Retake (2016)
Jonathan is a man in his late forties whose emotional center has been entirely decimated by his previous partner, and this film begins as he hires a male prostitute to accompany him on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. His hope is to recreate a moment he shared with his ex, down to every last precisely staged polaroid. A shaky premise to be sure, but disbelief is quickly suspended in the capable hands of the two lead actors. Played quietly by Tuc Watkins, Jonathan wears his pain in his eyes and in the occasional quiet outburst. Brandon, 25 years his junior, shares a similar depth of spirit, his will toughened by just trying to survive. With these two richly complex characters, Nick Corporon gives us a searingly raw account of two men finding each other amidst the land mines of their own heart break. With gorgeous hand-held camera work that is at turns intimate and grandiose, this film takes us deep inside the damaged hearts of two individuals and leaves us believing again in the healing power of human connection. Not without its problems, but an absolute must see.
—————–
A handsome middle-aged businessman patrols the streets of San Francisco looking for the perfect rent boy. Jonathan isn’t looking for the hottest or sexiest guy, rather he’s got a very specific type in mind. Back in his hotel room, he dresses them in a brown wig and douses them in a particular cologne. Exacting and ill-tempered, he auditions one and then another until he finds the perfect fit. Once he’s found what he’s looking for, he offers the chosen hustler a handsome salary to accompany him on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. No questions, no back-story; just dress and act as instructed and collect your cash.
In the tradition of so many great American road trip films, our mismatched duo hits the road. They stay at cheap motels, drink at local dives, and pose for pictures at roadside landmarks. But even as they begin to bond with each other and enjoy the company of a colorful couple traveling the same route, a pervasive sense of mystery continues to cast a shadow over the trip. Each time one of the many questions that surround Jonathan and his travel companion is answered, it only seems to open new and deeper questions.
Retake is a road trip film unlike any that you’ve seen before. The two central characters are damaged and imperfect, but sympathetic, earnest, and steeped in raw emotion. Intriguing and provocative, this film will take you on a journey that rivals the one on the screen.
— Stephen Weisenrede
AWARDS/ACCOLADES
Jury Award: BEST MEN’S FEATURE North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Official Selection: Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival
Official Selection: Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
Official Selection: OPENING NIGHT SELECTION Dayton LGBT Film Festival
Official Selection: Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival
Official Selection: Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival
Watch on gayfilm.net
The post Retake (2016) appeared first on Gay Themed Movies.