Saturday, May 19, 2012
OUT IN THE FAMILY
Today's gay film was
Starring Benjamin Bratt and directed by his brother Peter, this film focuses on the father of a gay son. A Latino father of a gay son. A Latino father of a gay son who live in the latin ghetto of The Mission in San Francisco.
For once, the focus here is on the family of a gay man who outs himself, sort of. Pictures are found of the son and his lover together.
The gay men are portrayed beautifully as, for that matter, is the father. A lady neighbor is a love interest for the Dad who helps him come to terms with his feelings about the son.
It is all very contemporary and feels so real that one is just hugged into the whole swirling situation.
Dad throws son out, son goes to Uncle and Aunt. Then is taken in by the parents of his lover.
There is a side story of violence which spins back and knocks the Dad off his hard positions.
There is not much in this that is conventional and yet it is every coming out story only from the parent's perspective.
Great music. If you watch with titles (suggested) the lyrics will be shown. A unique and delightful treat. Often they are dumped. Too hard to translate poetry?
Bratt has always been intense. Square that here.
Did I say that the gay men, young and horny, are as real as they can be and they are in love, a mature love that transcends the relationship with the Dad. Not much inner conflict with the kid who goes for his own needs.
This is a 4 out of Netflix5,
