Priestley adds to campy 'Die Mommie Die!'

When an actor plays a man dressed as a woman, we call it drag: Hedwig or the good Doctor Frankenfurter come to mind. But when a man fills the role of a woman on the screen, there seem to be no rules. Charles Busch (Psycho Beach Party) is actively involved in writing these rules, however, with his new film Die Mommie Die!, directed by Mark Rucker, a veteran of theater.

Busch, who also produced the film, stars as a rather convincing over-the-hill starlet Angela Arden. Because his acting is more than a campy send-up of women, it can be difficult at times to remember that there is a man under all that makeup.

The film itself is campy, and film lovers will enjoy the over-the-top atmosphere in every frame. From the period-accurate costuming to the score and dialogue, Die Mommie Die! is a deliberate tribute to the melodramas of the '60s and their director Ross Hunter, whose films starred past-their-prime actresses. The faded looks of these women stood behind larger-than-life scripts and acting akin to William Shatner as Captain Kirk in a dress.

It is important not to get hung up on the plot, which is secondary to the point of the film. This interesting cast includes Jason Priestley (90210, Love and Death on Long Island), Natasha Lyonne (American Pie, Slums of Beverly Hills) and Phillip Baker Hall (Bruce Almighty, Magnolia).

The most interesting role here is that of actor and gigolo Tony Parker, played by Priestley. In an interview Downtown last week, Rucker and Priestley discussed life, the film and their careers.

Regarding his role as Tony, Priestley said he simply wanted to do the "next right thing."

"This film reaffirmed my commitment to taking risks, taking chances," Priestley said. Take chances he does. In an industry where straight guys kissing guys on film isn't common, Priestley doesn't bat an eyelash talking about his kiss with Busch.

Is Priestly now a gay icon?

"He's appealing to young women as well," said Rucker of Priestley. Indeed, from 90210 to race-car driving, a short stint as a sportscaster, as well as numerous stage and screen roles, Priestley's career is varied and far from routine.

Die Mommie Die! debuted in Seattle at the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival as part of the Sundance Channel's effort to bring the work of independent filmmakers to broader audiences. The film will be released in only 10 U.S. cities' theaters. Die Mommie Die! opens tomorrow at Loews Uptown in lower Queen Anne.