Keep the Lights On (2012)

In Manhattan, film-maker Erik bonds with closeted lawyer Paul after a fling. As their relationship becomes one fueled by highs, lows, and dysfunctional patterns, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries while being true to himself.

Director:

Ira Sachs

Writers:

Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias

Stars:

Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, Julianne Nicholson

7 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Thure Lindhardt	...	Erik Rothman
Zachary Booth	...	Paul Lucy
Marilyn Neimark	...	Marilyn Neimark
Paprika Steen	...	Karen
Sebastian La Cause	...	Russ
Julianne Nicholson	...	Claire
Sarah Hess	...	Katie
Roberta Kirshbaum	...	Katie's Mom
Jamie Petrone	...	Katie's Cousin
Maria Dizzia	...	Vivian
Stella Schnabel	...	Esther
Jodie Markell	...	Jill
Justin Reinsilber	...	Dan
James Bidgood	...	James Bidgood
Souleymane Sy Savane	...	Alassane (as Souléymane Sy Savané)

Storyline

It's 1998 and New York City is in a state of intense flux when documentary filmmaker Erik Rothman (Thure Lindhardt) first meets Paul Lucy (Zachary Booth), a handsome but closeted lawyer in the publishing field. What begins as a highly charged first encounter soon becomes something much more, and a relationship quickly develops. As the two men start building a home and life together, each continues to privately battle their own compulsions and addictions. A film about sex, friendship, intimacy and most of all, love, Keep the Lights On takes an honest look at the nature of relationships in our times.

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Plot Keywords:

gay love | interracial relationship | male prostitute | gay hustler | closeted homosexual | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Goofs

Modern iMac box.

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Quotes

Paul Lucy: I'll come home tomorrow. You should leave now.
Erik Rothman: I'm not leaving.

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Connections

Features In Search of Avery Willard (2012)

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Soundtracks

This is How We Walk on the Moon
Written by Charles Arthur Russell Jr.
Performed by Arthur Russell

User Reviews

Scandinavian type of movie made in the US

The approach, manner of depiction, and pace are more characteristic to a Danish or Swedish movie rather than a US one. The gay topic is atypical to a US movie industry as well, although a few of them were even awarded Oscars (e.g. Brokeback Mountain); still, gay erotica there was rather superficial. Keep the Lights On shows - apart from deep and painful dramatic moments - carnal part of love and affection as well (probably too much for certain viewers, on the other hand, the director/screenwriter is gay). The other main topic - drug addiction - has been approached more frequently. However, the plot is uneven, at times the tension disappears and some moves are not grounded, the last 20 minutes or so is protracted, and the ending is trivial. But the cast is evenly strong, the best performance is carried out by a relatively unknown Dane Thure Lindhardt (as Erik Rothman); he is worth remembering, he has recently had several big roles in good productions. But all other characters are deliberated and performed giftedly as well.

If you like dramatic movies with passion and addictions, then the one in question is definitely for you.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Danish

Release Date:

27 July 2012 (Taiwan)

Also Known As:

Keep the Lights On

Filming Locations:

Film Forum, 209 West Houston Street, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$55,574, 9 September 2012

Gross USA:

$246,112

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$388,331

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alarum Pictures, Parts and Labor, Tiny Dancer Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1