I was reluctant to see this film. Wasn't in the mood for yet 'another gay movie'... Now, I have to bury my head in the sand as I think: WOW!
Weekend gives an honest, heart-warming and eye-opening birds 'eye view of what it's like for many gay guys that try to make a connection with someone they really fancy.
Unlike most romances, this isn't a divided story where we follow each character in their own corner as they're unavoidably maneuverer into each other's arms. Adding to the rawness of the storyline, the film is set in a decidedly unromantic borough of Nottingham, in the UK, with no cute cafés or cosy breakfast spots to be seen... (Excuse the comparison, but thankfully, this is not your typical rose garden-type Jennifer Aniston rom-com. Phew!!!)
For those who have never seen the inside of a high-rise council flat, in England, this would be a chance to get an intimate glimpse of what it's like inside and out. The setting complements the characters and the actors' nontheatrical (yet intense and hyper-realistic) performances, perfectly. Both Tom Cullen (Russell) and Chris New (Glen) are utterly convincing in this 'sad, but true' love story.
In an industry where audiences are saturated with American English, it was most refreshing to see two artists maintaining their characters authenticity — even to the point of being spot on with those unique northern accents... Not many American thespians can boast with that! Whilst, some may think the use of language is one of the only pitfalls of this film, truth is, a skillful ear will enjoy the subtleties and colloquialisms that enrich the dialogue... sadly others will miss these.
Weekend is one of the best examples of how riveting British Film really can be. Director Andrew Haigh applied his camera, storytelling and art direction with the eloquent orchestration of a true master. It's filled with nuance, sensitivity and each frame is clean and airy with a timeless sensation, capturing the misty, small-city normality of Nottingham like a series of well-executed still photographs.
Clearly, I'm impressed and I sincerely hope that this 'gay film' crosses over to the mainstream. It touches on almost all elements of the modern dating scene... Not just for gay guys — however, the themes will probably ring more true for them (us). A story well told and it left a lasting impression on me.
Weekend gives an honest, heart-warming and eye-opening birds 'eye view of what it's like for many gay guys that try to make a connection with someone they really fancy.
Unlike most romances, this isn't a divided story where we follow each character in their own corner as they're unavoidably maneuverer into each other's arms. Adding to the rawness of the storyline, the film is set in a decidedly unromantic borough of Nottingham, in the UK, with no cute cafés or cosy breakfast spots to be seen... (Excuse the comparison, but thankfully, this is not your typical rose garden-type Jennifer Aniston rom-com. Phew!!!)
For those who have never seen the inside of a high-rise council flat, in England, this would be a chance to get an intimate glimpse of what it's like inside and out. The setting complements the characters and the actors' nontheatrical (yet intense and hyper-realistic) performances, perfectly. Both Tom Cullen (Russell) and Chris New (Glen) are utterly convincing in this 'sad, but true' love story.
In an industry where audiences are saturated with American English, it was most refreshing to see two artists maintaining their characters authenticity — even to the point of being spot on with those unique northern accents... Not many American thespians can boast with that! Whilst, some may think the use of language is one of the only pitfalls of this film, truth is, a skillful ear will enjoy the subtleties and colloquialisms that enrich the dialogue... sadly others will miss these.
Weekend is one of the best examples of how riveting British Film really can be. Director Andrew Haigh applied his camera, storytelling and art direction with the eloquent orchestration of a true master. It's filled with nuance, sensitivity and each frame is clean and airy with a timeless sensation, capturing the misty, small-city normality of Nottingham like a series of well-executed still photographs.
Clearly, I'm impressed and I sincerely hope that this 'gay film' crosses over to the mainstream. It touches on almost all elements of the modern dating scene... Not just for gay guys — however, the themes will probably ring more true for them (us). A story well told and it left a lasting impression on me.
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