Tuesday, November 13, 2007

What I'm Watching #115


closetoleo
Originally uploaded by Randuwa
"Close to Leo" is the English title given to this French film. The better translation of the original a mon avis is "All About Leo" (Tout Countre Leo), but be that as it may, it's a film that really struggles for a focus.

Do we follow the story of Leo? At 21, the eldest of 4 sons in a family that is compassionate and accepting of his homosexuality. A family that even accepts his discovery of his HIV + status.

OR do we focus our attention on 12 year old Marcel, the youngest. Who is kept in the dark as to Leo's condition, but who knows and festers a strong resentment over his exclusion.

In the end Marcel persists in his knowledge; and Leo persues a self-destructive and successful trajectory that makes absolutely no sense given his loving family (and the generous public healthcare system in France!).....

This is a touching, emotive, and confusing film -- you know, it's French!

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