One unkind reviewer infers that friends etc are putting in the high ratings. They do not seem especially high to me and I give it a 6 because I believe Pao Maso gave an uneven, but in many ways a convincing interpretation of a lost Russian in America. At times I even thought he was filming for Russia as the depiction of gay men in this film showed up a lot of ' Western Decadence '. It could even be shown as a dreadful warning in Russia (it would be laughed off the screen in Moscow and St. Petersburg) but the provincial cities would lap it up. The message to me seemed, do not go West unless you want to experience rape, incest, being forced into female clothes and as Thelma Ritter said, immortally in ' All About Eve ', " Everything but bloodhounds at her rear end ". In fact as one disastrous encounter piled on another I could not help think that this was a kind of Lana Turner film from the 1950's. And at the end I asked myself, did the main character make all the wrong choices or was it dear old Russian fate!!!
The shock ending was unbelievable, but then as some wit said, so is life. I just did not buy it, some may. And as for the general acting abilities of the other actors, well they could have all done better. So did I like the film at all ? Yes, because I truly believe Mr. Maso could make a truly good film one day. This had a certain pace and I was not bored. The sex scenes, given the unpleasantness of some of them were not realistic enough given the subject matter ( please Mr. Maso watch the French masterpiece ' Sauvage ' ) and there was a lot of fake clutching at sheets and crazy camera movements. Too many fig leaves do not make a savage film, and this set itself up to be one and half succeeded.
15 Reviews
Worthy of Your Time
davidrsutton19 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
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This was a compelling character study of what occurs when a child is neglected and abandoned in a place that he's unfamiliar with, with no family for support, both emotionally and financially. When that unfamiliar place is a heartless, competitive and unforgiving city called New York City, it's tough to survive. Literally survive. Here it is we find Aleksandr, a Russian illegal immigrant whose situation goes from bad to worse to unbearable. His mom dragged Aleksandr and his sister to NY, so she could try and find their father; her husband. She blamed Aleksandr's birth as the reason he split, tells that to the troubled boy and prompting commits suicide. Sister runs off, taking the family's assets, and leaving Aleksandr to fend for himself. What to do? He asks his only acquaintance, Emma for help. She directs him to a guy so he can find gainful employment. The guy recognizes Aleksandr's good looks and sex appeal and hires him as a poll dancer in a gay club. He ends up sleeping with a patron of the club for intimacy and maybe a relationship. Instead he's handed $500 and he's a professional. A male prostitute. He looks for a regular job with no success. He continues earning his living selling his body. A couple guys around his age invite him to hangout with them and they spike his drinks with the date rape drug and wakes up on the street vomiting. They threw him out like trash and he begins to think he is trash. The spiral downward continues as he takes on more risky jobs and ends up raped again, this time by an older fellow he found on Craig's List, who had him dress up like a woman, drugs him and throws him onto the sidewalk after using him. Can Aleksandr survive? The price for you to find out is 103 minutes of your time. I'd say for many it's a good value, for others maybe not so much. Twenty six year old Pau Masó is credited as writer, director, editor and producer. Mr Masó also plays the title role of Aleksandr. An impressive first debut for this young man, who was born in Spain and includes entrepreneur and model on his resume.
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This was a compelling character study of what occurs when a child is neglected and abandoned in a place that he's unfamiliar with, with no family for support, both emotionally and financially. When that unfamiliar place is a heartless, competitive and unforgiving city called New York City, it's tough to survive. Literally survive. Here it is we find Aleksandr, a Russian illegal immigrant whose situation goes from bad to worse to unbearable. His mom dragged Aleksandr and his sister to NY, so she could try and find their father; her husband. She blamed Aleksandr's birth as the reason he split, tells that to the troubled boy and prompting commits suicide. Sister runs off, taking the family's assets, and leaving Aleksandr to fend for himself. What to do? He asks his only acquaintance, Emma for help. She directs him to a guy so he can find gainful employment. The guy recognizes Aleksandr's good looks and sex appeal and hires him as a poll dancer in a gay club. He ends up sleeping with a patron of the club for intimacy and maybe a relationship. Instead he's handed $500 and he's a professional. A male prostitute. He looks for a regular job with no success. He continues earning his living selling his body. A couple guys around his age invite him to hangout with them and they spike his drinks with the date rape drug and wakes up on the street vomiting. They threw him out like trash and he begins to think he is trash. The spiral downward continues as he takes on more risky jobs and ends up raped again, this time by an older fellow he found on Craig's List, who had him dress up like a woman, drugs him and throws him onto the sidewalk after using him. Can Aleksandr survive? The price for you to find out is 103 minutes of your time. I'd say for many it's a good value, for others maybe not so much. Twenty six year old Pau Masó is credited as writer, director, editor and producer. Mr Masó also plays the title role of Aleksandr. An impressive first debut for this young man, who was born in Spain and includes entrepreneur and model on his resume.
