Total Eclipse MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1/2 Content: -3 1/2

Even poetry lovers will be shocked and repulsed by TOTAL ECLIPSE, the story of two famous 19th century poets, Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis) and Arthur Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio). It is more of an exploration of homosexual pornography than Verlaine's or Rimbaud's poetry. At the age of 16 Rimbaud comes to stay with Verlaine and his wife in Paris. This country boy instantly captivates Verlaine's imagination and they become inseparable. When Verlaine's wife becomes pregnant with their first child, Verlaine hardly notices. He and Rimbaud become sexually involved and leave France to spend more time together. In the end, Verlaine's selfish desires and drunkenness cut him off from his wife and child, and ultimately from Rimbaud as well. TOTAL ECLIPSE is cruel, heartless and disgusting, it should entertain no one.

Several explicit scenes of the two men engaged in homosexual love-making, caressing and speaking of love are repugnant. If the film's purpose is to promote homosexual behavior, it fails, as we see the lust and jealousy that consume both Rimbaud and Verlaine. Rimbaud purposely stabs Verlaine in the hand to "test" his love for him. Later Verlaine shoots Rimbaud in the hand for fear that Rimbaud will leave him. Finally, Verlaine is convicted of unconventional sex and of attacking Rimbaud and is sentenced to two years in prison. His supposed conversion to Christianity in jail quickly disappears upon his release as Verlaine suggests they resume their homosexual relationship. Also shown are the two men having sex with women. Full female nudity, breast nudity and rear male nudity add to the film's offensive sexual content. Foul language and plenty of drinking round out the reasons why TOTAL ECLIPSE should be totally eclipsed from the screen.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: Fine Line Features; 888 Seventh Ave., 20th Floor, New York, NY 10106