In & Out (film)

In & Out is a 1997 American comedy film directed by Frank Oz and starring Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, Matt Dillon, Debbie Reynolds, and Tom Selleck. The film centers on a high school English teacher, Howard Brackett (Kline), in the fictional town of Greenleaf, Indiana. Howard is unexpectedly "outed" on national television by a former student, Cameron Drake (Dillon), who wins an Academy Award and thanks Howard in his acceptance speech, stating that Howard is gay.

The film explores themes of sexual orientation, homophobia, and small-town prejudice. Howard, who is engaged to Emily Montgomery (Cusack), vehemently denies being gay, leading to a series of comedic situations as he tries to prove his heterosexuality to his fiancée, family, and the entire town. Meanwhile, a television reporter, Peter Malloy (Selleck), arrives in Greenleaf to cover the story and further complicates Howard's life.

In & Out was a commercial success and received positive reviews, particularly for the performances of Kline and Cusack. Cusack was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film is notable for its portrayal of a character grappling with his sexuality in a humorous and accessible way, while also addressing serious issues of acceptance and self-discovery. The title, In & Out, refers to the state of being "in the closet" and the potential coming-out process, or, in Howard's case initially, the frantic attempt to remain "in."