Slate

There is a lot to like about Eric La Barr's intriguing new short, "Slate." Set in current day Los Angeles, the narrative follows the plight of an abused gay male hustler (Slate) and his abusive, controlling pimp. Seeking freedom and perhaps the promise of a budding romance, the short's climax arrives quickly (a metaphor for Slate himself?), and audiences are left breathless with the heightened sense of drama Mr. La Barr executes quite cleverly. But it's not just La Barr's direction that catches one's eye; he also gives a very intriguing, understated performance as the lead character himself.

Due to the subject matter, audiences might elect to dismiss "Slate" as strictly LGBT fare. This would be a mistake. As long as the viewer keeps his or her mind open and a sense of drama (in all its realizations) in tact, then that viewer should be introducing themselves to a highly cinematic experience. But the real excitement lies in wonder as to what Eric La Barr decides to do next in a cinematic career chalk full of promise.

Slate is a short film that packs an emotional wallop.

The plot is relatively straightforward. Slate is a young man who lives in an apartment with abusive and domineering Terrence. Terrence is Slate's pimp and whores him out to other men, so that both can make money to pay rent.

When we first meet Slate, he is an emotionally hollow kid who seems drained of all energy and self-esteem. It is obvious that this lifestyle is destroying Slate.

Everything changes when Slate meets friend and romantic interest Johnny. Johnny represents hope and normalcy - two things that have eluded Slate for a long period of time.

To divulge any more of the plot would ruin some of the twists and surprises along the way.

Overall, this is a dark and gritty character piece that does not pull any punches. The acting is solid. The music is excellent. My one criticism would be that I felt the ending was a little rushed, but on a whole this is an excellent short film and is beautifully shot.

It is certainly worth spending 15 minutes of your life to watch Slate.

A film about abuse and love and revenge. Admirable crafted in each detail. A film about dependence and about forms of slavery and about the freedom. Two guys. One - prisoner of roommate . And the only solution for become free. One of the great virtues - the final twist who, more than smart or touching, gives to story the fair coherence.