In Out

A 1998 film by Frank Oz

In & Out film logo

In & Out is a 1997 American comedy film directed by Frank Oz and written by Paul Rudnick. The film stars Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, Tom Selleck, Matt Dillon, Debbie Reynolds, and Wilford Brimley. The plot centers around a high school teacher who is "outed" as gay by a former student during an Academy Awards acceptance speech.

Plot

The film is set in the fictional town of Greenleaf, Indiana. Howard Brackett, played by Kevin Kline, is a well-liked English teacher at the local high school. He is engaged to fellow teacher Emily Montgomery, portrayed by Joan Cusack. The town is abuzz with excitement as one of Howard's former students, Cameron Drake (played by Matt Dillon), is nominated for an Academy Award for his role in a film about a gay soldier.

During his acceptance speech, Cameron thanks Howard and inadvertently "outs" him as gay. This revelation shocks the small town and throws Howard's life into chaos. As the wedding day approaches, Howard must confront his own identity and the expectations of those around him.

Cast

• Kevin Kline as Howard Brackett
• Joan Cusack as Emily Montgomery
• Tom Selleck as Peter Malloy
• Matt Dillon as Cameron Drake
• Debbie Reynolds as Berniece Brackett
• Wilford Brimley as Frank Brackett

Production

The film was inspired by Tom Hanks's acceptance speech at the 66th Academy Awards, where he thanked his high school drama teacher, who was gay. Paul Rudnick wrote the screenplay, and Frank Oz directed the film. The movie was shot in various locations, including New Jersey and New York.

Themes

In & Out explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the concept of "coming out." It uses humor to address serious issues related to sexual orientation and self-acceptance. The film also critiques the media's role in shaping public perception and the pressure to conform to heteronormative standards.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its humor and performances, particularly those of Kevin Kline and Joan Cusack. It was a commercial success, grossing over $63 million worldwide. Joan Cusack received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.

Legacy

In & Out is considered a significant film in the genre of LGBTQ+ cinema. It is noted for its positive portrayal of a gay character in a mainstream Hollywood film during the 1990s, a time when such representations were less common.

Related pages

• Frank Oz
• Kevin Kline
• LGBTQ+ cinema
• Academy Awards