Bent (1997)

Why would anyone want to watch these types of movies that showcase the horrors of the Holocaust??? These types of horrific historic events should be shown in documentaries where the viewer wants to learn about historical events, as shocking as some were. I don't want to see sad dramas based on historical events because they certainly are not a source of entertainment for me. Also, this movie was made 20 years ago when showing two leading, masculine men in a gay LTR, living a "normal" life with a happy ending was not yet accepted. Gay marriage is the law of the land now and it's time we moved on. Let's catch up with the straight movies which have always shown straight LTRs in a positive light with happy endings!!! The movie was a total bummer. It was well done, well acted, but a total bummer. Only watch it if you want to be depressed!!!

I watched this in two stages: first half, late at night; second half the following evening. I love historical stories set in Europe during WWII. I was intrigued by the first part, even though it was quite disturbing, however, the second part between the two principles, the real heart of the story, just left me completely cold. I cared nothing for either of them. I don't even know what to say about Max, but if I did, there wouldn't be much good in it. Horst was just downright annoying and nag. I found their verbal sexual interaction boring and pretentious; I was sorry it was repeated later in the film. The action was so staid in this ridiculous situation they were in, that I was relieved when one of them was killed. Maybe you're supposed to feel that way. I don't doubt that such situations really happened, senseless as the Nazis were, but I just don't think it made for interesting story telling. Honestly, the only character I felt anything for was Rudy; I was sorry he died so early on. Just my opinion.

Nazi-era playboy Clive Owen (as Max) and his dancer lover Brian Webber (as Rudy) are pursued by Nazis, after Mr. Owen is picked up by blond hunk Nikolaj Waldau (as Wolf), in a gay club. After being captured, Owen and Mr. Weber are tortured, on a train to Germany's first concentration camp, at Dachau. Also on the train, Owen meets Lothaire Bluteau (as Horst). Mr. Bluteau wears the "Pink Triangle" identifying him as a homosexual, which is considered an especially low form of human life, by the Nazis. To avoid being beaten to death, Owen pretends to be Jewish, and is given the identifying "Yellow Star". At the concentration camp, prisoners Owen and Bluteau fall in love; but, they must avoid any physical contact.The opening club/orgy sequence is presented in a disjointed, confusing fashion. It's hard to figure out what is going on -- you should, if possible, play the opening (up until the Nazis bust into Owen's pad) twice. The cast is enhanced by cross-dressing Mick Jagger (as Greta), and the original 1979 stage production's "Max", Ian McKellen (as Uncle Freddie). Mr. Jagger also sings the haunting theme "Streets of Berlin". Director Sean Mathias and supporting actor Webber make excellent first impressions; it's strange to see so little work (film credits) immediately followed this production.This film version of Martin Sherman's "forbidden" love story is far from perfect; but, it's still quite captivating. The extent of "man's inhumanity to man" is, as always, horrifying. The film's non-physical sex scene, performed at the concentration camp, is extremely touching. ******* Bent (1997) Sean Mathias ~ Clive Owen, Lothaire Bluteau, Mick Jagger

This film is about the experience of two gay men who got imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp.The film is minimalistic, but it is very touching. The most striking thing to me is the amount of time dedicated to moving rocks. It is dry, dull and boring, which reflects what life was probably like in a concentration camp. Another striking aspect is that the concentration camp completely changes Max. In the beginning of the film, Max indulges in carnal pleasures. As the film progresses, he becomes satisfied with imagination. The most touching thing in the whole film is the ending. He is finally allowed to touch Horst, but it is all too late.Bent is a touching film, and I hope it can reach out to a wider audience.