Of Hearts and Castles

You know I couldn't help but wonder if this might have been better as a silent film! Essentially it's all about a cuddle! "Marcus" (Philemon Chambers) is recovering from a recent break up when he shares a cigarette outside a bar with "Angel" (Luis Carazo). A bit of smalltalk ensues, a stroll with some food, then a return to the latter man's home where - well, no - not what you might expect. It turns out that "Angel" has his heart on the right hand side of his body and so the aforementioned hug takes on a much more intimate meaning. The narrative is fractured. It's not delivered chronologically and is really about intimacy - two men who both have their baggage, but that baggage isn't what drives or clutters up the story. It presents a slightly counterintuitive sense of optimism: they don't even exchange names until the end. Will they meet again? Who knows... The production is basic, set against the darkness of a city evening and somehow the extremely unsexy habit of cigarette smoking adds an extra bit of character to the thing. It's but fifteen minutes and though a gay themed mini-drama, could easily apply more broadly.

One of films seductive for profound honest voice about subjects not so easy to explore or confess. Two men. The vulnerability of one of them. The fair, gentle answer of the other. Nice acting, inspired cinematography and the grace to propose more than an ordinary gay story but a precise, beautiful crafted story about the other and the expected answer to your soul pain.

The result is just impressive and real heartbroking. Sure, a film about sincerity and refuges. But so well made, scene by scene, dialogue by dialogue , than it is just remarkable for its very special contained and for simple, profound, touching message.

In short, wise exposure of fundamental truths.