Love and Death on Long Island 1998

Giles De’Ath, played by John Hurt, is a quintessentially British writer who shuns anything modern. One fateful day, he misplaces his keys and accidentally locks himself out of his flat. As a storm brews outside, he seeks refuge by planning to watch an E. M. Forster film; however, he instead stumbles into the wrong theater and ends up watching Hotpants College II, featuring the charming Ronnie Bostock, portrayed by Jason Priestley. Captivated by Ronnie’s youthful allure, Giles develops an all-consuming obsession with the young actor.

His fascination leads him to frequent the cinema for Ronnie’s films, collect teen magazines filled with his images, and even invest in a VCR and television to watch Ronnie’s movies on rented tapes. To indulge in this newfound passion without interruption, Giles increasingly isolates himself from his housekeeper, allowing her less access to his office.

As his infatuation deepens, it becomes painfully clear to those around him that something is amiss. Friends and associates speculate about his growing eccentricities, prompting his agent to recommend a vacation as a remedy.

Determined to connect with Ronnie, Giles travels to Long Island. After arriving, he searches relentlessly for the actor, initially with no luck. His break comes when he spots Ronnie’s girlfriend, Audrey, played by Fiona Loewi, at the supermarket. In a rather bold move, Giles collides his shopping cart with hers to facilitate an introduction, fabricating a tale about his goddaughter, Abigail, being smitten with Ronnie. Audrey, pleased to discover an admirer from England, engages with Giles for hours, and assures him that she and Ronnie will soon invite him over to discuss the actor’s career.

In time, Giles becomes a familiar face at Ronnie and Audrey’s home. Flattered by Giles’ admiration, Ronnie enjoys the attention, leading Giles to concoct a story about penning a new script for him—one that he believes better showcases his potential. However, Audrey grows increasingly wary of Giles’ intentions toward Ronnie and eventually informs him of her plans to take Ronnie to visit her parents for a prolonged trip. This news deeply troubles Giles, prompting him to confront Ronnie directly about his feelings. He expresses that many artists have pursued relationships with younger males and urges Ronnie to reconsider his relationship with Audrey, seeing it as unsustainable. Ronnie, while rejecting Giles’ advances, shows genuine concern for his well-being.

The film reaches its climax with a screening of Ronnie’s upcoming project, yet another Hotpants College installment, featuring a poignant moment where he recites Walt Whitman’s words at his mother’s funeral, a scene penned by Giles. The journey of Giles’ obsession concludes ambiguously, leaving his ultimate fate shrouded in mystery.