| RATING: | 100% |
| FORMAT: | DVD |
Well-scripted and gripping recapitulation of all the hoary old excuses for legally discriminating against homosexual males – particularly the domino theory that decriminalizing homosexuality would lead to a sexual free-for-all. This movie is also a fascinating presentation of a gay demi-monde created, in the bad old days, by making sodomy a criminal offence in the United Kingdom.
As you would expect with such issues, it is not the gay men who have the problem but the homophobes. The sexual hypocrisy on display from intolerant pseudo-heterosexuals is as galling as it is revelatory of their own sexual hang-ups.
The central issue here is, of course, who is the real victim? The man who fancies other men sexually; the gay suffering blackmail for sleeping with other men; or, the culture that feels threatened by the sexual choices of the unliked. The film additionally imbues itself with a sense of the creeping loneliness of those who have been convinced that they are somehow corrupt because their behavior is (or was) a crime – especially among the older actors. Homosexuality, itself, is not the cause of this loneliness; rather it is society’s openly expressed hatred of it.
Interestingly, the gays shown here are quite noticeably classless and lacking in snobbery, since homosexuality cuts across social divisions. Yet, the heterosexuals are not as visibly civilized in anything like the same way.
Technically, the film photographs very well. The muscular direction and mobile camerawork help pull you into the action at every point. The characters are varied and well played with an balanced sprinkling of those in favor of free choice in sexual matters (so long as no one is harmed) and those against. Stark black-and-white photography self explains why it can be so dramatically effective for grittily realistic, kitchen-sink type dramas. The paradox is that without the distractions of color photography the character’s look becomes less important than who they are; focussing the audience’s attention more on the story and less on mere appearance. This is that rare film where every aspect links firmly to the main theme: Sexual intolerance and erotic fear.
That perennial English rose Sylvia SYMS graces the film with aplomb and plays the beard wife of a barrister with homosexual leanings Dirk BOGARDE with great dignity and restrained intensity. BOGARDE himself fully understands the emotional quandary of a man who lives the kind of double life that the actor himself would know from first hand experience – as does that old ham supporting player Dennis PRICE. (The latter spent much of his career paying off blackmailers like his character does here - and for the same reason.) This is a film whose themes spill over into real life: The homosexual actors in it are so committed to the premise and, in a sense, not really acting at all but pouring out their true selves onto the screen. A movie that emotionally violates the fourth wall with consistent and pointed impunity.
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