Film: “Blue Film” at IFC
As Elliot Tuttle’s indie “Blue Film“ opens, we meet Aaron Eagle (Kieron Moore), a 20-something camboy. Strutting about in tightly-whities, he hurls suggestive insults at his predominantly gay male audience.
Aaron announces to his fans that he is so sexy, a complete stranger is going to pay him $50,000 for a private session.
Cut to the Los Angeles address he’s been given. Aaron is greeted by the aforementioned client (Reid Birney) whose face is hidden behind a balaclava mask. Rather than demand sex, the client very gently says he wants to videotape Aaron answering questions about his past, his sexuality, and the reason why the word “diablo” is tattooed over his eyebrow.
Clearly thrown off guard, Aaron is further creeped out when the client, whose name is Hank, reveals that he knows Aaron’s real name and where he used to live (Maine). Reaching over and ripping off Hank’s mask, Aaron is startled to recognize one of his grade-school teachers.
What follows is a night of occasional, rather tame sex and a fascinating, soul-searching conversation between the men on a variety of topics from growing up gay to pedophilia among the ancient Greeks. Hank professes he “loves” Aaron; we wonder why the latter, upon hearing this, doesn’t bolt for the door.
Tuttle’s debut movie (which he wrote and directed) showcases some rather strong acting. Reid Birney whom I know from his work on stage disappears completely into the role of Hank, a shy 60-something who lives a quiet, anonymous life back in Maine.
With his tattooed physique and thuggish, white-rapper attitude, Kieron Moore (from Netflix’s “Boots” series) is equally good as Aaron, who we discover has depth beyond his physical attractiveness.
The movie also shows what these two opposites have in common: a loneliness that leads both to find comfort and a sense of power on the Internet.
A film of quiet brilliance, “Blue Film” demonstrates that writer/director Tuttle is a talent to watch. Kudos, sir. (IFC)
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