A muddled, amateurish mess
denny32129 May 2019
I thought I'd better offer an honest opinion to balance out the high ratings apparently conferred by writer/director/star Pau Maso's family and friends. This film is an amateurish, muddled mess.
It's framed as a therapy session for gay hustler Aleksandr, who tells his story in a series of flashbacks. This setup is completely unnecessary, and detracts substantially from the film by repeatedly killing the momentum. The therapist, "Dr. Mary", shows no compassion at all for her patient; she sounds like she's reading her lines off a Xeroxed sheet. She asks questions that I hope no professional therapist would ask, and says things that I hope no professional therapist would say (telling an extremely distressed guy he's "strange" won't win any awards for bedside manner).
Aleksandr, who seems to have developed his Russian accent by studying Mr. Chekov in the 1960s Star Trek series, makes one incredibly bad decision after another, to the extent that we feel even less sympathy for him than his therapist does. Suffering one traumatic experience after another, he continues to let bad things happen to him with no resistance offered or judgment exercised whatsoever. After the THIRD TIME a trick hands you a glass of mysterious liquid and says, "Drink it," you either turn and run away or you give up your right to feel you've been taken advantage of.
Tom, the character who seems to be Aleksandr's greatest potential ally, is confusing at best. His dialogue is written as if he's genuinely concerned, but the actor's delivery is so flat - a perpetual cheeriness that sounds like he's speed-dating - we aren't sure if he truly wants to help Aleksandr, or is just looking for a quick and easy hookup.
And then there's the "twist" near the end - not really a plot twist at all, just a ridiculously improbable happenstance. Based on everything we've learned so far, there's no reason to believe this particular incident would be so much as a blip on the radar, compared with a dozen or so other traumatic experiences little Alek has been through. Apparently, this is the one that lands him in therapy - although how and why are never explained.
Mr. Maso isn't a bad looking guy. Too bad he can't write, direct, or act.
It's framed as a therapy session for gay hustler Aleksandr, who tells his story in a series of flashbacks. This setup is completely unnecessary, and detracts substantially from the film by repeatedly killing the momentum. The therapist, "Dr. Mary", shows no compassion at all for her patient; she sounds like she's reading her lines off a Xeroxed sheet. She asks questions that I hope no professional therapist would ask, and says things that I hope no professional therapist would say (telling an extremely distressed guy he's "strange" won't win any awards for bedside manner).
Aleksandr, who seems to have developed his Russian accent by studying Mr. Chekov in the 1960s Star Trek series, makes one incredibly bad decision after another, to the extent that we feel even less sympathy for him than his therapist does. Suffering one traumatic experience after another, he continues to let bad things happen to him with no resistance offered or judgment exercised whatsoever. After the THIRD TIME a trick hands you a glass of mysterious liquid and says, "Drink it," you either turn and run away or you give up your right to feel you've been taken advantage of.
Tom, the character who seems to be Aleksandr's greatest potential ally, is confusing at best. His dialogue is written as if he's genuinely concerned, but the actor's delivery is so flat - a perpetual cheeriness that sounds like he's speed-dating - we aren't sure if he truly wants to help Aleksandr, or is just looking for a quick and easy hookup.
And then there's the "twist" near the end - not really a plot twist at all, just a ridiculously improbable happenstance. Based on everything we've learned so far, there's no reason to believe this particular incident would be so much as a blip on the radar, compared with a dozen or so other traumatic experiences little Alek has been through. Apparently, this is the one that lands him in therapy - although how and why are never explained.
