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ekeby's rating
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ekeby's rating
Throughout the film people walk out of the frame. The characters depart the scene, or action, or interaction. They continually depart from personal and emotional interactions with each other.
These repeated bits of business make for an interesting filmic concept. I'm not sure they necessarily make for an interesting film. The film might have been just as well called "Avoidance" because that's what's happening eighty percent of the time. In fact, it makes a somewhat dull film.
The sexual tension between the son, Elliot, and the French boy, Clement is what really makes the film tolerable, particularly for us Gay guys. In truth the film only really comes alive when Phénix Brossard (Clement) is on the screen. He radiates hormonal maleness; it's hard to take your eyes off him. The rest of the time it's mostly mother and son tolerating each other. Politely, for the most part. They have a bad case of First World problems that doesn't make them particularly sympathetic.
I want to like this movie, but I can't. I can't really criticize it either... what it's doing, it's doing well. Although when it fails-as it does in the fantasy sequences-I found it cringe making. But other than those few scenes, the movie is delivering its message on point. It's just that the message isn't all that interesting.
These repeated bits of business make for an interesting filmic concept. I'm not sure they necessarily make for an interesting film. The film might have been just as well called "Avoidance" because that's what's happening eighty percent of the time. In fact, it makes a somewhat dull film.
The sexual tension between the son, Elliot, and the French boy, Clement is what really makes the film tolerable, particularly for us Gay guys. In truth the film only really comes alive when Phénix Brossard (Clement) is on the screen. He radiates hormonal maleness; it's hard to take your eyes off him. The rest of the time it's mostly mother and son tolerating each other. Politely, for the most part. They have a bad case of First World problems that doesn't make them particularly sympathetic.
I want to like this movie, but I can't. I can't really criticize it either... what it's doing, it's doing well. Although when it fails-as it does in the fantasy sequences-I found it cringe making. But other than those few scenes, the movie is delivering its message on point. It's just that the message isn't all that interesting.
I've seen innumerable productions of this musical, but somehow I was unaware of this film until just now. I came here to read reviews, most of which-as I predicted-were only to eager to blame The Big Movie Star for all the problems.
IMO, Elizabeth Taylor brought something quite original to the role and her performance deserves applause. I found her rendition of Send In The Clowns incredibly moving. For those that complained she "spoke" the lyrics, well, I can only say I wish some of the other songs had been spoken as well.
Frankly, I think the music just gets in the way of this film. Imagine if it had been played as a non-musical comedy. It would have worked fine, and in fact, probably improved without the constraint of musical actors. I understand perfectly what it is meant to be, I just think if you segregate the music from the story you get some insight into the quality of the movie. Which is pretty good when viewed from the perspective of 2021. It looks practically masterful compared to some of the musical films of more recent vintage.
IMO, Elizabeth Taylor brought something quite original to the role and her performance deserves applause. I found her rendition of Send In The Clowns incredibly moving. For those that complained she "spoke" the lyrics, well, I can only say I wish some of the other songs had been spoken as well.
Frankly, I think the music just gets in the way of this film. Imagine if it had been played as a non-musical comedy. It would have worked fine, and in fact, probably improved without the constraint of musical actors. I understand perfectly what it is meant to be, I just think if you segregate the music from the story you get some insight into the quality of the movie. Which is pretty good when viewed from the perspective of 2021. It looks practically masterful compared to some of the musical films of more recent vintage.
At this writing only three episodes have been released, but it's enough to see the quality of the production. It almost feels like a film, especially if you are used to Thai or Pinoy etc, BL series. This just feels more - well I want to say professional but that's not quite right-accomplished and thoughtful. From acting to cinematography to editing.
It feels substantial, even though the plot is fantasy. The office / workaday setting somehow gives the series more gravitas than most BL fantasies. The characters seem real and genuine and we cannot help being drawn in emotionally.
I realize It's a little irresponsible to write a review based on just three episodes of a 12 episode series. And I'll revisit this when the series finishes. But frankly, I couldn't wait to share my enthusiasm.
Side note: it's not clear to me whether there is an official version with English subtitles. I've seen two differently translated versions of the same episode, and there was considerable difference between them. One was more succinct, the other more fleshed out. In BL land, it's kind of the wild west when it comes to bootlegged copies and subtitles. I hope that an official version becomes widely available soon.
It feels substantial, even though the plot is fantasy. The office / workaday setting somehow gives the series more gravitas than most BL fantasies. The characters seem real and genuine and we cannot help being drawn in emotionally.
I realize It's a little irresponsible to write a review based on just three episodes of a 12 episode series. And I'll revisit this when the series finishes. But frankly, I couldn't wait to share my enthusiasm.
Side note: it's not clear to me whether there is an official version with English subtitles. I've seen two differently translated versions of the same episode, and there was considerable difference between them. One was more succinct, the other more fleshed out. In BL land, it's kind of the wild west when it comes to bootlegged copies and subtitles. I hope that an official version becomes widely available soon.