What's the point of this short movie? If it is supposed to be an homage to Kenneth Anger, then the result is really disappointing; what we get to see on the screen has been done before lots of times (ok, nothing bad in that); but what's really not acceptable about the project is that it lacks any "freshness", and looking at it, one really wonders if the final product would had ever been shown to anyone, if it wasn't for James Franco directing it. Don't be deceived by the fact that it was awarded a Teddy for best GLBT-themed short movie at the Berlin Film Festival. That, really, looks like a move to have Franco showing up for the ceremony to accept the award (he didn't, by the way), rather than a testament to the quality of the movie.
6 Reviews
And the point is...?
preppy-321 June 2010
I caught this at a film festival with some other gay shorts. This is basically a sick cruel little film about a young boy being attacked for being gay. Supposedly its based on a poem.
The only reason this is getting ANY recognition is because James Franco directed it. If it had been an unknown man directing this it would have sunk without a trace. It adds nothing new to the subject matter and actually ends up being pretty disturbing--the final shot horrified me. Also it was kind of ambiguous in the end. Seriously--what was the point of making this? If this is an example of Franco's directing "talent" he should stick to acting.
The only reason this is getting ANY recognition is because James Franco directed it. If it had been an unknown man directing this it would have sunk without a trace. It adds nothing new to the subject matter and actually ends up being pretty disturbing--the final shot horrified me. Also it was kind of ambiguous in the end. Seriously--what was the point of making this? If this is an example of Franco's directing "talent" he should stick to acting.
A rather good short about teen homophobia and sport, based on a poem
rgcustomer25 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not sure what the complaining is all about. This is a good film.
While this short is "for" Kenneth Anger, it doesn't claim to be in the same style. But it does have something in common with Fireworks (1947). As a side note, Dean Francis' more recent short film Boys Grammar (2005) also covers similar ground. And O Beautiful (2002) by Alan Brown may also be of interest for comparison.
The intersection of adolescence, homophobia, and gay desire is always going to be an area worth talking about, and there will always be something new to say, or a new perspective to show, because new people are living it all the time. I think what's unique about this one is that it dares to frankly show a victim who triumphantly turns all that happens to him to his advantage, as a either a masochist, or one who appreciates gallows humour.
The title (and second dedication) refer to Anthony Hecht's poem The Feast of Stephen, which in turn references the characters Stephen and Saul from the New Testament. Not being a New Testament scholar, I am not aware of any link (beyond the names and general power relationship) between Stephen and Saul of the New Testament, and Stephen and Saul of the poem. In the short film, there is no Saul at all, which disappointed me. There should be a member of the group who refuses to take part, but who watches it all happen. Maybe we, the audience, are supposed to be Saul.
There are some lines which do seem represented well in the film: "Boys for the first time frankly eye each other, Inspect each others' bodies at close range," and "Felt in the tingling bruises of collision, And known to captains as esprit de corps." In particular, this is captured fairly well: "Think of those barren places where men gather To act in the terrible name of rectitude, Of acned shame, punk's pride, muscle or turf, The bully's thin superiority." Others are there, but not exactly: "The bounced basketball sound of a leather whip." and "They go to arm themselves at the dry-stone wall," Some aren't there at all: "The rope, the chains, handcuffs and gasoline."
The overall feel of the poem, of athletic bonding leading to concealed aggression and then open persecution of others, is transmitted by the film. And excluding the ending which probably doesn't resonate with many, the short certainly captures a part of what it's like to be a gay teen, learning most of the people you find attractive are going to be off limits for one reason or another.
While this short is "for" Kenneth Anger, it doesn't claim to be in the same style. But it does have something in common with Fireworks (1947). As a side note, Dean Francis' more recent short film Boys Grammar (2005) also covers similar ground. And O Beautiful (2002) by Alan Brown may also be of interest for comparison.
The intersection of adolescence, homophobia, and gay desire is always going to be an area worth talking about, and there will always be something new to say, or a new perspective to show, because new people are living it all the time. I think what's unique about this one is that it dares to frankly show a victim who triumphantly turns all that happens to him to his advantage, as a either a masochist, or one who appreciates gallows humour.
