BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival powers into its first weekend with a flurry of screenings and events that have turned BFI Southbank into the place to be in London. It's a great place to hang out, mingling with fans, filmmakers and actors. The audiences have been terrific in the cinemas, and it's been fun to see friends and colleagues who have been in hiding for two long years! Here are some more highlights...
The Swimmer
dir-scr Adam Kalderon; with Omer Perelman Striks, Asaf Jonas 21/Isr ***.
With a bracingly sensual aesthetic, this Israeli drama explores the strains experienced by top-level sportsmen, touching on pungent themes so subtly that you might miss them if you blink. Writer-director Adam Kalderon uses bright hues in costumes and sets, plus a lively score by The Penelopes, all of which quietly infuse scenes with a camp sensibility that plays on how the camera lovingly gazes at athletic men in speedos.
dir Jeffrey Schwarz; with Gloria Swanson, Richard Stapley 21/US ****
A true story that echoes a classic movie, this documentary delves into the archives of screen icon Gloria Swanson. Ace filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz lays out the events with a snappy pace that's hugely entertaining, especially since the tale is so packed with surprising twists and turns. Not only is the film a fabulous account of unknown Hollywood history, but it ripples with deeper themes that make it surprisingly resonant.
dir Q Allan Brocka; with Derek Magyar, Darryl Stephens 22/US ***
Filmmaker Q Allan Brocka catches up with the characters from his 2006 movie in this comical six-part series, both based on the book by cowriter Matthew Rettenmund. Once again, the central focus is on a couple that finds it difficult to stay together due to their different views of sex. The dialog and characters are sharp and engaging, and scenes are infused with lustiness, even if it's mainly talk.
dir Bradley & Pablo; with Charli XCX, Huck Kwong 21/US ****
A knowing exploration of the impact of the pandemic, this documentary unfolds through the eyes of the 29-year-old British pop artist as she reveals details of her life, career, relationships and family. And the film also includes her extended fan family, called Angels, as she invites their participation to create a new collection of songs and videos. It's a colourful, fast-paced film packed with surprisingly powerful moments.
Great Freedom
dir Sebastian Meise; with Franz Rogowski, Georg Friedrich 21/Aut ****
Earthy and understated, this Austrian prison drama tells a story of resilience amid harsh treatment of gay men in post-war Germany. Filmmaker Sebastian Meise keeps the film tightly focused on its characters, which makes it sometimes startlingly warm as it explores deeper connections between men who are prohibited from being themselves. Starting with Nazi persecution of homosexuality, the film's narrative covers the extension of those laws into the late 1960s... REVIEW >
For tickets and information, visit BFI FLARE
No comments:
Post a Comment