Two A-List stars, Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor are starring in a feature film described as the true story of a homosexual con man, his love for a man he meets in prison, and the lengths to which he will go to maintain their luxurious lifestyle once released. But you won’t get to see it in the United States until March 19th.

Released in time for Valentine’s Day in Europe, I Love You Phillip Morris was rejected by American distributors over a year ago because its many allusions to gay sex and general subject matter (the romantic relationship between two men) was “considered too risque” for an American audience, according to the Times Online of the UK in the spring of 2009.  The film was re-edited and will be released in the US later this month.

But since I’m in Europe, I was treated to plush seats and an indie-short film (in Swiss German no less) before watching the film, back in February.

Under normal circumstances, I would anticipate a Jim Carrey film to be a comedy.   When he’s laying on a thick Southern accent and flashing the goofy-grin that made him famous, I expect it. But this film is not a typical Carrey comedy.   It’s funny, yes, in the way every tragic life kinda is.  But more compelling is the way Carrey and McGregor are able to deliver raw emotion in both moments of pure grief or utter seriousness as well as during those which dabble in the utterly ridiculous.

McGregor’s character, Phillip Morris, was generally underdeveloped but Carrey’s version of Steven Russell was able to carry the entire film…rightfully show, I suppose.  And I am hesitant to discuss much more of the film in detail for fear of ruining the plot.  But I can assure you that its many twists and turns will keep you attentive throughout the film.

So when you get the chance – see this film.  Not because it’s 2010′s Brokeback Mountain or Milk but because it’s an important film.  With moments of uncomfortableness, yes.  Moments of humor and sadness, yes, that too.  But also because it’s one of those films that has an important message but will deliver it through sharp comedy and pointed honesty.

-B.C.Bodnar