The Men's Room

I saw this as part of the GLBT Film Festival in Boston.

Thomas (Russell Sams) goes to park. He's obviously gay (he's wearing hot pink socks) and sits on the grass near the men's room in the park. He makes eyes with a man (Blake Robbins) and follows him into the mens room. You probably expect sex but Thomas is looking for something else...

Well-directed and acted--Sams and Robbins are great in difficult roles. I think this will speak to a lot of people--gay or str8--who are looking for more than just sex. Worth catching. I don't have much more to say but I need 10 lines of text so...it was well-done all around and it's a great short that should be seen by everybody.

Bitterness is the basic gift of this short film about apparences, gestures , desires and vulnerability. A beautiful film for details - from the red socks to the hand moving - and for cinematography. One of films as confessions; not comfortable but honest in the high way.

Before I even started thinking about what to write in this review the word "sordid" came into my mind. Even today shame and fear lead men to meet up in insalubrious locations.

We can see that Thomas is clearly gay from his gait and demeanour. He seems closeted and unsure though, afraid even. Unfortunately the film veers off into metaphysics and flights of fancy during his conversation with the guy who turns out to be a cop. It wasn't convincing.

I couldn't get the mechanics of the handcuffs either. How were they going to restrain him? At some point the handcuffed hand would have to retract. I didn't understand the reaction of the young rappers either.

Claims have been made for this film but that's for the birds. This was not an edifying experience. Not recommended.