En malas compañías

Interesting short film about a teenager dealing with his sexuality, refreshingly the main character has no problem with the way society, in this case his family feel negatively about what he does, he just passively observes what happens around him. and goes about getting sex. it is erotic. and funny. as a straight male it is interesting to see (bi) homosexuality presented in a way where a homosexual character doesn't feel any shame or anything other about his sexuality. quite good, saw it on channel 4

A school boy hangs around a mall in order to pick up older men and have sex in the public toilets. When his English tutor teaches him anal sex he is opened up to new experiences despite being caught by his disapproving father. When he meets a 18 year old he goes to the toilets only to be caught by security and charged. Despite his parent's disapproval he finds this makes him dedicated to one relationship but the sexual anonymity of the toilets is a constant lure for him.

This short starts out interesting - the boy is an interesting character and at first you want to find out more about what makes him tick. However the story quite moves into several scenes of sweaty men having sex in a shopping mall toilets. These scenes are totally unnecessary and don't add value to the character. I thought that the story was going to be a message film, however this film portrays homosexuals as highly promiscuous, lacking morals and unable to commit to a relationship. In fact the film's conclusion is that the homosexual character, even when he is happily in a relationship, still likes to pick up men in toilets and have sex with them.

I don't understand the point of the film - if I didn't know better I'd think I'd think the film was designed to reinforce gay stereotypes. The teenager is actually very good in the lead role, it's just a shame that it turns out that he hasn't got a character to speak of.

This film starts well but quickly degenerates into slightly erotic gay cinema. The story that starts full of promise turns out to be hollow and full of insulting stereotypes about young gay men.

Antonio Hens' "En Malas Compañías" (2000), also known as "Doors Cut Down," is a potent exploration of teenage sexuality and the complexities of identity within a repressive social milieu. Set in the suburban confines of a local mall, the film masterfully juxtaposes the public and private spheres of its protagonist, Guillermo, portrayed with remarkable nuance by Israel Rodríguez.

Film Analysis and Themes

"En Malas Compañías" follows 16-year-old Guillermo, whose clandestine encounters in the mall's restrooms form the crux of the narrative. Despite his apparent self-assuredness, Guillermo's introspective voice-over reveals his naivety and confusion regarding the attention he receives from older men. This internal monologue is a critical device, exposing the dichotomy between his self-perception and the external reality of his allure.

The film delves deeply into themes of forbidden desire and societal repression. Guillermo's interactions, particularly with his tutor and other anonymous men, underscore the clandestine nature of his sexual explorations. His infatuation with Asier, a seemingly heterosexual tough guy from the neighborhood, further complicates his emotional landscape, highlighting the fluidity and complexity of sexual identity.

Director Antonio Hens utilizes the public restrooms of the mall as a symbolic space where societal norms and personal desires clash. This setting not only intensifies the narrative's tension but also reflects the broader social commentary on the policing of queer spaces and identities. The subplot involving Guillermo's parents, who seek therapy to come to terms with his sexuality, adds another layer of depth, underscoring the generational and cultural challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth.

Cinematic Techniques

Antonio Hens' direction is both bold and intimate, capturing the raw vulnerability of Guillermo's journey. The cinematography by Alfonso Segura is particularly noteworthy, employing tight framing and close-ups to draw the audience into Guillermo's world. This visual intimacy is complemented by the film's restrained use of music, composed by Nacho Mastretta, which subtly underscores the emotional undercurrents without overwhelming the narrative.

The film's aesthetic choices are deliberate and evocative, enhancing the storytelling by creating a sense of claustrophobic tension that mirrors Guillermo's internal struggles. The use of public and private spaces is deftly handled, with the mall restrooms serving as a liminal space where societal norms are both enforced and transgressed.

Performances

Israel Rodríguez delivers a standout performance as Guillermo, capturing the delicate balance between vulnerability and defiance. His portrayal is both raw and nuanced, making Guillermo a deeply empathetic character. Rodríguez's ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions and body language adds a layer of authenticity to the film.

Pablo Puyol, as Asier, provides a compelling counterpoint to Guillermo's character. His portrayal of a seemingly macho figure hiding his true self adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the performative aspects of gender and sexuality.

Conclusion

"En Malas Compañías" is a powerful short film that offers a candid exploration of youth, sexuality, and the quest for self-acceptance. Its explicit content, while provocative, is handled with a sensitivity that respects the characters' inner lives and the broader social context. Antonio Hens' direction, combined with Israel Rodríguez's compelling performance, creates a film that is both emotionally resonant and visually engaging.

Rating: 7/10.

Right from the start this short draws one in. The voice-over by Israel Rodriguez playing Guillermo is apt and witty - the writer had a flash of genius.

The film's about cottaging and speaks to a truth rarely acknowledged - that young gay guys make the running in these situations. No one was exploiting Guillermo although some of his conquests were persistent. Rodriguez was eighteen when he appeared in this film and did a fantastic job both acting and speaking as a confident sixteen year old.

Bi-guy Asier played by Pablo Puyol (already twenty five here but meant to be an eighteen year old) had his hands full when he and Guillermo started dating. The lure of the cottage was still strong. But the slightly crass English title gives a clue as to what had happened in the interim.

I've seen this twice and even devised a set of French subtitles for a friend some years ago. I lost my copy of the film but would gladly watch it again.

Enjoyable, interesting and impressive film. A solid/complete story in only 18 minutes.