Poison (1991)

Before releasing Velvet Goldmine (1998), Far from Heaven (2002) and May December (2023), filmmaker Todd Haynes served audiences Poison (1991). Not to be confused with the R rated flick Poison Ivy (1992), this indie pic marks Todd’s feature-length directorial debut. It’s based on three novels by controversial French writer Jean Genet: “Our Lady of the Flowers” (1943), “Miracle of the Rose” (1946), and “Thief’s Journal” (1949). As such, the arthouse pic is broken into three separate yet abstractly connected stories. There’s “Hero” — a mockumentary about a young boy who kills his father and literally flies away. Next comes “Horror” — a sci-fi tale that follows the exploits of an idealistic scientist and his attempt to cure an epidemic disease. And lastly, there’s “Homo” — a flashback-filled chapter that deals with prison cellmates and their homosexual relationship. The film features Richard Anthony, John Leguizamo (credited as Damien Garcia), and the skin on Andrew Harpending. As Young Bolton, the latter performer lets us view his bare booty as he bangs some guy outdoors at the 41-minute mark. This woodsy scene is so erotic, you may get a woody! Speaking of, Jack Bolton (James Lyons, who also serves as the film’s editor) gives us a dark peek of erect dink in a prison love scene. We’re guessing that’s why this movie won the Teddy Award for Best Feature at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Needless to say, there’s nothing toxic about Poison’s skintastic actors!