Review: Weekend (2011, Haigh)
October 26th 2011 02:13
Weekend (2011, Haigh)
Written October 9, 2011
Bret Easton Ellis called Weekend quite possibly the best film ever made about gay men. His assessment is not hyperbole. I’ve consumed numerous gay-themed films; these range from heavy-handed to extremely tragic. The content is usually expressed in the same way: it’s clear you’re watching a gay film, intended for gay audiences. For those open to such a thing (like this reviewer) there is no cause for criticism or discomfort. For others, the film alienates them even though it is sometimes their own homophobia which aids in the alienation. More often than not, however, it’s the fault of the film itself – the way the content is presented is far too overt and alienating in its own portrayal and doesn’t even make for good cinema, much less gay cinema. Weekend is the opposite of such films. This is a relatable film to anyone watching; it’s Before Sunrise with a same-sex couple.
Weekend begins with the main character Russell (Tom Cullen) at a party, enjoying the company of friends. There’s no need to state if he’s straight or gay. Afterward, he goes out to a club – it just happens to be a gay one and if the viewer wasn’t aware of their protagonist’s sexuality, they are now. The film then follows two days in the life Russell and the drunken one night stand he has with an artist named Glenn (Chris New). One night extends further, to a weekend of unsuspecting discussions and feelings. Again, the film is very much like Richard Linklater’s fabulous Before Sunrise, as we’re treated to a dialogue heavy slice-of-life tale. We follow Russell and Glenn around London as we followed Celine and Jesse around various parts of Europe. The looming endpoint is the same: someone is leaving and soon. We learn more about Russell and Glenn in 96 minutes than most feature films provide about their characters. The decision to not use a musical score also heightens the natural feel of the film, making it seem unprocessed and true to life. By the end, we feel as though these are real people, with real lives and we long for a sequel ala Before Sunset.
Weekend delves into issues of homosexuality, being closeted, acceptance, fear, bigotry, sex, love, and desire in naturalistic ways. Nothing feels forced or hand-fed, quite the opposite. Weekend feels like an escape from our own lives while we watch the complexity of others at the start of something special and doomed all at once. The two leads, unknowns their first leading feature length roles, never feel as though they’re acting. Writer/Director Andrew Haigh’s second feature length film is also terribly impressive and effective within the low budget. Haigh films each actor in such a way where we feel the vulnerability, tension, and desire radiating in waves. He also does a magnificent job framing the actors within the confines of an apartment to the streets and tubes of London.
Weekend is a rare recent gem in gay cinema. It shows a relationship in its true form, without censor or reserve. One can only hope for more consistent films in this genre.
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