Defune's rich and beautiful short films examine gay love and loss, and mark the emergence of one of Europe's most exciting young filmmakers. Features 'Campfire' (2000, 21 min). 'Saint' (1996, 10 min). 'Particularly Now, In Spring' (1995, 8 min) and Sailor (1998, 17 min).
Belgian filmmaker Bavo Defurne is rapidly becoming one of the most renowned directors of gay cinema in Europe, and he is particularly well-known on the festival circui... more >
Belgian filmmaker Bavo Defurne is rapidly becoming one of the most renowned directors of gay cinema in Europe, and he is particularly well-known on the festival circuit. This DVD offers a rare chance to view his acclaimed short films, which rarely get shown outside of the festival environment.
Campfire, the only film with Dutch dialogue, is a sensitive depiction of two young men whose friendship is jeopardised when they sleep together during a school camping trip. The film is visually stunning, featuring gorgeous cinematography displaying the picturesque scenery and wildlife. The short also successfully illustrates the poignant reality of the uneasy aftermath that can follow a passionate encounter.
Sailor, a film with no dialogue, portrays a young man’s wistful fantasy about his sailor boyfriend. This is by far the most exotic film, with dreamy sequences set in the jungle and on beaches; in an enchanting shot, the sailor draws a galaxy of stars down from the night sky to send to his beloved.
Saint is a stark re-imagining of the death of St. Sebastian, a popular figure in gay culture. Like Sailor, the film features no dialogue, instead focusing on the body language and homoerotic overtones of the execution by bow and arrow of the martyr. Again, it is visually stunning, with stark black and white photography providing a harsher, more menacing view of nature than that seen in Campfire. The suspense as the executioners line up for the killing is also very well handled.
Particularly Now, In Spring concerns the touching, if naïve, ruminations of a young man, who seems reluctant to leave the ideal of his happy adolescence, and who seems loath to entering adult reality. Although this is not an explicitly gay film, the fetishising shots of the boy’s athlete friends training do betray a queer aesthetic at work.
Seen all together, these films provide a thought-provoking and visually beautiful representation of what it feels like to be young and gay. Although some of the shorts are tinged with sadness, they ultimately present an optimistic view on homosexuality, without the patronising idealism that mars American depictions of gay life. This collection confirms that Bavo Defurne is a talent to watch. < less
These short films are sexy, wonderful and a real revelation. There's a sense of sadness to each of the films as they explore the stories of young, beautiful gay men wh... more >
These short films are sexy, wonderful and a real revelation. There's a sense of sadness to each of the films as they explore the stories of young, beautiful gay men who never seem to get their man! The young Belgian director, Bavo Defurne, creates a slightly surreal universe that reminded me a bit of the work of photographers Pierre et Gilles. The camera always lingers on handsome faces and gorgeous bodies, but the films are about much deeper emotions. My favourite was 'Sailor', about a young boy who fantasises about his sailor love. In one amazing sequence the boy reaches out into the heavens, grabs the Milky Way, and places in in an envelope to send to his lover. Magical stuff. The title film is ravishing, too, and will tap into many people's boyhood fantasies about camping away from home! The DVD also includes a good interview with the director who is pretty sexy himself.
