There is a lot to like about Eric La Barr's intriguing new short, "Slate." Set in current day Los Angeles, the narrative follows the plight of an abused gay male hustler (Slate) and his abusive, controlling pimp. Seeking freedom and perhaps the promise of a budding romance, the short's climax arrives quickly (a metaphor for Slate himself?), and audiences are left breathless with the heightened sense of drama Mr. La Barr executes quite cleverly. But it's not just La Barr's direction that catches one's eye; he also gives a very intriguing, understated performance as the lead character himself.
Due to the subject matter, audiences might elect to dismiss "Slate" as strictly LGBT fare. This would be a mistake. As long as the viewer keeps his or her mind open and a sense of drama (in all its realizations) in tact, then that viewer should be introducing themselves to a highly cinematic experience. But the real excitement lies in wonder as to what Eric La Barr decides to do next in a cinematic career chalk full of promise.
Due to the subject matter, audiences might elect to dismiss "Slate" as strictly LGBT fare. This would be a mistake. As long as the viewer keeps his or her mind open and a sense of drama (in all its realizations) in tact, then that viewer should be introducing themselves to a highly cinematic experience. But the real excitement lies in wonder as to what Eric La Barr decides to do next in a cinematic career chalk full of promise.