Mr. Maso isn't a bad looking guy. Too bad he can't write, direct, or act.
Do. Not. Waste. Your. Time!
bgthomaswriter20 November 2016
Terrible, awful movie starring Pau Masó as Aleksandr, a character I couldn't care less for. Apparently, I was supposed to feel sorry for, but I soon didn't. Poor, poor Aleksandr, who had all these terrible things happen to him, abandonment, dead mother, and more. But any sympathy I had for him was soon lost. I got so tired of that pathetic expression on his face through the entire movie I wanted to scream!
Yeah, yeah, prostitution is bad, and it leads to all sex-workers wanting to kill themselves. Whatever. Except I think Dan Savage for one would disagree.
Poor rambling script. Poor acting. Annoying "hero" who cried and threw up so many times I wanted to scream. Mediocre acting. I don't even think the main actor's accent was real. Poor filming. Poor sound. Only Josh Berresford as Keith (the client with a heart of silver, if not gold) was really any good and even his part was cliché—he had to struggle to get anything decent out of the part he was given. The therapist was decent but we don't even know how our guy got there. Keith Dougherty was absolutely terrible—and his part worse as he made no sense. Was he a nice guy or a jerk? Who knows? Did even the writer?
The twist ending was ridiculous. And the sudden turn around after that in about two minutes totally unbelievable.
I also highly suspect the couple good reviews for this movie. I'm not saying they're fake, but I wouldn't be surprised. They praised a bad film so highly, I can't help but be suspect. Brilliant? Not in any way. What a total waste of my time! I'm downright angry. And while one reviewer's thought that he wished the protagonist would just kill himself seems harsh? Well.... I sure stopped caring about the "hero." So hmmmmm.....
Yeah, yeah, prostitution is bad, and it leads to all sex-workers wanting to kill themselves. Whatever. Except I think Dan Savage for one would disagree.
Poor rambling script. Poor acting. Annoying "hero" who cried and threw up so many times I wanted to scream. Mediocre acting. I don't even think the main actor's accent was real. Poor filming. Poor sound. Only Josh Berresford as Keith (the client with a heart of silver, if not gold) was really any good and even his part was cliché—he had to struggle to get anything decent out of the part he was given. The therapist was decent but we don't even know how our guy got there. Keith Dougherty was absolutely terrible—and his part worse as he made no sense. Was he a nice guy or a jerk? Who knows? Did even the writer?
The twist ending was ridiculous. And the sudden turn around after that in about two minutes totally unbelievable.
I also highly suspect the couple good reviews for this movie. I'm not saying they're fake, but I wouldn't be surprised. They praised a bad film so highly, I can't help but be suspect. Brilliant? Not in any way. What a total waste of my time! I'm downright angry. And while one reviewer's thought that he wished the protagonist would just kill himself seems harsh? Well.... I sure stopped caring about the "hero." So hmmmmm.....
The worse movie ever
steveparis-5459829 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This has got to be the worse movie ever! This movie tries to make you feel bad for this guy, but you do not. You actually wish that he'd kill himself. From the beginning, this movie is pathetic and so annoying. Aleksander puts himself is the most stupid situations and then blames everybody else. All throughout the movie, you will catch yourself saying "Really???". Every time he opens his mouth, you'll be like "Really????". I so wish he had killed himself from the get-go, it would have saved me time. This guys is not even that cute to feel bad about. And his accent, the way he talks is so annoying as well. No emotions really in his voice. The ending is totally wasted, like my time watching this stupidity.
Peculiar, difficult film, but ultimately worthwhile
belhuepress2 January 2022
This is a really strange, at times puzzling movie about the lower depths of the New York gay club scene filled with enough internalized homophobia to sink the Good Ship Lollipop, as well as the Titanic. A lot of things in it make little sense, and I think that Pau Maso really overestimated his skill and even talent trying to do everything on it-act, write, direct, etc.
But ultimately I found it appealing and even satisfying-Aleksandre hits pure rock bottomn and has to either come up or die. And he does come up, and survives.
