Like You Mean It

This is one of those movies that isn't going to spoon feed you the plot. You just have to experience what's happening, what's going on.

And at first there doesn't seem to be much going on. After a while we know we're seeing the dynamics of a couple who are at the beginning of a breakup.

But that's what's on the surface. Beneath the surface, this is really a portrait of an actor. A family event triggers self-examination that makes him aware that he's been acting his way through life. He does it so well he's not always aware of what he's doing. Clearly, though, he's disassociated himself from significant and important parts of his life, including the relationship that is beginning to unravel.

I liked this movie. It's for adults. That the couple in question is gay is a bonus because most of what's made for our market is pretty cartoon-like. Pseudo rom-coms or overwrought tragedies. This is more like real life, even though the two main characters lead a somewhat more exotic life than most of us do. But it's a nice change of pace. It's not in the same league as Weekend or Futuro Beach, but it's not that far behind.

Give it a chance.

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!

Mark is an actor who like many is struggling; he is having other problems and has a past of mental issues. He decides that he wants to reconnect with his caring partner – Joshua. The thing is he does not know how and in trying to do so he starts to learn more about who he actually is.

We follow him and his partner Joshua on their journey and it can be slow going at times – but life is hardly a white knuckle roller coaster ride all of the time – so I am fine with this. The issues they have seemed to be universal and not just limited to the gay community and that is exemplified by some of their straight friends who have alternate relationship issues.

Now as I said this can be slow in places but it is the resonant honesty about the characters and situations that will pull you in and make you care. It is all handled in a very adult way. It is also acted extremely well and the cinematographer has done a rather excellent job with the complimentary and often inventive camera shots. There are some bedroom scenes here too but nothing to frighten the horses or anything. It is one for people who like their films to be more on the contemplative side and if that is your thing then I am sure you will find a lot here to appreciate.

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.

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.