M/M

"M/M", judging by the reviews, is not for everyone. At first, I didn't think it was for me either. This film is about several things: obsession, compulsion, desire, anger and jealousy. Told from Matthew's point of view, all of the things just mentioned apply to him. He meets Matthias and they seem to have a mutual connection/attraction to each other. This is not a simple story. It's short on dialogue. Both men are equally complex in what often seems more hate/hate than love/hate in their relationship. Both are capable of mutual tenderness and mutual violence. While Matthias is in a coma in the hospital--either from a murder attempt or a traffic accident--Matthew moves into Matthias's open, airy and sparsely furnished apartment. He is living several emotions at once, all quite deeply felt and confusing to him. When Matthias is released from the hospital and comes home to find Matthew comfortably ensconsed, he seems both angry and surprised. This is the point where the story begins to come together, though it's not an easy, "oh that's what's going on!" type of moment.The two actors give subtle, complicated performances that are intended to drag us into this uncomfortable web and keep us there longer than we might prefer. We don't fully grasp what they are all about, but we want to know, and at this point, we've already invested enough curiosity, so it's time to untangle what we can and hope for the best. The direction at first appears to be totally out of whack, because he hits us with so many questions and doesn't seem to want to slow down and let us catch up. Shot for shot, he has planned the entire story from start to finish, and it's the almost obsessive, meticulous detail that holds it together. The photography is the real story teller. Short on words, the camera shows us just how complex, deep and dangerous these two men can be. The camera is never idle. There are some beautifully composed hard, geometric shots, and likewise we see some softer, natural visions of everyday elements like water and clouds. The techno background soundtrack reflects the immediate moods and needs of both Matthew and Matthias, at times loud and desparate, with respites of eerie, disturbing sounds during moments of deep concentration and isolation. This is a rare occasion where sound makes complete sense, and when camera and background tracks fit perfectly together, it's nothing less than breathtaking. (Think "Psycho, and what Hitchcock did to give us both discomfort and disorientation when music and camera were the primary messengers because no script could describe the action.) And let's not forget the editing, possibly the most difficult task in making a film because once it's done, there are hundreds of random images and sounds that need to be reined in to support all of the other components.Although I figured it all out, admittedly not until 95% of the film had rolled, I plan to watch it again and see just how many clues and questions I mistook for confusion. Those who disliked the film obviously won't see it again. Those who were intrigued, confounded and almost within grasp, would be advised to see it again. "M/M" is like an iceberg, with so much beneath the surface that's worth cautious investigation.

Loved the angles & patterns and the muted, almost monochrome scenes.The blurb explains it best: "Matthew wants Matthias. Matthew wants to be Matthias." Lots of fantasy & dream sequence, with the 'wanting' jumping off the screen. Matthias got right under Matthew's skin from the get-go then drew them both into a crazy dance.Could have been much shorter and still have gotten the message across. But, Matthew. Darling. You're hott just fine.

I was enjoying film until confusing last 20 minutes. The main actor was not much to look at but his obsession is appealing. Just did not understand what got them to the last part of film unless they just couldn’t come up with a way to end the film. Not a happy ending.

I found this movie to be kind of riveting but probably not for the right reasons. The two male leads were fine and had enough chemistry to pull off the sex scenes, etc. This is an odd film and there is a place for that but sometimes I wish Gay cinema had a more positive uplifting message. You have to pay close attention or it gets confusing. Spoiler Alert!! I hated the ending. Its like wtf just happened?? He kills him as the ultimate power play??? Is he alive?? I am a moviegoer that likes closure. This film didn't give me that.

An abstract story about obsession and murder. Lines blur between dreams and reality. Well made. Good picture, sound, subtitles, and acting. Some nice nudity, but the softcore scene is non graphic and not very realistic the way the actors portrayed it.

there's nothing under the surface here, bad music, tedious club scenes, a parade of anodine men set in motion under, at times, interesting lighting. But spending over an hour on this? no

This film is a hyper-niche cultural examination of a moment in international relationships. Do I know what it means/is/what's happening? No. Do I love it and have I watched it three times? Yes.

Different but good.

Eine Art Liebesgeschichte der anderen Art. Wenig Gerede mehr eindrückliche Bilder.Die Geschichte nicht unbedingt einfach und der Wunsch des einen so zu sein wie der andere, nimmt Zeitweise extreme Züge an. Traum und Wirklichkeit vermischen sich im Film. Einige freizügige Szenen machen den Film durchaus Reizvoll. Jedoch vom Inhalt her sollte man nicht viel erwarten.

Unfair für den Künstler, der sicherlich seine Vision mit diesen Film hatte, aber ich fand den Film keineswegs ansprechend. Mich hat der Streifen tierisch gelangweilt und an einigen Stellen unweigerlich zum Lachen gebracht. Ein wenig verwirrend und das Ende war ... nun ja ... lustig.Sorry, aber keineswegs mein Geschmack.

Als Kurzfilm mit vielleicht 7 Minuten Länge würde ich mir dieses Experiment gefallen lassen, in Spielfilmlänge unerträglich langweilig.

il film rispecchia il mondo giovanile di berlino e di altre città accompagnato da una tecnologia mediatica positiva, ma anche negativa perché non legata tanto al sentimento.Non si deve togliere nulla agli attori. E' l'uomo macchinizzato del futuro. lo inserirò nella mia vasta collezione di films. lorenz

A strange film. I could follow what was going on up to a point but the ending left me lost as well as cold. Don’t be put off by references to strong sex....there isn’t any. Not sure I will watch it again, but maybe if someone can explain it .... ?