Le 24ème Jour

The other reviews have pretty much said it all, although I expected a little more from this given the rather over-the-top ecstatic reviews (certainly I expected more than the one plot 'twist' I got just over half way through - one that had already been revealed to me on the blurb on the back of the DVD).

One can argue it's a homophobic piece or one can argue entirely the opposite, but one can't argue that it's a well scripted, well paced and well acted movie that is worthy of 90 minutes of anyone's time in the world of Hollywood formulaic drama that dominates the mainstream. There isn't, truth be told, a lot of plot here, but what little there is turns out to be surprisingly gripping, thanks to the superb job of both the actors who are never less than totally believable in their roles.

I was amazed to read one 'review' here that just appeared to be a spiteful attack on the perceived commercial success of James Marden's acting career - just because he's easy on the eye is no excuse for slating a performance that most actors would be envious of as a career best. Well worth a viewing!

"The 24th Day" is one of those movies that you really have to be in the mood for. It may not seem like it at first, but as soon as things change for James Marsden's character Dan, things change for the viewer also. "The 24th Day" is a very thought-provoking film, which due to it's content is not everyone's sort of film, but being such an unusual and rare sort of film, is a great film to watch and perhaps for some people, after watching, may come out with a greater understanding of the issues in the film, one of the obvious being HIV.

Few and far between are there films where homosexual characters are portrayed as normal people, and this is one of them, so when the HIV aspect of the film was introduced it seemed rather odd - do all gay related films have to be about HIV? The answer is of course no, and the film does, through Marsden's character Dan, strongly point out that HIV is in no way a "gay disease", which is a good point, as there seems to be not enough awareness of this, however, the people that need to be aware of that are probably not going to be the ones watching this film anyway. However, it would have been interesting if the film did not have the HIV aspect and for it to be a psychological thriller or something with one guy obsessed with the other years after they first met.

But I digress. James Marsden was wonderful in a role that seems very removed from his usual films, kudos to him. Scott Speedman also did a fantastic job of portraying his character Tom. Essentially a 2-character film (as it is adapted from a theatrical performance), it can get quite monotonous at points, but the actors both stay in good form. Overall, a powerful and effective film.

This is another film I purchased without knowing a thing about it, and wound up being quite glad I did. The premise of this film had me on the edge of my seat from the very first gut-wrenching conflict, in a film that was filled to the brim with gut-wrenching conflicts. The acting of both principals in this essentially two-character piece was first rate, and helped to elevate it high above most standard gay-themed fare. But what really made this picture superior to 90% of the gay titles I've purchased in the past year was the confrontation of real issues that gay men should be discussing, but frequently shy away from. Without giving away the plot, let me say that almost every minute of the taught, carefully crafted script is imbued with thoughtful discussion on issues that are all to frequently ignored by sexually active gay men. I didn't see the ending coming at all, and the ultimate, positive and healthy message – that everyone is responsible for their own conduct, and the consequences thereof – is one that too many people don't seem to get, in my observation. In a world where the madness of barebacking and substance abuse is decimating the gay urban male population, the lesson of this film is one that every gay man needs to consider, if not embrace wholeheartedly. Good god! A gay drama that dares to address and discuss sexual responsibility in an adult manner! What will they think of next?

The 24th Day is a tense, low-budget gay thriller which focuses on Tom who holds Dan (an ex-trick) captive. Tom had tested positive to HIV 24 days ago and is convinced that Dan was the one who gave it to him. He extracts a blood sample from Dan and threatens to do bad things if it comes back HIV positive.

The 24th Day has a well conceived story-line (apparently it was based on a play written by the Director or something) - and although it takes a little while to get going - I think it sets the scene well and draws you to the characters.

It's basically a two-man film and the two leads are quite well acted - Dan (played by X-Men's James Marsden) is cocky, self-assured (for the most part) and defiant while Scott Speedman's Tom is uneasy and simmering (in the angry sense).

The film quality (as in picture) is fairly poor - but it doesn't distract from the film.

24th Day is a cool little thriller which is worth checking out if you like low-budget movies.

Tony Piccirillo's 'The 24th Day' is a character-driven chamber-piece based on his own play. The film raises the issue of responsibility that comes with sexual relationships. It starts off with two roommates Dan (James Marsden) and Isabella (Sofía Vergara) chatting at a bar. They meet a charming stranger, Tom (Scott Speedman). Dan and Tom decide to hook up that night and once the two enter Tom's apartment things gradually take an unexpected turn where Dan is held hostage and Tom wants answers.

Piccirillo stays focused on these two characters. His writing is brilliant. The characters are well-defined. The dialogues are amusing, thought-provoking, philosophical and there are some interesting references to pop-culture, sports and politics. The twists and layers are superb. He also succeeds in creating a tense atmosphere and keeping the viewer engaged.

The editing is good. At first the flashback sequences are mildly confusing but that parallels well with Dan's confusion. Of course, it all adds up in the end. Efficient use is made of the props and sets as to not distract from the characters.

James Marsden and Scott Speedman are in top form. Chambre pieces require great acting and both actors make fine ingredients. Speedman is restrained while Marsden delivers an authentic performance. Unfortunately, Sofía Vergara is wasted.

This would obviously make a great theatre piece and I'm very curious about the play. I would like to catch a show if it's happening nearby. As for the film, it is well worth the watch.