Sav Rodgers is a die-hard fan of Kevin Smith’s 1997 rom-com, Chasing Amy. So much so that they embarked on a pilgrimage to parts of New Jersey that have remained ungentrified for 25 years, just to pay homage to the film. But not everyone shares Sav’s adoration for the movie. Shana Lory, the casting director, doesn’t quite get it. Despite the uphill battle, Sav’s engaging film, Chasing Chasing Amy, takes on the challenge of debating the “problematic” material in Smith’s film. In a time when pop culture is quick to cancel major artists, Sav’s willingness to explore the complexities of Chasing Amy is commendable.
Chasing Amy is a film that has always been met with question marks, and Sav’s documentary delves into the reasons why. The movie follows the story of a straight, white man who falls for a lesbian, and the on-off relationship that ensues. This storyline didn’t fly in the ’90s, and it still doesn’t today. But Sav’s film explores the dynamics that fed into Chasing Amy and its reputation. Why do LGBTQ+ people not like it, and what makes good representation anyway?
The personal aspect of the story, Sav’s courtship of the charismatic Riley, may seem self-indulgent at first. But it soon becomes clear that it’s necessary to unpack the real story of Chasing Amy. The rise of the Sundance movie and the genre that brought Smith into kinship with lesbian filmmakers Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner is also explored. Turner’s commentary becomes increasingly on point as she acknowledges that she was the inspiration for Amy.
Sav takes all of this on board, even though they’re horrified by the hornet’s nest the film kicks. But this emotional turbulence only serves to back up Sav’s initial thesis about the film. Smith may not understand sexuality and gender, but he can identify with love. When Sav’s own complicated love story is finally told, it all makes sense. Chasing Chasing Amy is a profound exploration of a film that has always been met with question marks.
