Eric Roberts, Gregory Harrison
Director Randal Kleiser also wrote this wrenching movie about an architect (Roberts), long HIV positive, who is at last diagnosed with an ailment that will destroy him: brain lesions. He invites friends and family to a party, at the end of which, his guests have been informed, he will commit suicide. (The story is autobiographical: Kleiser's lover died under identical circumstances three years ago.)
Roberts gives a strong, angry performance laced with bitchy, occasionally abusive sarcasm. It's My Party is similarly unflinching and filled with gallows humor. When, late in the evening, Roberts puts Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on the stereo, the tearful guests plead with him to take it off. He responds by playing it over. It'll be a long time before I can hear that song and not think of this movie. (R)
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