The Unknown Cyclist (1998)

Director:

Bernard Salzmann

Writers:

Matthew Carlisle (writer)
Betsy Pool (writer)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A man's dying wish is for the people in his life to participate in a 450-mile charity bicycle ride through Northern California. |

Plot Keywords:

Loss Of Lover | AIDS | Cycling | California Coast | Gay Interest

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Lea Thompson	...	Melissa Cavatelli
Vincent Spano	...	Frank Cavatelli
Danny Nucci	...	Gaetano Amador
Stephen Spinella	...	Doug Stein
Michael J. Pollard	...	Gabe Sinclair
Lainie Kazan	...	Rachel
Scott Atkinson	...	Lance
Jaclyn Balacy	...	Lemonade Stand Girl #1
Brianna Tiesi	...	Lemonade Stand Girl #2
Meredith Basinger	...	Sandra
Ismael 'East' Carlo	...	Farm Worker
Richard Danielson	...	Shane - Bartender
David Hamblin	...	Doug's Date
Michael Reid MacKay	...	Luc Pierre
William Mapother	...	By-Stander

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Germany:12 | UK:15 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Watermark Films (I)

Quotes:

[trying to come out to his mother]
Doug Stein: Is there something you wanna ask about me?
Rachel: Nah... No.
Doug Stein: Let me rephrase that... I need to tell you something that...
Rachel: [quickly] I don't wanna know.
Doug Stein: How do you *know* that you don't wanna know?
Rachel: Because if it's what I think it is, I don't wanna know.
Doug Stein: Then, you know?
Rachel: Maybe but I don't *want* to know.
Doug Stein: So why can't I tell you?
[...]

Soundtrack:

I'll Remember You

Simply Beautiful

I have watched plenty of gay themed flicks, and to be honest, I have a healthy collection of gay-themed drama... ranging from Phillidelphia to Beautiful Thing and then Jeffrey to In & Out. The Unknown Cyclist is now a valued member of my collection of greats.

It does fall into one of those preachy AIDS AIDS AIDS movies... all about wearing condoms and being careful (don't get me wrong... this is a good thing), so some people may find this kind of film tedious and boring. You really need to give it some time though. It is a beautiful movie.

It has some very poignant messages to get across, and it does this very well. Take some time out to have a look, you won't regret it.

7.5 flaps outta 10.