Love Life [Import]

Gay marriage and the idea of what if a gay man and a lesbian wed for convenience form the basis for this the latest film from indie auteur Damion Dietz. It's all about an arranged marriage of Mary and Joe for finances and appearances between a washed up pro ball player and his wealthy wife who wants to hide behind the facade of a happy homemaker. Joe has clandestine quickies on the side with men he finds in parks, and Mary just gives up sex completely. Everything is fine as long as neither of them finds emotional attachment. They are challenged by two people who ask for more than just sex from them - a handsome out landscaper and Mary's old college flame.

Dietz is a great visualist, and the film has an icy cool sheen that follows the construct far more than the characters. There is a great deal of nudity, but not too much of anyone is revealed. Everyone is wrapped in a protective layer that only barely gets dropped on occasion in the film. All of that is intentional as the movie has a languid pace similar to a Bergman film where things just happen and we witness events without too much explanation. If you like stylized melodrama, then this is the perfect film to sit down and soak up. Pretty people, pretty places, and an icy cool meditation on what happiness is and what it means to give it up are what you'll get.

The DVD is fullframe with a commentary from Dietz and lead actress Stephanie Kirchen (who you can see in every Damion Dietz film). It's a nicely made film, and the commentary is very enlightening and congenial (yes, I listen to these tracks). This is not a typical "gay" film. It's cool, removed, and detatched in style. It also features women equally as much as men. It's intelligent and meditative. Very interesting piece of work, and a must see for anyone who appreciates innovative and daring GLBT cinema that challenges the audience to think a good bit and fill in the blanks.

When I first saw the cover box at Blockbuster I was in awe of Stephen Gill's picture. He's a very handsome man in a beefcake sort of way. The storyline and Stephen were sure to make this a good movie. Unfortunately, the movie has a very weak story, a cheap porn-like soundtrack, and is very dark. I think they forgot to hire a lighting crew. I wouldn't not recommend it, but I also wouldn't say you had to rush out and buy it. Lucky for me I rented it.

This DVD is not a movie as such. Its a drama that has been taken out of a documentary. Its not bad at all, but is not the type that will entertain those looking for a good love drama or sex filled adult porn movie. You realy need to read, look and listen between the lines. Its a deep movie for those who know whats going on or who have been on the same road.

This movie will teach you something if you know how to watch it properly.