BOYS SHORTS
Review by RB
I have to say, this year at Outfest, I have yet to see a complete dog in the programming. Some films have more of an appeal than others for various reasons, cinematography, directing, acting, budget, maybe even food services played a part. But it’s good to see filmmakers continue to explore familiar themes with self inscribed nuances that reveal more to us about ourselves.
Two guys in high school—one is a jock, the other a photographer—set out for an afternoon of relaxation and photography. The jock’s little sister tags along and discovers that her brother and she have the same infatuation with the photographer. The most fascinating part of the film for me, was the casual way in which these fellows approach dating one another. You had the feeling we were in a different time, when being out and gay was no more a taboo, even in middle-America. That moment for me, whether intended or not, struck a chord.
I’m not a stranger to this piece, as it has played other festivals. This film is beautifully shot, and is a picturesque landscape that feels like a moving dream sequence. The score beautifully enhances the visual to create a tapestry of life’s vignettes, both simple and challenging.
This was a beautiful film about two Latino young men living in very different worlds. They are cousins who haven’t seen each other for some time, but you get the feeling that they’ve always just picked up where they left off. But something is different this time, and this difference becomes apparent when the more assertive, machismo cousin sets off to find a girl for them to share for the evening. The acting was brilliant and the film was visually wonderful. This is definitely the beginnings of a feature film and holds a solid place as a short as well. One of my favorites of the festival.
A bookstore clerk and his customer find themselves living out the subject matter of a Renaissance painting. The skinny, youthful clerk has the painting in postcard form at the register and the burly, a few years his senior customer searches for the book that holds the key to their connection. Before long, reminiscing over their travels and similar interests brings them closer together, as they enact the subtle undercurrents of the painting. It was an interesting premise with heart, shot nicely.
This film was somehow left off the voting ballet, maybe it wasn’t up for the prize… Two Australian lovers are about to part ways and they’re making the most of it, especially in the heat, a catalyst that keeps them in their undies for most of the film. You want to know more of the context of their parting of these two men, which is left unrevealed, but you have the sense that it would be awkward when they reunite. The lighting for the most part was dark and there was a sense of claustrophobia, which enhanced the suffocation one feels when they are about to part ways.
Three guys, three windows, three money shots… Okay this was porn whether or not it states it. I mean come on, a masturbation sequence and full release times three… I didn’t say it wasn’t intriguing, but where do you go after that. Many shorts seem to be the beginnings of features, however, this little ditty was a complete package (pun intended) and it delivers in a big way.