Desire Lines also answers the questions the subjects have asked themselves, and things get deliciously complicated. What keeps coming to the surface over and over again is how happy everyone is with where they have found themselves. Gualtieri starkly shows how sexual preference and gender identity are not intrinsically linked at all. It also talks frankly about gay public sex as well as S&M, which helps dispel some knee-jerk negative reactions those unfamiliar may have.
The use of narrative inserts is not how things usually go in a documentary. Maybe it should be done more often, as it works brilliantly. The wraparound fulfills a purpose that goes much further than education. Yes, the storyline gives context in which a lot of historical information is conveyed, but it also creates a reflective plane for the viewer to exist within. Germaine shows a much wider emotional range than we have seen from them before, as they played it cool as ice in the slasher They/Them.
“…has a real edge.”
The background sound in the queer archive is a series of David Lynch-like ambient tones, such as florescent light hum and aquarium noises. There are also several bathhouse recreations that capture very specific details about the old houses. They are infused with warmth and elegance to ease the viewer into the concept. There are a lot of buffers for any shocks, as the point is understanding instead of exhibition.
Desire Lines has a real edge. I can’t imagine the world is going to get another meet and greet like this with this particular community. Everyone, get in the pool. The water is fine.
"…the audience is granted access to something that is absolutely none of their business."
[…] The Death Tour, Petro, Nina is an Athlete, Citizen Weiner, On the Way Home, Desire Lines, Punishment, I’m “George Lucas”: A Connor Ratliff Story, Dog Spelled […]
There’s something heartbreaking about hearing a woman finding validation only when she’s dying of AIDS because she’s now fully accepted as a gay man. What a sad life.