| The Velocity of Gary | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Dan Ireland |
| Written by | James Still |
| Starring | Vincent D'Onofrio Salma Hayek Thomas Jane Olivia d'Abo Ethan Hawke Chad Lindberg |
| Distributed by | Sony Pictures |
| Release date(s) | July 16, 1999 |
| Running time | 101 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $4 Million (estimated) |
The Velocity of Gary also known as The Velocity of Gary* *(Not His Real Name) is a 1999 American dramatic comedy film, directed by Dan Ireland and written by James Still, based on his homonymous play. The film stars Thomas Jane in the title role, along with Salma Hayek and Vincent D'Onofrio.
Gary (not his real name, which is never revealed) is a hustler walking through the streets of New York City, looking for business. On the way, he saves a young deaf transvestite from a group of gay bashers, but regrets it afterwards because he becomes infatuated with Gary and follows him everywhere. Gary introduces him to his friends: Valentino, a former porn star, and Mary Carmen, the Latina who works as a doughnut shop waitress and is in love with Valentino, with whom she has been living for some time. Together they form a bohemian family, which includes Veronica, a still-active porn star, and Nat, a tattoo artist. Gary is also in love with Valentino, who is dying of AIDS. Through the stages of the disease, Mary Carmen and Gary argue over what kind of care he should be receiving, and who is going to supply that care. As Valentino draws near death, Mary Carmen finds out she is carrying Valentino's baby. The three take stock of themselves and their relationships with one another.