August

There are several good things to recommend this film. Wonderful Middle Eastern mood music and songs with great lyrics, great cast in the smaller roles, terrific lighting both on the inside and outside shots, and portrays LA pretty much as it is.The story moves slowly, which is a quality that I like about European movies. You get to savor the characters and mood of the film. The resolution of the film was a surprise, and I really liked how the character of Raul (Adrian Gonzalez)figured out how to deal with the problem created by the return of the ex lover Troy (Murray Bartlett), kind of a put up or shut up situation.There were a couple of technical problems with the film that could have been much better. First, its really difficult editing a film to move around in time from the past to the present, back to the past etc...to express and idea of how the past is very much in the present and affects the future. Some films do this quite nicely. The viewer can switch gears when the next shot is in the past rather than the present and connect the dots well, and have the narrative make sense. This film does not do this well. Its confusing at times as to why, suddenly its in the past and what the point was.Also, a technique that filmmakers use to express a mood, is having single shots of something that are put in the film as a way to express an emotion. There are way too many of these shots in the film and they don't really convey anything. Its as if somebody forgot to take the shot out. Reminds me of The Winchester House in San Jose where hallways and doors lead nowhere, or there's a wall on the other side of the door.Now, as to the content, I wonder what the writer of this film had in mind. One thing's for sure, the theme really makes clear that a lasting relationship can't be based on sexual desire alone, or it will eventually crumble. Both Troy (Murray) and Johnathan (Daniel Dugan) appear as really unsympathetic characters. Throughout the film, Johnathan appears as if he is going to blow up in a rage, or suffer endlessly for something that he will regret and never have. Troy (Murray), looks as if he is looking for something that he will never have because he doesn't really have much to give. The sympathetic character is Raul (Adiran), who has the most to lose by possible deportation. He wisely does not throw a fit when Troy returns to LA, but waits it out to see what happens and comes up with an interesting solution to see whether Johnathan will choose him or Troy.I can see, somewhere down the road ,where Raul will get his green card, realize that Johnathan does not have that much to offer and dump him for someone much better, or Johnathan will grow and develop with age and be someone that is worth Raul's affection. That would make an interesting movie in itself.The film is however worth a watch and might even grow on a person with a second or third viewing.

I am not a fan of stories that go back and forth time-wise. This one does it constantly, and not in a good way like past & future; it goes to a couple days forward and then two takes on what actually happened two days ago, so the viewer is not quite sure what really happened. In the end I guess the writer wants us to know what it is like to be stuck on someone who leaves us and comes back; when they have control over us they just do. Then they still call the shots even with the rivals. It is well acted and very clearly filmed, but like I said, confusing. In the end you have to draw your own conclusions.

"August" is actually based on, as far as I know, a short film (Postmortem), by the same film director Eldar Rapaport. I have often wished that certain short films would indeed go on to develop characters and take the story to a place that is often-- in the short film context-- only intimated, suggested or simply left to the imagination of the viewer. Interestingly, Postmortem (the short), lends itself to a fuller treatment and I think for the most part, it works well. Here in "August" we get the characters fleshed-out in all their full "lack of character" beauty. These guys not only have feet of clay, but hearts and brains of putty. It is such a cliche. Good-looking guy, who can have anyone he wants is beginning to age and reflects on a life of no commitment. He lands on the one person who really loved him and whom he 5 years ago turned-away. Back in LA from Spain, he shows up, out of the blue to rekindle the flame, even though the man of his intent is in another relationship that is really complicated by his status in this country as a legal alien. This part of the story is very rich and involves other interesting characters all intertwined beautifully by honest, real emotions, concerns and dreams. I loved how the film ends. It was real, not phony and packs a real punch for all those folks out there, who just don't take relationships seriously or when they finally do, it's too late. What really matters is a person's character and commitment. There is little else to sustain one, once the exterior beauty and charm fade.

Overall, I liked the film. The only thing is the plot of this movie seems to be the plot of several movies in the gay film genre.The main character in the film is in a relationship with another man who is married for citizenship purposes only. Think Green Card, but not the ending. After a five year breakup with the main character's first boyfriend, he returns from Barcelona, Spain to try and pick up where they left off. He does not realize that the primary character is emotionally involved with the other man. You can guess what happens in the end ( no pun intended). Basically the guy from Spain goes home after causing problems and that pretty much sums up the movie. I don't want to tell to much and spoil this for someone who wants to see the movie. Others may think it is five star worthy, but it was just average to me.I would recommend this movie to the audience that would enjoy gay cinema. I am glad we have it, but it reminds me of several movies we own with the same or similar plot. It is worth a look, but don't get your hopes up with the amount of nudity. I think it was well made, the plot was there, and the movie was well made. I do think however think that the leading role was not the best choice of actors. I realize, if I'm not mistaken, he was in the original short this movie is based on, but he seemed a little dull for the role.

I was surprised how good this movie turned out to be. When I read the synopsis I thought would be just another "boy chases boy, boy gets boy" flick. But August shows real depth to the characters and a realistic and adult story. I would decommend this to fans of gay romances.

