What does a street-thug father, a frizzy-haired outcast and a married mostly-heterosexual couple have in common? They’re just some of the characters that will light up the screen July 14 through the 17 at the annual Cinema Q film festival. Developed by The Denver Film Society, the festival will feature nearly a dozen films covering all topics queer. “This year’s lineup of films is really fantastic. They cover our community in just about every facet,” said programing director Keith Garcia. Below, Out Front Colorado film critic Steve Cruz discusses some of the high and low points of the film fest.
A scene of August
Romeos
This German import is a true gem, which doesn’t reach too far and maximizes everything within arm’s reach. Lukas is a handsome 20-year-old female-to-male transsexual who is transitioning. Except for his friend Ine and his family – including his mouthy little sister – he hasn’t revealed his journey to anyone. This film is about keeping a secret in impossible circumstances. Count on the government to make Lukas’ life perplexing. He shows up for his year of civil service and has been assigned to women’s housing – even though his name is legally changed, he is still listed as “female.” Untangling the mess is just part of this coming-of-self film. The film beautifully tells the tale of a young transman making permanent decisions at a time in life when everything and everyone else is fleeting, unreliable and unpredictable.
August
It’s hot in Southern California, and this film really stretches out a hot month until you’re asking yourself, “Is it September yet?” Troy and Jonathan were lovers, but Troy left for Spain and Jonathan found a new boyfriend, Raul. Troy returns from Spain and immediately makes moves on Jonathan. Jonathan doesn’t resist one bit. Raul is suspicious; Jonathan is a bad liar. In this film packed with handsome men, completely devoid of conscience or depth, the highly predictable takes place. For some reason we’re supposed to grow a heart for Troy, because he’s really sensitive. Unless you’re someone else’s boyfriend. Carve away what seems like HOURS of loaded glances and “meaningful gazing,” the action in August could probably be distilled to a 20-minute short film.
Heartbeats
Young filmmaker Xavier Dolan, who made a splash with I Killed My Mother, takes on twenty-something narcissism that is beautiful to watch, but is uneven and not totally successful. A pair of friends, handsome Francis (Dolan) and his bombshell gal pal Marie scoop up Nico, an Adonis with a head of loose honey-blond curls. Nico isn’t clear who will have him, Marie and Nico can’t decide either. There is lots of flirting and competition for Nico’s attention. And there are hurt feelings … of course. Dolan pairs this story with talking-head confessions about love and heartache. Most are interesting, but not all. The combination still leaves me perplexed. Oh, those French!
Three
Incredible filmmaking from the reliable genius of Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run, Perfume: Story of a Murderer, The International) yields my favorite of the five films I previewed. We meet numerous players in a barrage of dialogue and situations until the focus narrows on three 40ish characters: a married couple who separately fall in love with the same man. Tykwer is a master at crafting solid characters. In Three, these people are knowable, likeable and irritating. This unusual love triangle unfolds naturally and with an undercurrent of personal issues that makes it feel real. Its resolution is unexpected. Three is a film lover’s confection: beautiful details, great script, engaging actors, memorable characters and solid filmmaking.
Florent: Queen of the Meat Market
New York’s Meatpacking District was once an industrial neighborhood of meat processers by day; and by night the province of gay bars, prostitutes and sex clubs. I fondly remember the legendary L.U.R.E. (Leather, Uniform, Rubber, Etc.). From 1985 – 2008, Florent’s, a 24-hour bistro/diner, fed urbanites, tourists, families, club kids and A-list celebrities. The owner Florent Morellet made the place home to gay activism and AIDS action. After learning he was HIV-positive in 1987, Morellet posted his T-cell count on the menu board. This documentary is bursting with footage from an amazing era in New York, before gentrification pushed out the little establishment. Famous faces including Julianne Moore, Isaac Mizrahi, Diane von Furstenberg and Christo & Jeanne-Claude lend their memories with those of lesser known, but beloved patrons to canonize the joint. l
