Rose Troche

"Go Fish" starred Troche's co-writer and co-producer Guinevere Turner, whose search for romance brings about countless frustrations, quips, awkward interactions and finally love itself with a rather unexpected object choice. The feature proved to be a deft comedy which keenly explored the very idea of community as it portrayed contemporary urban lesbian culture. Its stylistic pleasures were based on its roots in low-budget and video filmmaking, its occasional forays into overt political questions balanced with small revelations possessing the charm and insight of good gossip.It took several years, but Troche delivered an impressive follow-up feature, "Bedrooms & Hallways" (1998), a frothy romantic comedy that married elements of Noel Coward's "Design for Living" and Arthur Schnitzler's "Reigen/La Ronde." Instead of modern lesbians, Troche opted to focus on a British gay man whose 30th birthday causes him to reflect on his life. A comic examination of gender and sexual identity and attraction, "Bedrooms & Hallways" proved popular on the festival circuit before First Run Features picked it up for domestic distribution. Troche exhibited a strong command of the material, a flair for visual stylings and a gentle hand in guiding her ensemble cast which included Kevin McKidd as the protagonist, James Purefoy as the object of his affection and Tom Hollander as McKidd's flamboyant flatmate.