CONTAINS (small) SPOILERS:
I loved this movie. I recently re-watched it and was amazed at how well it was done, especially given its limited budget. Some of the supporting cast's performances were good and some not so good. But the pacing, set design and cohesiveness of the plot were exceptional. The cinematography was stellar, using great aerial and freeway footage of L.A. And the music, much of which I believe was written for the show, was incredible; it really intensified and deepened key scenes like the beach, the car drives (all of them) and the scenes in Steve's bedroom.
The two leads were superb and their portrayals are not only passionate but, importantly, ring true to people who have been in this situation. Both Eric and Gregor are incredibly handsome men, in very different ways, and their chemistry and attraction for each other poured off the screen. They both deserve future consideration for meaty, demanding roles.
I have to say that the movie was intensely and beautifully erotic, but never slipped into any semblance of pornography or even soft-porn kitsch. The scene with Steve in his officer's uniform "frisking" Mark against the wall could be studied by novice filmmakers on how to depict explosive sexual tension without the need to bare a lot of skin. And the few subtle scenes of the naked male form lovingly caught both the power and vulnerability of a man's body and soul.
Best, the ending was joyful, as it had to be for these two characters. I note from people who read the novel that this was a pretty faithful interpretation of a great and romantic book.
Give this movie a chance. It's tastefulness, attention to detail (especially in some wonderful music) and, most importantly, some great acting by the two leads paint a worthy image of two men deeply in love.
I loved this movie. I recently re-watched it and was amazed at how well it was done, especially given its limited budget. Some of the supporting cast's performances were good and some not so good. But the pacing, set design and cohesiveness of the plot were exceptional. The cinematography was stellar, using great aerial and freeway footage of L.A. And the music, much of which I believe was written for the show, was incredible; it really intensified and deepened key scenes like the beach, the car drives (all of them) and the scenes in Steve's bedroom.
The two leads were superb and their portrayals are not only passionate but, importantly, ring true to people who have been in this situation. Both Eric and Gregor are incredibly handsome men, in very different ways, and their chemistry and attraction for each other poured off the screen. They both deserve future consideration for meaty, demanding roles.
I have to say that the movie was intensely and beautifully erotic, but never slipped into any semblance of pornography or even soft-porn kitsch. The scene with Steve in his officer's uniform "frisking" Mark against the wall could be studied by novice filmmakers on how to depict explosive sexual tension without the need to bare a lot of skin. And the few subtle scenes of the naked male form lovingly caught both the power and vulnerability of a man's body and soul.
Best, the ending was joyful, as it had to be for these two characters. I note from people who read the novel that this was a pretty faithful interpretation of a great and romantic book.
Give this movie a chance. It's tastefulness, attention to detail (especially in some wonderful music) and, most importantly, some great acting by the two leads paint a worthy image of two men deeply in love.