I have always said, after many years of living in NY, that if you want to destroy yourself, there is a whole army of people in New York who will be more than happy to help you do it; then once they have pushed you to your own self destruction, they will just go on to the next sucker.
This movie proves it.
Perry Brass.
But ultimately I found it appealing and even satisfying-Aleksandre hits pure rock bottomn and has to either come up or die. And he does come up, and survives.
I have always said, after many years of living in NY, that if you want to destroy yourself, there is a whole army of people in New York who will be more than happy to help you do it; then once they have pushed you to your own self destruction, they will just go on to the next sucker.
This movie proves it.
Perry Brass.
Another story of sex workers as losers
jcoberkrom14 May 2019
Powerful film about Male Prostitution
Falconeer20 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Before watching this film, "Aleksandr's Price," I was expecting a typical gay themed film with a lot of exploitative sex and nudity, and little else. This is nothing of the kind. Instead we have a brilliant character study, of a Russian immigrant being slowly destroyed by the harsh NYC hustling scene. Having seen many films on the subject of prostitution, i cannot remember any other film that so accurately documents what this lifestyle does to the human soul and sense of self-worth. Aleksandr is a young, and very naive Russian immigrant, who finds himself alone in a big, harsh city, after his mother commits suicide. Aleksandr is an illegal alien, unable to secure a legal means of income. It doesn't help that he has no friends to guide him or help him out. Being very good looking, he soon finds himself in a job as a go-go dancer in an NYC gay bar. When a man takes him home for a night of sex, Aleksandr is both surprised and disgusted when the man hands him an envelope with $500 inside, and promptly kicks him out. This is where the fascinating psychological study comes into play. After being abandoned by his father, and then told by his mother that he is worthless garbage who ruined her life, Aleksandr is desperate for someone..anyone to care about him, or to recognize some worth in him. Sadly, the kind of love or friendship that he searches for is not to be found in the world of prostitution. For Aleksandr meets an unending stream of the most vile, jaded men you can imagine. And with each humiliation, his sanity slips away, along with his sense of self, until he no longer believes that he is worthy of anybody or anything. After a while, he becomes addicted to the sex, and the rejection, until he comes to the point where he becomes sexually aroused by the abuse, and by the idea that he somehow deserves this vile treatment.
This pattern is so accurate; prostitution often leads to self loathing, and self annihilation. The tag line for this film is "Love isn't free," but the truth is, money isn't free either. It comes at a very steep price. I was really amazed that this film touched on all these facts, and it did it without being the least bit exploitative; the sex scenes, of which there are many, are filmed in a way in which the viewer doesn't see anything 'sexy.' Rather than showing naked bodies, the camera focuses on facial expressions, and the least erotic elements of sex. It focuses on the pain and sadness of the act, the psychological aspects of sex for cash. I'm not quite sure who the intended audience for this film is; I can't imagine many gay men liking this film, as there is such a lack of eroticism. not to mention the way the gay scene is portrayed here is very negative; every gay character is the most vile, reprehensible pig imaginable. In fact the gay scene is shown as downright evil. I don't know what to make of that. But at last here is a film with gay themes (it is not really a "gay" film, and Aleksandr's own sexual orientation isn't ever clearly defined) that can be watched by straight guys; the kind of sex in this film is not the kind that would make a straight guy uncomfortable to watch. "Aleksandr's Price" is a low budget film that is every bit as good as "Shame," starring Michael Fassbender, another film that deals with similar issues. I recommend this film highly, for viewers that can deal with dark subject matter; and this one is very dark, and totally devoid of humour or hope. But it's the most "real" film I have seen on the subject of prostitution.
