Different (2004) User Reviews

manifesto

[Kirpianuscus · 1 March 2018]

One of manifesto against homophobia. simple, not real convincing but nice. for generous idea, for the good intentions, for the meeting between biology teacher and the lead character. the only sin is the fact than it do not work. something missing to do it credible and it is not exactly the performance of young actors, not the story but the desire of director to propose a manifesto more than a movie. but, sure, the noble intention remains noble and the question of film is real significant for the society of our days. maybe, in better reflection .

The concept barely works for 10 minutes

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 23 October 2017]

"Different" is an award-winning 10-minute live action short film by Shaffner and De Gregorio from 2004, so this one will soon have its 15th anniversary. For the duo, it is certainly among their most known work and same is true for the actors as none of them are remotely famous even. The defining aspect of this film is the premise. It shows us a world in which everybody is homosexual and heteros get punched and discriminated against. The setting here is a school where the hunky heartthrob wants to take the main character to a school dance, but he'd rather go with a girl from class, which is a complete no-go of course. The evidence that the film lacks subtlety completely can be seen in the scene with the boy and girl together where they are not even trying to hide their feelings in the public. Oh wait, it's because their attraction is so strong, isn't it? Nah, it's just very contradictory and don't even get me started on procreation in here? Are (2) males able to give birth? Anyway, it is a very simple film, but the other review shows me that it won't miss its purpose if seen by simple people. The big problem is that it is films and approaches like this that keep homophobia really alive. Tolerance can in fact be found everywhere in the globalized and civilized work these days and there are probably more arachnophobes and agoraphobes for example out there now, then there are homophobes and this film trying to convince us of the opposite is definitely not helping the cause. It's a bit of a pity really as I am sure the filmmakers intentions were honorable, but they just aren't capable of seeing the whole picture. Anyway, back to this film: Acting is forgettable, no cast member will ever have a big breakthrough unless they improve considerably, especially not lead actor Hogestyn. The turned-tables idea on the subject has been done many times already, so it's not new or innovative either, but I give them the benefit of doubt with time passed that many of the other ones past 2004 were the ones lacking new ideas. All in all, this film is not a good watch for several reasons. Skip it.

POLITICAL Genius!!!

[monkeymanq · 10/10 · 2 July 2006]

Oh my god! i am speechless over the myriad of motifs regarding modern American culture. This work of cinematic magnificence can only be described with one word: different. I really felt like I was there at the prom scene. That was some great film-making and acting. The superficial attraction between Justin and Bobby made me sob, my heart was wrenching! This movie gave me faith in student productions. The stunning raw beauty of Joanne made my eyes water with admiration. My only word of advice for this movie to improve is to have made it longer! I couldn't get enough of the comedy that soaked this juicy documentary of love, hate, and conformity. Bravo Different.

10 STARS FANTASTIC