Sodom

The title "Sodom" makes zero sense for the name of this film and it is very difficult to enjoy this movie unless you are sight-impaired. Imagine a Caucasian actor playing an "Asian." We are expected to accept something that doesn't match what we actually see. The film is a perfect example of how BAD CASTING can ruin a movie. It's like watching an actor calling for his dog and then a cat shows up (and we are told it's a dog). I have no personal issue with Pip Brignall (Will; the younger, straight soccer player). He does an OK job, he was simply NOT RIGHT for the part because:

• AGE: he is supposed to be 20, but looks almost as old as the other 40-year old gay character.

• Orientation: supposed to be straight but looks 10X gayer than the "gay" character. Everything from hairstyle, his smile and mannerisms are screaming "gay." Then he opens his mouth and all suspicions are confirmed. Yet we are continually insulted by being told that he's straight. Yeah right!

• Does not look like or act like a soccor player. Besides, why even write a "soccer player" into the story when it is not important to the plot..

REWRITE the story/script so it fits what we are watching. Otherwise cast an actor that fits the role. Don't try to sell us apples when you are offering oranges; then expect a good outcome.

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.

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 .

A low-key, intimate character study of two men, an older gay man and a younger, not so straight guy who meet under a unique circumstance late one evening and spend the night together discussing their pasts, their present, and maybe their future. Jo Weil's performance as Michael, the handsome, seasoned older man, is a revelation. A haunting piece of cinema that stays with you long after the film is over.

Sodom is nothing very new. But it is a graceful, artful, masterpiece set to beautiful photography and music. Generational conflict makes this film interesting and alive. I can't understand how anyone would dislike or hate it. A film-goer inspects all parts of a film, not just the plot. Although important, the plot is not everything. This film is alive and carried beautifully by only two actors the entire film. Both men are beautiful and perfectly cast. This film is nothing short of beautiful and is a positive image in the genre.