The title (and second dedication) refer to Anthony Hecht's poem The Feast of Stephen, which in turn references the characters Stephen and Saul from the New Testament. Not being a New Testament scholar, I am not aware of any link (beyond the names and general power relationship) between Stephen and Saul of the New Testament, and Stephen and Saul of the poem. In the short film, there is no Saul at all, which disappointed me. There should be a member of the group who refuses to take part, but who watches it all happen. Maybe we, the audience, are supposed to be Saul.
There are some lines which do seem represented well in the film: "Boys for the first time frankly eye each other, Inspect each others' bodies at close range," and "Felt in the tingling bruises of collision, And known to captains as esprit de corps." In particular, this is captured fairly well: "Think of those barren places where men gather To act in the terrible name of rectitude, Of acned shame, punk's pride, muscle or turf, The bully's thin superiority." Others are there, but not exactly: "The bounced basketball sound of a leather whip." and "They go to arm themselves at the dry-stone wall," Some aren't there at all: "The rope, the chains, handcuffs and gasoline."
The overall feel of the poem, of athletic bonding leading to concealed aggression and then open persecution of others, is transmitted by the film. And excluding the ending which probably doesn't resonate with many, the short certainly captures a part of what it's like to be a gay teen, learning most of the people you find attractive are going to be off limits for one reason or another.
In one word, awful.
ayalulan17 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
It's one of the worst, clichéd, disgusting films i've ever seen. It's not homophobia, but just the fact that James Franco chose to use cinematic expressions that have been used a thousand times before (i.e the use of that heartbeat for example).
As apposed to Kenneth Anger, who did his thing BEFORE there were gays in the media, or stonewall, and therefore his films were bounds breaking. James Franco did this in a time where gays (are rightfully so) represented everywhere. There is no need for porn in the mask of "art".
I don't think that anyone who has respect for films, or poetry should watch this horrible thing.
As apposed to Kenneth Anger, who did his thing BEFORE there were gays in the media, or stonewall, and therefore his films were bounds breaking. James Franco did this in a time where gays (are rightfully so) represented everywhere. There is no need for porn in the mask of "art".
I don't think that anyone who has respect for films, or poetry should watch this horrible thing.
One of my favorite short films
claire-ensslin28 September 2015
I saw "Feast of Stephen" over a year ago, at IFC Center, and find myself on this page because it still resonates in my memory...
I loved it! I felt the technical quality was very high; the directing choices were brave and original and felt intentional. I had a range of real feelings while I watched and the ending surprised and satisfied me. It's quite different from many shorts I've seen and I've seen plenty.
A wise person once told me that negative reviewers are writing about themselves more than they are writing about the movie. I would pay no attention to the negative reviews here.
I hope James Franco continues directing and I look forward to seeing more of his work! I hope this short gets released online soon so I can watch it again and share it with people.
I loved it! I felt the technical quality was very high; the directing choices were brave and original and felt intentional. I had a range of real feelings while I watched and the ending surprised and satisfied me. It's quite different from many shorts I've seen and I've seen plenty.
A wise person once told me that negative reviewers are writing about themselves more than they are writing about the movie. I would pay no attention to the negative reviews here.
I hope James Franco continues directing and I look forward to seeing more of his work! I hope this short gets released online soon so I can watch it again and share it with people.
good intentions
Kirpianuscus31 March 2019
After its end, I was real confuse. About message, about status of hommage, about moral lesson. Sure, it could be defined as good job for technical side. Off course, it is a nice meet with pieces from films about this sort of eroticism. Not the last, sexual fantaisies and blasphemies are not so rare in cinematography. But James Franco fights in too many senses. And the end is awfull. The film is only an exercise of skills of a young director. Aestheticism, bullying as generous pretext, crumbs of Gericauld and the film is a decent one. At the first sigh. But, after its end, only the short duration represents an authentical virtue.
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