Flawless (1999)
(Joel Schumacher, US 1999, 112 min., 35mm)
Philip Seymour Hoffman tackles his first true lead role in Flawless as Rusty, a drag performer and music teacher in New York City. When retired policeman Walter Koontz (Robert De Niro) suffers a stroke while responding to a home invasion, he is left partly paralyzed, including his vocal cords. Too ashamed to attend his physical therapy, Walt offers to pay Rusty for singing lessons, since they live in the same apartment building. Each start out with their own preconceptions about the other, but soon learn that they have common ground, despite the continuing presence of violent criminals scouring the building for stolen cash.
Supported by James Declan Tobin on behalf of the Sumner Roy Kates Charitable Trust.