Well done.

Good Quality

That is the films strapline and is quite a good synopsis of where this film is coming from. It stars Murray Bartlett (Farscape) as Troy. He has been off for a number of years working in Barcelona, but now he has returned to Los Angeles and discovers to his consternation that his ex boyfriend is seeing someone else. This is Jonathan (Daniel Dugan) and he is going out with a hunky Latino Raul (Adrian Gonzales).Troy arranges to meet Jonathan for `a coffee' (that old chestnut) and it is clear from the get go that there are still strong feelings between them. Raul arrives and immediately puts his helmet on the table (he has come by scooter in case you thought it was getting smutty) and breaks up the coffee date before anything develops. Jon has helped Raul stay in the country by arranging a marriage of convenience and they clearly have affection for one another but have yet to commit to living together. As the summer temperatures rise, so does the obvious sexual tension and Raul decides to push things to an ultimate conclusion.This is described as `a languorous, lyrical exploration of love split three ways'. Whilst I tend to agree it also hints at what some may find problematic and that is that `lyrical' often translates as slow, this film does take its time, but I didn't really think that was an issue. Much of the plot development is subtle in that we have meaningful looks and words left unspoken or hanging in the air. When `action' does come it acts to break the spell like a kind of release valve of emotions.What this is also is a tale of missed opportunities and of taking loved ones for granted. Troy comes across as more than a little self centred and yet is at the same time vulnerable and likeable. There are some bedroom scenes but it is all pretty tame and works with the narrative rather than being put in for petty gratification. It is filmed using a number of techniques including the shaky hand cam that is starting to lose any novelty it once possessed, but the film does not suffer for it - it most certainly does not gain either.This 100 minute film is from director Eldar Rapaport who has made two award winning shorts `Post Mortem' and `Steam' -both included as extras. They have been available before and are featured on `Boys on Film 4', and there is a `behind the scenes' too. One of the more thoughtful gay films to come out recently so if you like the raunchier end of the spectrum this may not be for you, I thought it was a well acted, directed and confident film and as such enjoyed the journey.

It must be said upfront that this movie is an adaption of the relatively successful short-film "Postmortem", which is featured on  Boys On Film 4 - Protect Me From What I Want [DVD] [2010 ], and which like the title of the collection is all about protecting people from what they want but really should not have. The short-film in essence seeks to explore what motivates our connections to another person (lover), and how in many instances despite what we know to be best for ourselves, we continue to make selfish and destructive life choices. The film is similar, except for a more substantive exploration of the dynamic between three characters, one of whom seems determined to ignore what is best for him.Troy is the archetype of selfish desire, who despite being aware of his impact on the lives of others, seems determined to get his own way in all matters that benefit him. Even if this means upsetting the lives of those his loves, the first his ex Jonathan and the second being his brother. Good looking and accomplished he seems to be able to weave and manipulate his way into the lives of those around him, taking a great deal more than he actually gives. His brother who sees through his narcism, at one stage asks Troy what he actually wants in life, to which he receives no real answer. This is what makes Troy's return to California (having worked in Barcelona for several years) all the more painful, as he has no real idea of what he wants, but for a casual longing for his ex. He asks Jonathan to meet with him upon his return, knowing full well the power he has over him. What results is neither unexpected nor unplanned, as Troy seems determined to have his way despite the consequences. Not that Jonathan is innocent in this matter, and his own choices make for some frustrating and annoying viewing. Raul his new boyfriend, who has made the decision to immigrate to the the USA so that he and Jonathan can be together, seems to be a hopeless casualty in Jonathan's misplaced emotions. He is acutely aware of what is happening, but is impotent to do anything about it. Ultimately he forced to make a decision, which ordinarily he would be loathed to do.The acting is particularly good, with two strong performances from Murray Bartlett (Troy) and Adrian Gonzales (Raul). The supporting cast is also very strong with two very really good performances from Brad Stanley (Devon) and Bernhard Forcher (Sean). Devon is yet another casualty of Troy's hedonism, although like Jonathan seems incapable of extraditing himself from his influence or presence. Sean as his brother is conflicted between his love for Troy, and his personal distaste for the man he has become.One of my criticisms is that the film is extremely long, and takes far too much time to get to the crux of the matter. Ironic considering that the basic premise is an adaption from a short-film, designed to get its message across rather quickly. Accordingly, the film could have done with better editing, and some carefully constructed direction concentrating more on the dynamic between Raul and Jonathan. It is really these two characters which could have better conveyed the story, with Troy's character being relatively well established early in the film.It is however, encouraging to see GLBT cinema becoming more concerned with the its story and characters, and avoiding the cheap, stereotypical nonsense endemic in many of the films that have sought to identify and portray this important genre. Although in my opinion French GLBT cinema still excels in this regard, with  One Two Another [DVD ] being an excellent example of this theme. Boys On Film 4 - Protect Me From What I Want [DVD] [2010One Two Another [DVD