This pattern is so accurate; prostitution often leads to self loathing, and self annihilation. The tag line for this film is "Love isn't free," but the truth is, money isn't free either. It comes at a very steep price. I was really amazed that this film touched on all these facts, and it did it without being the least bit exploitative; the sex scenes, of which there are many, are filmed in a way in which the viewer doesn't see anything 'sexy.' Rather than showing naked bodies, the camera focuses on facial expressions, and the least erotic elements of sex. It focuses on the pain and sadness of the act, the psychological aspects of sex for cash. I'm not quite sure who the intended audience for this film is; I can't imagine many gay men liking this film, as there is such a lack of eroticism. not to mention the way the gay scene is portrayed here is very negative; every gay character is the most vile, reprehensible pig imaginable. In fact the gay scene is shown as downright evil. I don't know what to make of that. But at last here is a film with gay themes (it is not really a "gay" film, and Aleksandr's own sexual orientation isn't ever clearly defined) that can be watched by straight guys; the kind of sex in this film is not the kind that would make a straight guy uncomfortable to watch. "Aleksandr's Price" is a low budget film that is every bit as good as "Shame," starring Michael Fassbender, another film that deals with similar issues. I recommend this film highly, for viewers that can deal with dark subject matter; and this one is very dark, and totally devoid of humour or hope. But it's the most "real" film I have seen on the subject of prostitution.
Aleksander's Price is just right
frdanky8 September 2018
A poignant, powerful character study of a tortured young man. Pau Maso may be new to Americans but he is a seasoned actor. Beautifully composed. The narrative engages heart and mind. I have watched this marvelous movie five times. Each time Pau's nuances reveal themselves. I want to see all his works.
Pau Maso is a new talent to watch
eastonkellan_ru22 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A moving story about Aleksandr (Pau Maso who is so good in this film) a young Russian who is illegally bought to New York (USA) by his suicidal mother and a sister who ran away with all their money when their mother died......So he has to fend for himself and in the process become a male whore......
It's also a story of longing for love, shame of being paid for the first time when he thought the very first man to f*** him would take care of him, unknowing incest (watch this and you know what i meant)
My heart went out for Aleksandr especially every time he masturbate when he is depressed (one would not find this erotic but wrenching)
Pau Maso can write, co-direct and act in front of the camera well and this is where he is different from Todd Verow (who have more trashy films especially when he's starring in it than the okay ones) and actor/writer Matt Riddlehoover who's being compared to Woody Allen which is an insult to Allen (There is only one IMDb user who gave positive reviews to his movies)
It's also a story of longing for love, shame of being paid for the first time when he thought the very first man to f*** him would take care of him, unknowing incest (watch this and you know what i meant)
My heart went out for Aleksandr especially every time he masturbate when he is depressed (one would not find this erotic but wrenching)
Pau Maso can write, co-direct and act in front of the camera well and this is where he is different from Todd Verow (who have more trashy films especially when he's starring in it than the okay ones) and actor/writer Matt Riddlehoover who's being compared to Woody Allen which is an insult to Allen (There is only one IMDb user who gave positive reviews to his movies)
Excellent and compelling character study!!
dase675 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
WARNING: SPOILERS.
Incredible and compelling character study about a young Russian immigrant man (Masó, in an unforgettable performance) who is forced into the world of male prostitution, while trying to cope with his inner demons.
Since "Midnight Cowboy" (1969) I hadn't seen a movie that completely draw my attention due to the main characters (I'm an action films fan) development, and Masó is very impressive in his film debut (his mainstream film debut as he made a pretty good experimental film called "Haunted Poland" before) as the naive Aleksandr who succumbs (Literally) to the dark side of his personality, the "Mr. Hyde" that every human has inside.
Masó carries the film well (I'm sure he'll be starring in mainstream films very soon), both as an actor, director and editor, according to IMDb, for which he delivers tremendously good. This was shoot on a shoestring budget, and it's admirable how it looks like a million dollar flick, with excellent music and photography. The supporting cast is very good, with special mention to Keith Dougherty, as the kind hearted Tom.
Even though it's a great film, it's not for all tastes, as some scenes may be too hard for some viewers, most of them are completely justified to feel the descent to hell of Aleksandr, so you can relate to this poor man's pleas. The shocking ending will haunt you a long time afterwards. For discerning and adult viewers.
Incredible and compelling character study about a young Russian immigrant man (Masó, in an unforgettable performance) who is forced into the world of male prostitution, while trying to cope with his inner demons.
Since "Midnight Cowboy" (1969) I hadn't seen a movie that completely draw my attention due to the main characters (I'm an action films fan) development, and Masó is very impressive in his film debut (his mainstream film debut as he made a pretty good experimental film called "Haunted Poland" before) as the naive Aleksandr who succumbs (Literally) to the dark side of his personality, the "Mr. Hyde" that every human has inside.
