Tick Tock Lullaby (2007) Reviews

• A baby's conception isn't always the easiest thing in the world.

  Red-1252007-10-17

  Tick Tock Lullaby (2007) was written and directed by Lisa Gornick, who also stars in the film. Ms. Gornick plays Sasha, a cartoonist who is happily paired with Maya, played by Raquel Cassidy. However, Sasha wants a baby, and both members of the pair decide that conception should take place via intercourse, not by artificial means. That, obviously, is a real dilemma, although it's presented in a humorous fashion in the film. Meanwhile, another couple, Fiona (Joanna Bending) and Todd (Willam Bowry), also want to conceive a child. The problem there is that they really aren't all that happy in their marriage, and so actually getting into bed at the proper time isn't as easy as it sounds. Finally, Sarah Patterson plays Gillian, a photographer who is sizing up (so to speak) potential fathers as she takes their pictures. All of the characters are attractive and sophisticated, and it's enjoyable to listen to their rapid-fire repartee. We see many cartoons being drawn, and they are fascinating. (I don't know if Ms. Gornick can draw in addition to her ability to write, direct, and act, but whoever is drawing the cartoons is very talented.) This wasn't a great movie, but it was a very good one. It's worth finding and watching, and will work well on DVD. We saw it at ImageOut, the Rochester NY Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival.

• What does it mean to become a mother?

  appletreegirl2008-09-20

  This film, while focused on motherhood from the perspective of a lesbian woman, is something anyone can relate to. In a very traditional view having a child is part of being married, but today people often see the child as the embodiment of the love between two people. To some it is more than just having a small person to parent, but also the creation of that little person who is an amazing combination of two people who love each other. The film is based on this simple question "what is it to create a child and become a mother?" and how people from different backgrounds and viewpoints approach this. While it is relatively easy for someone who doesn't have a male to sperm to conceive a child through IVF, this does seem to lose some of the romance around the act of making a child with someone you love. The film is a very interesting exploration of this, which comes to no specific conclusions but will inspire anyone to think further about this.