Retake

This was a far better film than the rating reflects. Sure, it's kind of a downer and doesn't have the happy ending you'd hope for, but it's real, it's honest, and the acting and production are top notch. Just because a film doesn't give a fairy tale ending is no reason to give it a low score. When there are so few films about the LGBT community that are high quality and of some substance or believability, it's truly sad to not give credit where credit is due.

No, it's not a love story, or story of redemption. It's a film about heartbreak, and a broken man (two broken men) trying to find happiness the only way they know how or can think of. Sure, I would have LOVED it to have ended differently, but It's FAR better than most other fare out there. It can be tough to watch at times, but is ultimately worth it.

Definitely a strange, but well scripted story of a man trying to recreate his days with an ex love. Beautifully played by the two leading actors, as well as the general ensemble. The sex scenes though suggestive are not explicit which was disappointing given the story line. But the interaction between the characters and the role playing and how the emotions changed kept me gripped.. Very interesting and recommended.

"Retake" is a road-drama about a lonely guy in his late 40s who hires a younger male prostitute - to drive with him from LA to Colorado. But "Retake" is not just another "road- buddy-movie". It's a powerful drama about human condition, relationships, pain, loss, and - love. The lead players (T. Watkins and D. Graye) are excellent in their portrayal of two complex characters, who search for answers through sensual and physical exploration. Their little "game" frequently breaks the rules, taking them to another dimension; exploring their past, and their inner-pain. It's a well written non-mainstream narrative, with certain dramatic elements of various European realism "waves" (such as Kieślowski, Wenders, and early Wajda). Nick Corporon's (director) mise-en-scène approach is semi-minimalist: long interior shots, mixed with hand-held photography and natural movement. An old Polaroid camera prop (used by the main character) - ads a touch of nostalgia to carefully staged cinematic ride. Overall, the picture is an example of well executed independent film that delivers something we lack in today's American cinema - a REAL people's story.

Okay, so now I've just watched this movie ... 6 stars on IMDb, I thought it was very much better! A realistic portrayal of hustlers, and what they are like. John's and what they can be like. I met guys like this for sure in real life! It all made sense to me!

Hustlers are screwed up, John's are really strange, (I know from experience,) it played out as a real possibility, right up to the very end results.

"Brandon," Adam ... (Devon Graye) had a realistic imperfect body, although an AMAZING face you just must fall in love with! Then there was the other protagonist, Jonathan, (Devon Graye) the messed up John. Amazing.

The script was strong and realistic right to the very end. I thought it was great! Been there, done that, (well not quite,) but it played out REAL!

Strong 8 stars from me!

FILM: Retake DIRECTOR: Nick Corporon RATING: 8/10

Jonathan is a man in his late forties whose emotional center has been entirely decimated by his previous partner, and this film begins as he hires a male prostitute to accompany him on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. His hope is to recreate a moment he shared with his ex, down to every last precisely staged polaroid. A shaky premise to be sure, but disbelief is quickly suspended in the capable hands of the two lead actors. Played quietly by Tuc Watkins, Jonathan wears his pain in his eyes and in the occasional quiet outburst. Brandon, 25 years his junior, shares a similar depth of spirit, his will toughened by just trying to survive. With these two richly complex characters, Nick Corporon gives us a searingly raw account of two men finding each other amidst the land mines of their own heart break. With gorgeous hand-held camera work that is at turns intimate and grandiose, this film takes us deep inside the damaged hearts of two individuals and leaves us believing again in the healing power of human connection. Not without its problems, but an absolute must see.