Movies are strictly meant as a source of
entertainment, no different than books. They can, and often do, provide
escapism from our boring lives. And, depending on the script and actors’
abilities to portray the characters, most movies can be enjoyable as well as
humorous, heart rendering or even thought provoking. But no matter the feeling
you walk away with, whether wonderful or dare I say disappointed, every movie
leaves an impression.
Just recently I decided to disconnect our cable;
the cost was reaching an astronomical level. In replacement of the cable, I
purchased a VHF/UHF antenna and hooked it to our TV. Viola! Instant guilt free TV–as my son coined the
phrase. Along with the antenna, I reopened my account with Netflix. And, I hate
to say it, but the savings are huge. If you don’t have Netflix, seriously look
into it, it’ll save you a bundle. The secret: the more you watch the more
options become available. Anyway, Netflix has some really great content, which
includes gay and lesbian films.
My first choice was the 2011 UK movie Weekend, directed by Andrew Haigh, and
starring Tom Cullen (Russell) and Chris New (Glen). I read the brief synopsis
then pressed play. In my humble opinion, sometimes this is the best way to pick
a movie–no preconceived notion, no knowledge–simply watch and come to your own
conclusion.
Russell is a rather introverted lifeguard,
who wants to keep his homosexuality private. He has a traditional if not,
almost revered view of what a relationship should be. In the first scene, he
visits his straight friends for a dinner party then later ventures off to a gay
bar where he meets Glen. The scene cuts from the bar to the men waking up
together in Russell’s apartment. Glen proceeds to tell Russell about his art project in which he interviews gay
men about their coming out.
Initially, Russell thinks Glen is joking until he winds up on tape.
As a work-class stiff with self-assured
ideals, Russell is at the opposite end of the scale from middle-class,
free-loving, and outwardly superficial Glen, who doesn’t hold any faith in
tradition and commitment. The tape recorder acts as an impartial third-party
between the men, forcing both to voice their true feelings on life, love, sex,
and relationships.
Even though their encounter was purely
sexual at the start, a truly incredible bond develops between the men as they
spend the weekend together. As time draws to a close, it comes to light, that
Glen wants to move to America, where he’s made plans to start a new life. Russell
takes the news hard, and Glen is forced to make a choice.
What I found most intriguing about this
film was the gritty realism. Here, you have a couple of average guys, who are
simply trying to express their feelings, determine what they want out of life,
and navigate through the sometimes painful process of dating. I don’t care if
you’re gay or straight a one-night stand is a one-night stand. Accidentally meeting
someone you think might be your soul mate,
but then finding out differently, isn’t a dating perk reserved for only
straight people. Gay men face the same challenges everyone else does.
Andrew Haigh did a superb job. The script
voiced a sincere but clear message, and Cullen and News’ portrayal of single
life for gay men was exceptional. Weekend was uncompromising, romantic, sexy,
honest and above all real. Five stars!
Happy Yaoi Hunting!
~Blak Rayne
Sounds brilliant, I'll keeps eyes out for it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really good movie, Jamie, down-to-earth, and I believe, a very realistic portrayal of dating! I hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by.
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