By Roger Costa
WHO WILL SAVE THE ROSES?
A couple of gay Seniors is the focus of this charming Italian melodrama, highly supported by the incredibly touching performances. The pair of enamored elderly artists are traversing tough times: Claudio is tremendously ill, confined to bed and constantly in delirium; while Giulio intensely cares for him, faking glamorous situations in order to keep his spirits up- he also does the best he can in trying to save the property and what’s left of their estate after losing with gambling. That’s when his determined daughter steps in with her son, shedding some light over the troubles, but also carrying herself a baggage of anguish.
Shot with elegance, first-time writer/director Cesare Furesi crafts a strangely affective drama, precisely addressing its dilemmas of familiar unsolved matters, acceptance of sexual orientation and financial dependence. As the narrative finds opportunity to present material enough depicting each member’s fractured emotions, the cast gives superb personifications of endurance, insecurity, dedication and sobriety. Nominated for the Italian Golden Globes for Best Actor (Carlo Delle Piane, who plays Giulio) it’s a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing look at a dysfunctional clan. (Uncork’d Entertainment. 11/16. Laemmle Glendale L.A. and On Demand.)
BOY ERASED
Oscar nominated actor Lucas Hedges gives another phenomenal performance in this biographical work about a young man sent to an experimental gay conversion program. Based on the memoir published by The New York Times, Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut is very efficient, but he makes it evident he isn’t sure how to settle most confrontations. Nicole Kidman and Russel Crowe are also excellent as the religious parents who get to decide what’s best for the boy. Hedges builds up a fascinatingly complex character, haunted by his beliefs and battling himself in order to find solace. He proves to be among the best players of his generation, carefully picking up important, controversial roles. Dealing with issues of abuse, prejudice and principles, it’s an intense drama about the balance between accepting yourself and finding grace. (Focus. 11/15. AMC Empire Times Square.)
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