Met
someone at a nightclub, spent an awfully wonderful night with someone. Something
seemed to be cooking between the two of you. However, the next day the both of
you had to go separate ways. Does it ring any bell? Andrew Haigh wrote and directed
the “Weekend”, took us down to the familiar alley and rekindled the feelings we
had fought back a thousand times.
I wonder
how many of us have actually done what Russell (Tom Cullen) did, declining a
friend’s invite and went to a bar alone and went home with a stranger, Glen
(Chris New). This was how the "weekend" started, followed by unanticipated
attractions, heated discussions, erotic sexes and eventually an undesired goodbye.
Obviously, most of us have been through or did something somewhat similar, it was pretty
predictable, but why it is a compelling movie?
It was how Haigh engaged in the emotions, the differences of the
two protagonists. The authentic personalities set both of them on very diverse
grounds. The distinct personas drew the audience like me, pondering their own
experiences. Unlike the typical gay themed movies, it was not about coming out,
struggling within the society. It was more of an individual awakening, striving
for what they need, and it was exactly the initiative of why Russell walked
into the nightclub alone.
What
drew Glen to Russell was a different story; an intended affection left him
helpless. What the both of them represented were the two emblematic norms of
this generation gay perspective. On one hand, hoping to be loved; on the other
hand losing faith in love but still constantly falling into it.
The bona
fide characters not only brought by the sensitive measures the director took,
but also letting the leads improvise, Haigh revealed in an interview with the
SXSW Film Festival 2011. The genuine dialogues and the subtle development of
the story carried out a sense of togetherness which was extremely relatable.
This
year I have come across two very similar movies, “Weekend” and “Room in Rome”,
Spanish director, Julio Medem first English movie. Both featured same-sex
encounters in a short burst of time. Is it just homosexual relationship could
easily end up having an instant fling or it was a sheer coincident that both
movies depicted the same scenario?
No
matter what the reason is, both movies inspired and brought back a lot of
memories. Today there aren’t many low-budget movies with such quality which
could leave you ponder and nodding your head with appreciation.
