GSCENE 45 "[As a writer,] you really try to get inside of who these people are. There’s this line in a scene that takes place in the garage; it took me about three years to write it. He [Jenny's dad] says, 'If you tell them, you’ll hurt your mother.' Jenny replies, 'And if I don’t, I’ll hurt me. What would you do?' I had a million elaborate things for him to say and I just went deeper and deeper into this. Who is this person? And his line is, 'I don’t know.' And it’s that simple. These people are at a loss."
JENNY’S WEDDING
Across the world, there's still a lack of exposure to LGBT people in certain communities. Not every town is like London or San Francisco. Until that bridge is gapped, ignorance will exist. Jenny's Wedding is helping bridge the gap, sharing the story of a conservative lesbian in a rural town who just wants to live her life authentically and blend in.
Jenny’s Wedding is a film that brings a lesbian wedding to the big screen. Emelina Minero asks when will we stop caring about a gay character in film? ) One day, we'll be able to go to a movie theatre and see a film with an LGBT lead character and it won't be considered a rarity, brave or progressive. It will be another norm. Unfortunately, we're not there yet - a lesbian lead role in a movie with a theatrical release is still a big deal. But there is a new trend. We're shifting away from campy films filled with gay stereotypes, to films with characters with depth and storylines that go beyond sexual orientation. Jenny's Wedding is one film pioneering this trend. This film isn't part of the ‘Gay Agenda’. This isn't a message film about spreading acceptance, although Jenny's Wedding will resonate with a lot of LGBT people and their families. Jenny's Wedding was loosely inspired by the writer's niece coming out to her sister and wanting to get married. Mary Agnes Donoghue, the writer, director and coproducer of the film, who also wrote Beaches and White Oleander, is telling her family's story. She said: "What inspired me is that my sister is a very conventional person, and I was stunned when Jenny wanted to get married, and the distance they went to; they never denied her. There was never a rupture between her parents and Jenny, but I
suspected what went on behind the scenes for them as people, and I was impressed by it. I was impressed by the lengths they went to." The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast: Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy) stars as Jenny and Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) plays her fiancé, while Tom Wilkinson (John Adams, The Debt), Linda Emond (Across the Universe, Julia & Julia), and Grace Gummer (Zero Hour, The Newsroom) play Jenny’s family.
Donoghue said: "People will recognise themselves when they see this movie. Families will recognise themselves. It really is that journey as a family and the things we all hold back from each other. The things we reveal or don’t reveal. In this case, it’s a big thing. When Jenny does come out, and the ensuing events, it’s a major moment of truth for everybody. For all of them, and a confrontation about who you are and who you want to be."
“Jenny's family isn't homophobic. LGBT culture just isn't part of their world”
Although Jenny's Wedding isn't strictly about the difficulties of being gay or being disowned and abandoned, this film is about the individual journey that Jenny's family traverses through Jenny coming out. It's not a gay film, but the struggle with coming out and having a same-sex wedding are themes, and they are important themes. With marriage equality sweeping across the world, same-sex weddings are relevant and new to a lot of people. Jenny's Wedding acts as a roadmap for families whose LGBT children are getting married.
Jenny’s Wedding explores the evolution of her relationship with her family, as well as the journey that each family member goes through when they're suddenly thrown into this new world that is far from their everyday norm in their conservative small town. Jenny's family isn't homophobic. LGBT culture just isn't part of their world. Donoghue continued: “I think it's less about people being disapproving, [and more about being] unsophisticated and inexperienced and leading lives where there's very little change. And I think that's part of it. It's just a fear of change. I think that's part of the reason why people don't like change – when things do change, you are tested. You're tested on every level.
Donoghue concluded: "I think it could have a huge impact on marriage equality. I think it will hit both sides of the issue, both sides of the community — the families and gay children." Donoghue doesn't vilify Jenny's family. She shows both sides of the coin. That's the key to making progress towards LGBT rights. As we continue to humanise all people, and share everybody's stories, we'll continue to help foster acceptance and understanding. This film is about Jenny's story, and with an expected theatrical release this autumn, Jenny's story has the potential to resonate with the world.