TOGETHER ALONE
A film review by Max Hoffmann
Copyright 1993 Max Hoffmann
Rating: Not Rated (no nudity/sex/violence, some profanity)
Max Reax = 8 on scale of 0 --- 10
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sux must see
Although I loved this film when I recently saw it in Australia, my initial reaction was that maybe it only spoke to gay men. However, I took two straight girl friends to see it this weekend, and they both said "this is *my* life!"--so I'm recommending it to a wider audience.
Amazingly, with only a $7,000 budget, P. J. Castellaneta has pulled together a credible and compelling B/W 35mm film about 2 guys dialoguing "the morning after." There's nothing to compare it to, but one might be tempted to label it MY DINNER WITH ANDRE meets A MAN AND A WOMAN ... with an all-male cast!
It becomes clear within the first few minutes that (a) after a one-night stand these two guys had sex and (b) they didn't use a condom. The film transcends the expected "ABC Afterschool Special" heavy hitting morality approach, and deals believably with trust, self-delusion, and accepting the consequences of our choices. In terms of addressing issues of safe sex, and the "new/new" morality, the film effectively deals with just about every self-deluding argument you might personally encounter OR manufacture.
(Semi-Spoiler follows) ....
Terry Curry, as the heart throb hunk who turns out to be a "Married with Children" bisexual, will strike a chord with many a wronged straight gal, and may cause a few straight guys to fidget in their seats from unwelcomed self-recognition. Todd Stites is fairly believable as the more "out" and usually "responsible" gay man. Unfortunately he inherits the lion's share of dreary political pronouncements, though there are some delicious quotes (e.g., "Believe you me, there was many a press-on nail and high heel that was broken to preserve our rights" and "I don't think a drowning man is equipped to save the whales.")
Through both actor's gifted performances and the deft direction, the unexpected result is that the characters are ultimately identical to just about any straight guy that you might know, from the workplace to the gym. (Unexpected, that is for an *American* film to achieve such an amazing revelation.) The film should be viewed in the same spirit as SOUNDER, which broke ground back in the 70's portraying a Black family with few of the then prevailing stereotypes. If you go to see it, overlook the fact that the background music will occasionally remind you of one of those early Sunday morning shows put on by the Brothers of St. Paul, and that in the opening scenes the director got a little over-fascinated with the effect of headlights through the patterned curtains on the slumbering duo. All of the "action" takes place on a checkered bed spread (obviously a chess board) and the actors appear to be lit only by a gooseneck lamp, (but amazingly they are well lit enough to allow every nuance of expression show through, even when shadows create "racoon eyes.") There are some elements that over stretch credibility (like them both having the same dream--are they aspects of the same person?)
If this were a major studio effort, I'd give it a 7, but making allowances for the fact that only 4 people were in involved, (2 actors, 1 director/writer/caterer and 1 cameraman) it warrants an 8.
The film also breaks new ground in that, despite it's "adult" theme, there is *no* nudity, (the heater's broken so they put on their sweats) *no* sex, *no* violence and *scant* profanity. You don't even see these guys kiss on the lips! The magic of story telling and seeing off screen characters in your own mind's eye holds this film together... something that hasn't been done for a long, long time. In terms of criteria for content rating towards an NC-17 this film could be shown on the Disney channel. (Don't hold your breath, though!)
Currently at San Francisco's Castro through Thurs 1/7; expect it at San Jose's Camera 3, and possibly the Varsity in Palo Alto. If it comes out on Video, it'll be tough to locate. At best, it might show up on three or four PBS stations next Gay Pride week in June before it goes into oblivion.
-- Max Hoffmann .
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