Sodom

Sodom aims high and, all in all, is a beautiful film. Telling the story of a "straight" young man's struggle to come to terms with his latent homosexuality a few weeks before his wedding, it explores themes that are relevant to everyone - regardless of age, gender or sexuality - such as courage, grasping fleeting opportunities and the need to sometimes face up to life-changing decisions.

The two characters are well-fleshed out and convincing in their portrayals, although Pip Brignall's acting is a little patchy. For me, the strength of the film comes from the atmosphere it creates through its camera work and lighting, which construct a self-contained "safe haven" in the apartment in which the bulk of the action is set.

Although the ending leaves the characters frustrated, the emergence into the light after the dark night of introspection strikes a final note of positivity.

It is a film of atmosphere. Two men in an apartment, after one of them helps the other in an embarassing situation. A night and the connection. Options, realities, intentions and a bitter final.

A film proposing reflection. Less exactly a story or solutions but gifted by the fair exploration of ordinary dilemmas, choices, doubts and expressions of help and affection and loneliness.

It is the kind of film selecting in precise manner its audience. And doing that in subtle manner. Because not the subject is axis but the answers , to their reality, of the men.

And the end as a sort of deserved conclusion .

Jo Weil gives a hypnoticperformance as Michael. Though I'm unsure what the attraction is for him in Will, this was a pretty decent movie about exploring and relationships. If course the ending is something to be desired. The biggest complain I have are the random beach shots to signify inner turmoil. I don't believe that was needed as all it did was take me out of the action.

First Brignall was miscast, and Weir was not. Second the title with its Biblical title and its association with a city damned by supposedly divine intervention was utterly inappropriate. The casting of two men talking and sexually relating through the night did not bore me, as I like that sort of film that is intimate, and no two encounters are ever the same, and the nuances of such meetings can be full of human insight. Eric Rohmer's films are a perfect example on how to succeed in that. But to be honest I did not quite believe that these two would have much to say, and when they did I responded and despite misjudged casting the film has its merits. I disliked the ending, which was as negative as the title. No spoilers although other reviewers have. Sadly again the final scenes reminded me of those novels of the 1950's when it was obligatory ( publishers colluding with public opinion demanded it ) to be negative, but I switched off. A pity as the film could have totally succeeded.

This a slower, charming, very intimate movie...that's not going to be for everyone (eg my movie mate hated it.) But for those who are not in a hurry for action & who can appreciate very naturallistically & well acted scenes unfolding in an organic fashion...will appreciate the very satisfying pleasures this film has to offer.