Cubby

After college, artistic Mark escapes from his Indiana hometown to a fake job in New York City, where he rents a room in the apartment of his college roommate. Taking a job as an after-school babysitter to a 6-year old, the 2 bond together very well. Meanwhile, he meets Leather Man, who may be a figment of his imagination, from a porn magazine he found at home years ago. In certain BDSM scenes, Leather Man tells him to seek his safe space, which to Mark is his childhood "cubby".

But Mark is not all together, especially financially, and prefers street drugs to his prescription pills. So reality intrudes, and he has to eventually adapt.

Mark was played by the writer / director, and I found the character absorbingly irritating. I was charmed by the line drawing illustrations that permeated the film - something Mark could likely have done. The net result is, to me, a mixed review.

Cubby is an interesting film and a captivating debut from filmmakers Mark Blane and Ben Mankoff. It has characters which, while unique and their own people, all have elements that I was able to find very easy to relate to. It's a funny story that also carries a real emotional weight to it, and because of that, it's a film that creates real emotional resonance with the audience, even when traveling to places that are dreamlike or weird or wonderful.

I don't know that I've ever seen a lead character like Mark (played by Blane, who also wrote the script) in a film before. He's troubled and a little despicable, but also has heart and joy. He's a man confused just trying to find a place, which I absolutely found common ground with, even if we don't share a whole lot of other life experiences in common.

The supporting cast all adds layers. They all have been created with reality and care, making them people who add to the depth of the film as opposed to just being objects for Mark to bounce off of.

At the end of this movie, all you want to know is what happened to Mark next. Where is he in six months. Eight months. A year. He's someone who stays with you. And that speaks to the actor, writer, and director. The fact that those are all the same people is a pretty amazing thing.

I know this film is currently rocking festivals. I would love to see it get picked up and have a chance to make it's way into audiences. This is a film that takes chances, and that's a powerful and wonderful experience.

You know when you have that feeling someone is meant for stardom? Someone whose talent is so immense on screen you know you'll be seeing them again and again? I felt that way seeing Amy Adams in Junebug, I felt that about Laura Dern in Smooth Talk. I feel the same way about Mark Blane's performance in Cubby, which I saw at the Frameline Festival. I can't stop thinking about Blane's portrayal of an awkward and innocent, Klonopin popping, horny manchild who daydreams about spending time with a studly leatherman. When I discovered Blane wrote and co-directed Cubby, I became certain he is a talent to be reckoned with. This is a beautiful and special first film. Somehow I'm reminded of Harold and Maude's tenderness and wisdom, but sexier, queer, and on acid. Cubby's direction, like Blane's performance, is nuanced and thoughtful. There's an unusual and distinctive magical realism quality to Cubby, complete with animation. Many times the audience doesn't know what is real, psychosis, party drug induced hallucinations or leatherman fantasy. Blane and co-director Ben Mankoff deftly handle the ambiguity. Cubby lets us know at the beginning this is a "story based on a lie." However I'm certain we'll be seeing more from Blane and Mankoff. Don't miss this film!

Once this movie gets to it and it does have a bit of a slow start but once you get to the plot, it really begins to all unfold in a timely manner and all the pieces begin to come together there's some great shots some really good cinematic storyline, and the film in its entirety really gets the message across. So those that have the type of interest in the subject you should definitely take a look at it and see how it affects you. I mean I would definitely recommend this film to you definitely keep an open mind and when it comes to independent filmmaking, you have to keep in mind that the directors or Director has a vision and you have to try to get in their shoes to have the full understanding. This is one of those movies!

I don't want to overthink this movie. It's sweet, sincere, and imperfect in the best way possible, which all contribute to its heartfelt charm. It doesn't take itself seriously, it's a movie that wants to have fun. Just enjoy the ride. It's full of fun clever moments visually and in writing.

Embrace it, and you'll be rewarded with warm, fuzzy, comforting feelings of "everything's gonna be alright" and "you're not alone".

It's also a very relatable film for any queer person living in a city with family back home. At least it was for me :) I'm glad it exists for anyone who needs It.