Boy Culture (2007)

Lead Derek Magyar has unbelievable screen presence, and his chemistry with all the other actors was deep and convincing, and even breathtaking with Patrick Bauchau - to the point of pulling off a clichéd relationship (the excellent writing was a huge help too.) I didn't know Darryl Stephens was that good an actor - I've only seen him in schlocky/campy work previously, and here he has an opportunity to show us what he can do.I don't think I've ever seen a hustler given so much depth and authenticity (not that I really know what's authentic for a hustler, but it was convincing), while largely avoiding cliché.I loved this film - easily the best gay film I've seen in many years. I would have given it a ten, but a minor flaw was the overly pat ending that didn't quite feel deserved, but for that it would have been a perfect film.

In general, I tend to prefer "all-round" movies, covering wider spectrum in society, but, for comparison, it is sometimes good to watch a movie dedicated on different minorities (sexual, national, spiritual, etc.). The movie in question captivated me from the beginning: talented composition, distinct directing, sensitive and "indecent" topics dealt with discretion and sympathy (in fact, in many ways, it reminded a British movie to me).Moreover, the characters seemed realistic, performances were good, and the issues those gays had to deal were more universal, characteristic to modern Western societies: alienation, loneliness, hedonism, fear of commitment, financial disparity.Thus, I wonder, how a remake for/by straight people could appear, substantially widening the audience otherwise conservative towards sexual minorities. True, there are other topics not liked by many (prostitution, slackness), but the movie itself is a pleasant example of approaching "abnormal" topics in a "normal" manner.

From Boy Culture, I have learned that there are some things a scriptwriter should know when throwing a script together.1) Making the lead character speak in a monotonous semi deep and semi quiet tone, does not make him a deep, interesting or insightful character. It just makes him a character speaking with a monotonous semi deep and semi quiet tone.2) If you want to make bible references think it through. References alone does not make it thoughtful.3) If you need an amusing sidekick, the audience will surely appreciate if you actually create an amusing character with amusing lines, instead of throwing in a gay stereotype. He's helpless and shallow, we get it, ha-ha-ha.4) If you want your lead character to be a luxury prostitute, you should pick an actor who's got looks and personality that men would actually shell out money to nail. A bitter guy with a monotonous semi deep and semi quiet tone is not really a courtesan.5) If you want your movie to come across as insightful and deep, don't plaster the every scene with clichés.6) If you don't know how to write believable dialog just admit it and find someone who knows.7) If you want to include a "wise old man character", make him wise and not just old.Okay, this listing is getting as pretentious as the actual movie, so I'll just shut my mouth now and let any potential watchers out there know the following two words: SKIP IT!

As more or more gay themed movies are released, it seems that the percentage of bad films has risen dramatically. That is why it was such a joy to discover this smart, funny, and wise movie that I can recommend to my straight friends as much as to my gay friends. "Boy Culture" is not a good gay movie, but a very good movie period. It sports a terrific cast of three-dimensional characters and it is hot and sexy to boot. I have not seen their previous work, but if this is an indication of their output, I look forward to seeing everything they've done.Kudos to everyone involved!