4. Humpday
The conceit of this film from writer/director Lynne Shelton is a simple one; two friends, Andrew and Ben who havent seen each other in years, hook up. Ben is soon to be married and Andrew is an immature manchild; they both go to a party together and get absolutely blitzed, and in the drunken and drugged out haze they vow to make a gay porn film together and submit it to a film festival. Its a small concept for a film, and the film itself reflects this, with its mumblecore-indie vibe and slight running time of 94 minutes. Its little more than a buddy-movie, but where the film succeeds is in its triumphant exploration of human relationships- the relationship between Ben and his fiancé Anna is honest and very true- and ultimately, what it means to be attracted to someone or something. Im trying my best not to ruin the film, as part of the enjoyment stems from the basic will-they-wont-they dynamic, but towards the end the film becomes rather poignant and approaches a sort-of wisdom. It becomes thought-provoking, and will leave you thinking about what you previously thought was your sexual attraction. The lurid, nearly exploitative sounding title, coupled with the defining image of two men naked with their arms crossed on the poster might lead you into thinking that this film is some crass, crude comedy no different from the other American Pie/Superbad movies that pervade the multiplex; and indeed, if the film is marketed that way so as to reach a wider audience, that is by all means fine. However, for a more discerning film viewer, dont be put off! This excellent film is one that raises genuine questions. It also, in a way, addresses the question of whether being gay is a choice. Quite a lot for such a small film.