Masó carries the film well (I'm sure he'll be starring in mainstream films very soon), both as an actor, director and editor, according to IMDb, for which he delivers tremendously good. This was shoot on a shoestring budget, and it's admirable how it looks like a million dollar flick, with excellent music and photography. The supporting cast is very good, with special mention to Keith Dougherty, as the kind hearted Tom.
Even though it's a great film, it's not for all tastes, as some scenes may be too hard for some viewers, most of them are completely justified to feel the descent to hell of Aleksandr, so you can relate to this poor man's pleas. The shocking ending will haunt you a long time afterwards. For discerning and adult viewers.
Shocking and horrifying
rc1990021 July 2019
The story, told in flashback sequences in a therapy session with a psychiatrist, follows the story of a young Russian man brought to New York by his unstable mother searching for his father. After her suicide, Aleksandr, who lacks immigration documentation, goes for a "dancing" job in a gay strip bar, and ends up as a high class prostitute. He does not enjoy his work, but finds himself with no viable choices. His horrendous experiences take him further down to the brink of suicide. Many of the scenes are frightening and appalling. This is a damning look at the seamy underside of New York gay life. It is never made plain whether Aleksandr is gay or not (I do not believe he is). None of the gay characters is sympathetic. Well worth watching. Pau Maso is outstanding as Aleksandr. The other actors turn in creditable performances.
Mature psychological thriller. Loved it.
drashish-1436916 May 2019
Excellent movie.
Loved every moment of it.
The ending had a creepy twist but was justified as it was a proper conclusion to the storyline.
Aleksandrs accent is cute.
The therapist is gorgeous.
Overall a nice mature psychological thriller
Blows my mind
j_andsharonr1 April 2020
Gritty and Raw..not what you expect from a LBGTQ movie about escorts
bgoo-1989015 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is just my opinion as a Gay man, with no talent who has experience with some of the things in the movie.
By the way I am not a friend either as some of the other reviewers have intimated.
Thank You Amazon for putting Complete Stranger's in my "recommended" slot. I found Pau Maso! I worked in Gay Bars and clubs. We had Go Go boys who had side jobs as Escorts too. I got pretty close with a few. Hung out partied. To write and then portray Alexandr the way he did. Pau must have gotten to know a few too. Aleksandr's status as an illegal,orphaned and abandoned. It is a hard and difficult life. For some harder than others.. Drugs ,Alcohol are the way these guys cope with the emotion. That is why Pau Masso's portrayal of Alexandr is spot on. You feel what he is feeling as you watch it unfold. The way he developed the story. The way it evolves the as the director,Pau makes the filming more gritty. The sc enes after the trick has drugged him and he is staggering down the street filmed at off angles. How Alexandr as he begins to implode and the sex becomes his addiction.
For being a complex story Pau doesn't dwell on one aspect but moves it along at a steady pace. More than worth the time to watch.
Personal Note: Pau Maso you ever come to Boston. I'd like to buy you a beer and get to know a Brilliant talented guy like you!
By the way I am not a friend either as some of the other reviewers have intimated.
Thank You Amazon for putting Complete Stranger's in my "recommended" slot. I found Pau Maso! I worked in Gay Bars and clubs. We had Go Go boys who had side jobs as Escorts too. I got pretty close with a few. Hung out partied. To write and then portray Alexandr the way he did. Pau must have gotten to know a few too. Aleksandr's status as an illegal,orphaned and abandoned. It is a hard and difficult life. For some harder than others.. Drugs ,Alcohol are the way these guys cope with the emotion. That is why Pau Masso's portrayal of Alexandr is spot on. You feel what he is feeling as you watch it unfold. The way he developed the story. The way it evolves the as the director,Pau makes the filming more gritty. The sc enes after the trick has drugged him and he is staggering down the street filmed at off angles. How Alexandr as he begins to implode and the sex becomes his addiction.
For being a complex story Pau doesn't dwell on one aspect but moves it along at a steady pace. More than worth the time to watch.
Personal Note: Pau Maso you ever come to Boston. I'd like to buy you a beer and get to know a Brilliant talented guy like you!
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