BLOG EXCERPTS: FILE THIRTEEN (defunct)

AUSTIN GAY & LESBIAN FILM FEST: 2005

REVIEW OF “INDELIBLE” excerpted from this link:

http://www.filethirteen.com/events/agliff2005/day5.htm

Then there were previews for "Little Man" and "Hellbent," the latter of which I just can't wait to see and tear apart. In fact, I was thinking it may very well be there worst thing I will see at the festival when the MOST GODAWFUL AND HORRENDOUS SHORT FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE FUCKING LIKE was shown. It is called "Indelible" and it is by Charles Lum. This was a long, laborious and disgusting piece that was simply the mixing of scenes from the 70's horror flick "Carrie" with 70's gay porn. (The title of the classic "L.A. Tool and Die" is shown at one point). Sissy Spacek gets blood dumped on her head in slow motion while the film cuts back continually to shot after shot of cum being splooged all over some mustached guy's face. It is repulsive. To even discuss this piece of shit gives one the impression that it is in fact a viable film when it is no such thing. This isn't even "art." My worst fear is that Lum and some of the film team members at Agliff thought it was "art" - or even worse - Funny. I hope that whoever is responsible for this nightmare of a supposed film experience getting into Agliff dies of cancer. (Damn, giving away the bitter again!)

THIS CONVERSATION CONTINUES…

KEEP READING! THE NEXT DAY’S REVIEW was of “OVERDUE CONVERSATION”

REVIEW of “OVERDUE CONVERSATION” excerpted from:

http://www.filethirteen.com/events/agliff2005/day6.htm

The film was preceded by a trailer for the Spanish language film about lesbians trying to get pregnant, "The Favor;" the sponsor reel with electronica dance music and a short called "Overdue Conversation." Craig hated this short but I thought it was awesome. (The filmmaker was on hand and Lonny had introduced him after the PT presentation.) In the short, two men sit and videotape one and other as they sit face to face in the park. We see, via split-screen, the image each of the men is capturing of the other with a camera pointed back at him. The film is - or at least appears to be - a documentary where the two men discuss their penchant for anonymous sex. This predilection, we learn, is in fact how they met. But the true nature of the film, the "overdue" part, was the revelation to one and other of an unspoken truth: That both men were HIV positive.

Craig hated one of the guys in the short because he talked about how he didn't think he had a responsibility to reveal his status to those with whom he engaged in anonymous sex. I found this revelation to be honest and thought-provoking. Craig actually lifted up his hand and mocked shooting the guy. This disturbed me so much that I actually had to whisper for him to stop. While I understand Craig's anger at the man's actions what he failed to consider was that this man was being honest and his frankness was a "lesson" for all of us watching the film. Johnny, who works in public health, later commented that the short reminded him of a common axiom among health care professionals dealing with HIV and AIDS: Negative people tend to assume that everyone else is negative and positive people tend to assume that everyone else is positive. While "Overdue Conversation" runs a little long, it is probably one of the most daring, honest and interesting short documentaries I've ever seen at Agliff.

Now here's the weird part: "Overdue Conversation" was made by Charles Lum, the man who made the most horrible short I've ever seen at a festival, which screened last night with "Liberty in Restraint," "Indelible." Just goes to show you that only a true artist and filmmaker can make great and horrible films. Those who make the mediocre are never artists. Lum's "Indelible" may be the worst thing I've seen in a long, long time but, at least, it did provoke a strong guttural reaction for me and isn't that what film (and art) is supposed to do?

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