In an era when a new sequel comes out just about every week, we like to think that good movies are the ones that strive to be as original as possible. In actuality, however, complete originality is not only unattainable, but it’s also not even necessary. Rather than reinvent the wheel, some of this year’s best movies (e.g., The Souvenir) simply took familiar stories and told them with a unique kind of subtlety and expression.
“The two men discover they’re attracted to each other, and they eventually enter into a relationship.”
Marco Berger’s The Blonde One is one such film. Set in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, the movie recounts the story of Gabriel (Gaston Re) and Juan (Alfonso Barón), two flatmates who work in the same woodworking shop. Although each of them already has a girlfriend – Juan even invites his (Malena Irusta) over on a regular basis – the two men discover they’re attracted to each other, and they eventually enter into a relationship.
As in many other LGBTQ+ films, the biggest obstacle to Gabriel and Juan’s relationship is homophobia. But don’t expect to find any raging bigots who go on rants about the evils of homosexuality (à la, say, Boy Erased). Rather, the oppressive heteronormativity of Gabriel and Juan’s world is generally conveyed obliquely, whether through casual comments that Juan’s friends make about “hot” female athletes, jokes those same friends tell about tomboys or the camera’s near-total stillness.
"…its sensitivity and perceptiveness will leave a lasting impression."
Possibly the best film by Marco Berger, in a continuing career of excellent movies. Subtle, deeply involving, and the performance by Gaston Re is extraordinary: he does with silence what other actors can’t do with words. A revelation.
~ A masterpiece of subtly and just good cinema. One of the saddest, sweetest, hopeful and yes. cheery movies I have ever seen. Thoroughly enjoyed, and would thoroughly enjoy a sequel further ahead in time with all the same actors and characters. Again, REALLY ENJOYED and fixing to watch it sa second time!
Cheers, DAVEDJ ~
It has to be the most realistic portrayal of two men falling in love, I haven’t seen anything yet that compares with it. The spaces of silence and the almost silent sexuality are spine tingling it was difficult to know if something awful was going to happen when what took place was a beautiful but pained relationship. This is serious writing timing and perception perfectly portrayed on every level.