In the movie End of the Spear—scheduled for theatrical release Jan. 20—a fascinating true story is documented. The film focuses on the relationship of two people: Mincayani, an Ecuadorian native and warrior who led a spearing attack that killed five Christian missionaries, and Steve Saint, the son of Nate Saint, one of the missionaries. It is a movie that encompasses several themes, including family; acceptance; vengeance; and, of course, life and death.
Out actor Chad Allen leads a talented cast by stepping into the demanding dual roles of Nate and the adult Steve. Recently, he talked with Windy City Times about the film as well as Third Man Out, his series of movies on Here! TV.
Windy City Times: This is a film about natives, missionaries and a friendship that develops between two men from different cultures. What do you think is the best way to market this movie to the LGBT community?
Chad Allen: I don't know much about marketing, but I do know that it's a film that has a simple message about the transformational spirit of love. You may come into it with politics or religion in mind, but the movie's story transcends all that. The film is about unity and love, which we all have the capability to give.
WCT: It's just that if you mention that the movie is about Christian missionaries, some people's eyes immediately glaze over.
CA: [ Laughs. ] It's true. Part of what's happened is the result of vitriolic anger and fear that's been put forth by believers and by us as well. People assume that they're going to get hurt—and that's something I experienced first-hand as well.
When they offered me this film, I loved the story—but I thought that they must not know who I am. I met with the producers, and they pulled out The Advocate. They said that the same things I spoke about in the magazine are the same things that Steve Saint fought his whole life for. From that point forward, it was about watching our bigoted notions melt away. When the movie was over, Steve and I were in tears when we said goodbye to each other. The movie has deepened my own spiritual understanding. Now, it's about loving and respecting each other.
WCT: I have to tell you that I looked at one of IMDB.com's chat sessions about the movie and you were a subject. One person hoped that you 'would see the light' after making the film while another responded that being gay doesn't make you a bad person.
CA: Here's the thing: There will continue to be [ different ways of thinking ] . If our goal is for all of us to think the same, we've got the wrong goal. I was watching a play the other night and someone mentioned how the world is like a stained-glass window and we each have our own colors in that glass with God being the light that shines through it. That's the way I choose to see it. I don't need to be right; I just need to be respected.
I've really been heartened by the number of Christians who have said that [ homosexuality ] is not a sin and that we should just love and respect each other. Even, Pat Robertson has a link to my Web site—and it's done in a nice way.
WCT: Is this the same Pat Robertson who said that [ Israeli Prime Minister ] Ariel Sharon's recent stroke was a sign from God?
CA: Well, it's his group. I'm not exactly sure who's behind it. I couldn't believe it, either.
WCT: This movie is set in Ecuador but was actually filmed in Panama. What was that like?
CA: It was amazing. Some of the aerial photography is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. There's a shot above the plane that turns my stomach every time I see it. You really feel it; the G forces just pull at you.
WCT: So you actually flew?
CA: Yes— and we got special permission from the government to fly over the Canal Zone, which is ordinarily restricted. I did not take off or land, but I was in the plane.
WCT: And you had no fear.
CA: Oh yeah, I had some fear. [ Laughs. ] But it was fun.
WCT: What were the hardest scenes to film and to watch?
CA: The most difficult scenes to shoot were some that you don't see. A lot of the film with me as Steve battling the local government and Ecuadorian politics aren't shown; there was too much to tell. Also, learning the [ native ] language was extraordinary. It was so difficult. There were several languages spoken; it was crazy.
The hardest to watch is the spearing sequence. Every time I watch it, I have tears running down my face. These guys were so full of passion and thought they were doing the right thing.
WCT: Ultimately, what is this movie about?
CA: Love. It's a shame that this word is almost overused, but here it involves transformation, forgiveness, passion and God.
WCT: Now, about Third Man Out—is it a series of movies?
CA: Yes, just like the Columbo series of movies. It's based on a series of works about a detective named Donald Strachey; there are six total.
WCT: What was the plot of the first one?
CA: It centered on a gay-rights activist who outs controversial and usually conservative figures. He's ultimately killed and I'm brought in. Of course, there's a surprise twist. [ Laughs. ]
WCT: It's unique in that Donald has a happy home life.
CA: Yes. He's in a six-year monogamous relationship with Timothy; that's what drew me to the script. We haven't seen too many of those. Here! TV takes a lot of genres and puts their own twist on them; we get our gay, lesbian and transgender heroes.
WCT: What's next for you?
CA: I'm going to shoot two more movies in Vancouver [ regarding ] the continuation of Third Man Out. Also, my production company, Mythgarden, has just closed on a movie called Save Me. We start shooting May 9 in New Mexico with Judith Light and Robert Gant [ a co-partner in Mythgarden ] .
