Weekend (2011)

Such a frustrating disappointment

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

I watched this film probably around a year ago and haven't had the desire to watch it again despite it being set in Nottingham (where I work).The problem I have with so many gay films or portrayal of gay characters is the colour-by-numbers approach. The guys are always pretty good looking, fairly well off, drug taking, club hopping and sexually over- active.This may be the reality for some gay men but it isn't for everyone. The amount of drinking, drugs, sex and clubbing in films like this is completely unrealistic - especially to those who don't live in big cities, frequent gay bars or sleep about.Maybe a writer/director could attempt to create something with a sense of grounding, hard-faced reality and where the characters aren't one-dimensional, vapid and shallow or where the "plot" goes beyond their own wet dreams.Last night I watched '4th Man Out' and whilst it still is a by-the-numbers sort of film, at least the main character felt real and relatable. He wasn't a druggie, he wasn't a gay clubber, he wasn't camp or a tart - he was a mechanic with straight male friends who enjoyed sports and just wanted to meet someone.This film has a long way to go to come even 1% close to the likes of Shelter or Beautiful Thing.

Boy meets boy: boys have 2-day fling that turns into something deeper than either character anticipated. Russell picks up Glen (both early 30 somethings) in a gay bar and takes him home. After a night of passionate sex, the two characters connect on many levels and have the beginnings of a deep relationship, but an unexpected obstacle — at least for Russell — arises. Will there be a happy ending for both characters? More loneliness for Russell? Weekend offers up a realistic gay love story with meaningful dialogue, realistic scenarios. Anyone who has spent much time in the gay life-style will likely find much to relate to in this simple yet powerful story that perfectly illustrates the trials and tribulations of many gay men. One of the best gay movies I have seen. Some nude scenes by both male leads and some fairly graphic simulated sex scenes, but nothing too overboard.

I know than one is supposed to save the highest mark for a higher being altogether, but I've felt compelled to give it to this movie. And give it gladly, and joyfully, to this simple, honest and unpretentious film. A slice of life, a brief interlude, a weekend among so many others. Living a double life, hating it and at the same time wanting it to come to an end, and yet not having the guts to do whatever it takes. A chance encounter in a sordid place, followed by a few moments of bliss, and then... And then... The two leading actors do a perfectly splendid job, and the director is remarkable in his unobtrusiveness. The camera moves slowly, almost surgically, cutting the next slice, and the next... Until the very last shot! And the final song is beyond compare...

British independent film at its best, first of all I liked that Andrew, Chris & Tom really tore the script to pieces and just went for it which explains the organic feel to the film. Once in a blue moon a film really engages your attention and this film does, there is a beautiful subtleness to it that is really out of the norm in many films with both Tom & Chris giving believable performances. It makes a refreshing change to watch a film that is actually realistic and could easily happen, which you can't say to every film out there. What's great about this film is the smaller details with many scenes showing the bits inbetween a typical day not just the big ta-dah moment like many other films show, I just love the pace of the film.