Like You Mean It

This film has some components of a good film -- romantic relationship facing some challenges, overall good acting, an international aspect with German dialog, great production quality, and enough plot to explore the potential impact of life events on the main characters -- so I was surprised that it left me dissatisfied most of the way through the film. The main character, Mark, remains virtually emotionless throughout, with the exception of a mental/emotional collapse in one scene. He remains an impervious handsome lead we're hoping might become human. His partner Jonah expresses more emotion, and we have more of a sense of his character and longings. But the script fails to develop these two characters, instead indulging in scenes of sexual imagery and intimacy to seduce its viewers.

Mark's lack of emotional involvement extends to virtually all areas of his life, including his family in Austria and his work as an actor on the fringes of Hollywood. The straight couple who are friends of Mark and Jonah show flashes of humanity, but no particularly compelling story relevant to the film. In the final scene, Mark's modest attempt to reach Jonah may be intended to show his humanity, but there's no hint of what he learned or why he's changed. I gained little insight into these characters in the film, certainly felt no connection to them or their lives, and wondered what the writer/director was trying to communicate. This isn't uncommon among current films -- with attractive actors whose physical appearance is their only identity, leaving audiences to watch them without knowing much of anything about them. Their appearance speaks for itself.

Give me Scenes From a Marriage by Ingmar Bergman for a slow-moving but dramatic film or else a film with a gripping plot. Pretty actors, skin, a slow-paced plot, and no drama fall flat for me.

I really can't think of other gay-themed movies that come close to the class, plot and execution of this film. As it was written and directed by the main character (Mark/Markus) my immediate reaction was that it would be a self-indulgent vehicle for this actor to highlight/showcase his skills (usually meaning lack thereof). But no...this was really incredible on all levels. The writing and acting was completely believable (I'm even wondering if some of the characters ad libbed because they "owned" their roles so well). The subject matter is a failing relationship; common enough to most people. Yet the twist is not that this is a gay relationship so much as it was really doomed from the beginning due to the mental/psychological baggage of one of the characters. The pace, editing and cinematography spoke VOLUMES for the characters as opposed to dialogue in places...I totally GOT it. I would highly recommend this Indie film for anyone who enjoys psychological drama.

Interesting to see a film that depicts a central character that has a mental disorder for which he's received treatment. Mental disorders are very common, but most people don't recognize it when they see it. Often, it's associated with substance abuse problems. In the end, it's hard to tell which came first....the mental problem or the drug or alcohol abuse. In this story, Mark, the leading character, doesn't seem to have a drug problem, but he certainly is struggling with mental issues, none of which become well illuminated. It's unfortunate because nothing is learned about how to deal with loved ones who have mental problems. Even Jonah, Mark's boyfriend, doesn't seem to have a clue. Nor does their relationship therapist. The film remains a germ of a good idea, but it never got what it needed to fully germinate.

Sometimes hard to watch, with the subject matter of someone who may or may not be helped by taking (or not taking) wellbutrin, or other antidepressants. Or maybe the dosage wasn't right. It was a good depiction of the on again off again success of any meds, or dose. About halfway through, the guy on the meds owns the poor communication and the effect his actions are having on their relationship. His partner seems to be willing to wait things out, and to attend the therapy sessions. I really liked when the therapist asked them if they were looking to get into the relationship, or out of the relationship. Nice bottom line! A couple of reviewers have written that they aren't happy with the ending, but I think it summed up a real life situation. Another reviewer mentioned that they didn't see the point of showing their straight friends "timeout" relationship. But i think it was important to show the two main characters' reactions to what their friends were doing.... it kind of told us where they might stand on things. Good acting, if difficult to watch a couple going through really rough times.

Saw this film in LA and was surprised by it's simplicity and power. This is not a "gay movie". Yes, the focus of the story is on a gay man but we start to realize it's about his difficulty loving himself and hence others. We understand why and how life is increasingly challenging for him as he attempts (as a European in America) to manage his past and get healthier. Mainstream audiences may be reluctant to pay to see a film about a gay man but star/writer/director Philipp Karner handles the sex scenes and sexuality in a restrained manner which affords all of us an understanding of the gay culture without offending. As a straight man, I really enjoyed the movie. I highly recommend LIKE YOU MEAN IT...for its wonderful, economical writing, direction and performances as well as its ability to enlighten and entertain!