HARRY AND MAX goes where films have dared (at least American films): consensual incestuous relationships between two brothers. Writer/director Christopher Münch ('The Sleepy Time Gal', 'The Hours and Times', 'Color of a Brisk and Leaping Day') has previously proved that he is unafraid to take on tough subject matter and make it poetically beautiful. In HARRY AND MAX he has created an intelligent reverie about hopes, dreams, expectations, disappointments, and filial love that is as fascinating as it is unique.
Max (Cole Williams) is a 16-year-old teen idol whose career is managed by his mother (Michelle Phillips). His 23-year-old brother Harry (Bryce Johnson) began the family trend toward teen band idols and now is living on his past glories in music trips to the still-adoring masses in Japan while he sinks into alcoholism. Max longs for companionship and more with Harry and as the film opens we find them on a long-awaited camping trip in California's San Gabriel mountains, exploring the old Mt Lowe Railway. Their similarities and differences unfold in natural, unforced conversation and when night falls and they retire to their tent, Max makes physical overtures to Harry, overtures Harry does not resist. It is clear through occult references to a family outing in Bermuda that the two have had intimate relations but the details are intentionally left foggy. For the remainder of the weekend trip the two brothers confide their family problems (Harry never felt as accepted as Max and left home early on), Max's gay affair with 40-year-old Josiah (Tom Gilroy), Harry's current affair with Roxanne (Roni Deitz) and his mishandled affair with Nikki (Rain Phoenix), a girl who subsequently married and divorced and is now a close friend with Max.
Once the inherent tensions are blocked out, the two brothers explore the current paramours of the other: Harry seduces Josiah, Max attempts to seduce Nikki, and the secret of the brothers' incestuous relationship becomes open knowledge. Harry truly loves Max and Max returns that love but feels Harry must find his own life without leaning on Max's new idol popularity. The final solutions are unveiled in a time jump two years later when Harry and Max and Max's lover Jordan (Justin Zachary) meet in a conversation that more fully explains the differences and similarities between the two brothers.
Christopher Münch keeps the story rolling with casual precision, using effective sun-drenched flashbacks to illuminate the boys' childhood. He has garnered fine performances from his cast: Cole Williams and Bryce Johnson are superb and cameo roles by Michelle Phillips, Justin Zachary, and Tom Gilroy are first rate. The only weak link is Rain Phoenix who mimes her way through the pivotal role of Nikki, reducing the tension when it should be building. The sexual scenes are handled with utmost sophistication, sensual without being graphic. In all, this is a terrific little film, small in budget and technique but enormous in thought and impact. Highly recommended.
Grady Harp
Max (Cole Williams) is a 16-year-old teen idol whose career is managed by his mother (Michelle Phillips). His 23-year-old brother Harry (Bryce Johnson) began the family trend toward teen band idols and now is living on his past glories in music trips to the still-adoring masses in Japan while he sinks into alcoholism. Max longs for companionship and more with Harry and as the film opens we find them on a long-awaited camping trip in California's San Gabriel mountains, exploring the old Mt Lowe Railway. Their similarities and differences unfold in natural, unforced conversation and when night falls and they retire to their tent, Max makes physical overtures to Harry, overtures Harry does not resist. It is clear through occult references to a family outing in Bermuda that the two have had intimate relations but the details are intentionally left foggy. For the remainder of the weekend trip the two brothers confide their family problems (Harry never felt as accepted as Max and left home early on), Max's gay affair with 40-year-old Josiah (Tom Gilroy), Harry's current affair with Roxanne (Roni Deitz) and his mishandled affair with Nikki (Rain Phoenix), a girl who subsequently married and divorced and is now a close friend with Max.
Once the inherent tensions are blocked out, the two brothers explore the current paramours of the other: Harry seduces Josiah, Max attempts to seduce Nikki, and the secret of the brothers' incestuous relationship becomes open knowledge. Harry truly loves Max and Max returns that love but feels Harry must find his own life without leaning on Max's new idol popularity. The final solutions are unveiled in a time jump two years later when Harry and Max and Max's lover Jordan (Justin Zachary) meet in a conversation that more fully explains the differences and similarities between the two brothers.
Christopher Münch keeps the story rolling with casual precision, using effective sun-drenched flashbacks to illuminate the boys' childhood. He has garnered fine performances from his cast: Cole Williams and Bryce Johnson are superb and cameo roles by Michelle Phillips, Justin Zachary, and Tom Gilroy are first rate. The only weak link is Rain Phoenix who mimes her way through the pivotal role of Nikki, reducing the tension when it should be building. The sexual scenes are handled with utmost sophistication, sensual without being graphic. In all, this is a terrific little film, small in budget and technique but enormous in thought and impact. Highly recommended.
Grady Harp