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February 17, 2008
Mystery around "Gigolo"
Though I was happy to win four GAYVNs last night to become the third most award-winning studio of the year, I wanted to express my big concern that all of my awards were for the movie "The Intern." "The Intern," I agree, is a great comedy, but it could not be compared or put anywhere close to the same level of "Gigolo." In fact, there were some absolutely ridiculous moments last night. For example, "The Intern" won Best-Renting Title of 2007. I am my own distributor, and I know we sold at least twice as much of "Gigolo" than "The Intern." My accounting is available for that.
The reviews for "Gigolo" were outstanding. After being in the business for 12 years, I can tell you that the packaging was absolutely stunning and incomparable to any other cover. It was created and shot by Tony Dimarco, who has been in photography for 13 years. The art direction by Tony was outstanding. Take a look at the cover once again... only a blind person wouldn't see what I'm talking about. The videography by Tony and Mr. Pam could only be compared to mainstream productions. So could the amazing screenplay, also written by Tony.
Last year I won the award for Best Actor in "Michael Lucas' La Dolce Vita," where I did nothing but walk around New York City with a sad look on my face. In "Gigolo," I had a very complex part, which, according to many reviews, was the best performance in porn. And how come none of the other actors were acknowledged? Ray Star was brilliant.
This film got raging reviews, where everyone was comparing it to a mainstream feature with five-star sex. What kind of mystery is there for such an acclaimed film not getting awarded at all? Not for one category? I talked to many reviewers last night who were stunned by this fact, reviewers who were in fact judges and who actually told me that they voted for this film. What I'm hearing now is that this movie didn't get to all the judges and was accidentally sent to Specialty Publications where it was sitting for some time before getting shipped to GAYVN. And I found out about that just now.
My company has many questions about this situation. I do want to be clear: I am NOT comparing "Gigolo" to any other company's work. I am making a simple comparison to this movie and "The Intern." Even a retard wouldn't make the mistake that "Gigolo" is on a totally different planet. It's like comparing champagne to Coca-Cola, like comparing a diamond to a rock. "Gigolo" is a serious feature that sold in comparably higher numbers and had higher production values, a serious storyline, and impeccable art direction, screenplay, and packaging.
I have many questions, and I need the answers.
I am fine for not ever being recognized as the Performer of the Year. I am fine having never being admitted into the Hall of Fame after all these glorious reviews about challenging the industry to create bigger blockbusters and raising the industry bar. I'm just asking about the comparison between my two films. If Tiger Tyson is more deserving, than I am, then I respect it. But I'm just talking about the reviewers own reviews, their own feedback about both of those films.
So what went wrong with "Gigolo" that it got nothing? If you praised "Gigolo" as a groundbreaking film, then acknowledge it. "Gigolo" is a serious feature that was raved about. "The Intern" is a cute comedy. What went wrong? Where is the common sense? I want the answers.
I don't want to hear from any other companies on this matter. I am not comparing my films to theirs... only to each other. And I cannot derive any sense out of this comparison.
-Michael Lucas
Posted by Michael at February 17, 2008 12:49 PM
Comments
Michael -
I am delighted by the notion that the ouststanding effort "The Intern" was rewarded- it was great!
It was unique, and well don in every single aspect- casting, design and writing and direction.
I would never wanto to diminish a win for The Intern- it clicks on every level.
I am perplexed by the notion that Gigolo was not supported by the voters. Many people in legit or the adult arena try to tell a complex story and fail.
Gigolo is NOT like that! Excellent production values, majestic castiing, caring direction and a story that people cared about.
Not to mention a five star marketing campaign.
Gigolo has a story,and theme that connects to the viewer. This notion picture is a masterpiece that brings to mind the notion of 'porn-chic' not seen since the late 70's.
EVERYONE want's to see Gigolo! It is a film you can talk about - to discuss style, content, fashion and story.
I admit I am a bit baised, as I have met you, and know many of your team. The time and care put into Gigolo should not go un-noticed.
LINK and Grunts were supurb, but did not aim for the artistic level that Gigolo did.
Everyone up for Best Actor were at the top of their game- but NONE of them were tasked with more then performing.
You were acting, creating a multi-level charactor.
Perhaps the best revenge will be that people will continue to buy Gigolo!
Love and Luck,
Rik
Posted by: Rik at February 18, 2008 05:49 PM
Michael,I absolutely agree with you!
The Gigolo is just a terrific movie and it was definitely one of the best flics in 2007!Not to mention all the great guys that took part in it.It`s not fair cuz of them too.
I`m also disappointed that it didn`t win any award.I still wonder who chooses the winners.
Hope the European Awards shall be more fair cuz of the fans` voting:)
Regards
xx
Posted by: Toni at February 18, 2008 06:12 PM
I agree 100%. The Gigolo, like La Dolce Vita and Dangerous Liaisons, expresses a higher standard in gay porn -- the videos that won were just larger versions of the some old thing. I thought The Intern was good, light entertainment and I'm glad it was recognized.
Just remember, Hitchcock never won an Oscar!
Posted by: larry t at February 18, 2008 11:39 PM
Yeah tiger tyson should not be in the hall of fame, you are much more deserving and you have earned so many positive reviews which is more than we can say about some of the people inducted into the hall of fame. Oh well, seems like we need another group to review and pass out awards.
Posted by: Andre Deston at February 22, 2008 09:48 AM
Well, look at the Oscars two year ago when Crash beat Brokeback Mountain for Best Picture! Clearly the one that won had average reviews and was less praised, but hey The Intern was one of the best 75 bucks I spent last year and yes Gigolo as well. Brokeback didn't need that Oscar to prove that it changed Hollywood and the way people view love. Same thing goes to Gigolo and the Gayvn awards. I believe the best is yet to come from you and Gigolo just proves that.
Posted by: Effie at February 27, 2008 04:19 AM
I'm sorry to have to tell you that _Gigolo_ was not that good. It was very elaborate, and had great production values, but it was not very good porn. The sex was kind of boring. Not bad by any means, but not great. _The Intern_, on the other hand, WAS great. Great sex, and a quickly moving, entertaining plot. Far more clever and nimble than the very ponderous _Gigolo_, which took itself far too seriously. It's no mystery at all why it won nothing.
What IS a mystery is how _La dolce vita_ swept the awards LAST year. It was certainly much better than _Gigolo_, but there were definitely better nominees in some categories.
Lucas Productions makes some great porn. You can't expect everything to go your way all the time, though.
Posted by: Joe at March 2, 2008 05:03 AM