjects of jealousy, sexuality, violence and murder.
The films were over the top, with titles like “Gay as a Whistle”and “Satan’s Ferrari.” They included scenes depicting concentration camp executions and even commercial for a vibrator. These were movies made by kids.
Two decades later, Darren’s documentary Put the Camera on Me examines the movies he and his friends made as children and tries to understand them by interviewing all the kids now grown up as well as their parents.
Listen as Darren Stein talks to us about being the gay teen leader of his suburban cul de sac, the videos he made as a kid and the film he’s best known for, Jawbreaker.
Darren also gives us the skinny about well as his upcoming movie All About Evil which he is producing for San Francisco drag legend and Feast of Fools favorite Peaches Christ.
If you live in the Los Angeles area you can meet Darren and Peaches Christ in person on Friday, January 16 at the New Art Theater for a special screening of Jawbreaker with a special appearance with the dreamy Thomas Dekker, star of the hit TV show Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Featured Movies:
Jawbreaker: Amazon | iTunes
Put the Camera on Me: Amazon
Sparkler: Amazon
Color Me Olsen: PeachesChrist.com
Featured Music:
Paper or Plastic – Best of Luck to Cody James!: iTunes | CD Baby | MySpace
Ben Lerman – Ukular Winter: MySpace | Site
RSS FEED | SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES
SUBSCRIBE ON: GOOGLE
FOF #1143 – Women Behaving Badly in Film – 02.11.10
All About Evil – the Movie
FOFA #853 – Horror Movies Every Gay Man Must See – 10.12.09
FOFA #825 – Is This DEEE-END of Trannyshack? – 07.30.09
5 Comments
Comments
I love Jawbreaker! Great interview guys.
Best part was the awkward silence during that horribly racist comment about his friend being like a white kid in a black body, with the example of his father being a heart surgeon given as an example.
Re: Edit of the Name (your La La La bit), what does that mean (beyond can’t mention it)? Did that person get the role or not?
Re: Confessions of a Teen Idol, it’s a great show but would have benefitted from a gay male focus group. I wish the editing had a couple of lighter moments. Regardless, I am hooked on the series.
Great show, as always.
The person in question has not been confirmed, so we took out the name in order to protect the film and the filmmakers.
But rest assured, you guys will be the first to know!
I actually saw “Put The Camera On Me” when it showed in San Francisco several years ago, and I was really impressed by the sophistication of the film, and how it illustrates the human condition of growing up as children.
I can totally relate to this film on many levels, of becoming an aritst, growing up gay and forming close bonds with your friends.
Jawbreaker is one of my fave films! Great interview!
Great show! I’m going to be there Friday, I’ll record the Jawbreaker song for you guys.
Thomas Dekker is so gosh darn charming. Check him out sining here with the whole baseball team, it reminds me of Jane Russell singing “Is There Anyone Here for Love?” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Fresh.
I hardly think its horribly racist comment, he’s just making a comment on the culture where he lived.
Peaches just wrote and said that actress Judy Greer will be joining Darren Stein and Peaches Christ onstage this Friday night at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre, Los Angeles.
Where did you hear this?
There is a British movie that came out last year called “Son of Rambow”, about two boys growing up in the 80s, getting their classmates together to make a film. I wonder if the writer of the movie was inspired by watching “Put The Camera On Me”?
At any rate, I will definitely check out “Jawbreaker”. Darren Stein reminds me of one of my friends in elementary school, a ringleader who brought everyone together, and definitely made school life more entertaining.
I had the best time doing your show, Fausto and Marc!! Thanks so much for having me on. You’re going to be missed at the Jawbreaker showing Friday night! I’m so glad more people will be exposed to ‘Put the Camera on Me.’ – especially young gay kids – it’s important for them to know they can rule the roost just as much as anyone else. Peaches and I had dinner with Thomas Dekker tonight. He’s so excited about doing ‘All About Evil.’ He actually said Elvira was the Mom he always wishes he had – and now that wish is coming true!! Gotta love the magic of movie making…
This was a wonderfully cute show. Darren Stein was simply adorable.
Rhea: I actually know the guy who wrote that film, his name is Garth.
I’ll ask him next time he’s about (he’s a very busy chap!).
This interview was absolutely stellar! It was totally fascinating to hear about Darren’s childhood and his cul de sac film making. He comes across as authentic, insightful, and his undoubted love for the medium is quite endearing. It’s such a treat as a listener to have a guest so open and willing to share about his process. Kudos to Darren and you boys.
The thought of he and Peaches, another film afficionado, creating a film is delightful and really exciting.
ps I had the great pleasure of seeing Color Me Olson in a little studio in LA a few years ago. Amazing little gem of a film!
I love “Jawbreaker.” I think Rose McGowan did a great job in that role. There’s so many good lines from that movie that I always think about. I’m glad that this is a movie has a big fan base.
Wish I was there in California to witness the magic, and the warm weather and to schmooze with Darren, Thomas and the “P.”
Here’s a young blond Thomas as the impudent Lord Burleigh in Star Trek Voyager