Keep the Lights On
Keep the Lights On chronicles the emotionally and sexually charged journey through the love, addiction, and friendship of two men. Documentary filmmaker Erik and closeted lawyer Paul meet through a casual encounter, but they find a deeper connection and become a couple. Individually and together, they are risk takers
Director: Ira Sachs
Starring: Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, David Anzuelo, Miguel del Toro, Maria Dizzia
Lindhardt, sweet and childish and achingly vulnerable, gives a stunning performance.
By dropping in on this couple from time to time for the kinds of moments one of them might remember, the film is more honest than its characters.
The film, though, is as sure-footed as their partnership is not - a nuanced portrait of emotional turmoil, persuasively acted, richly sensual one moment, wrenching the next, and unlike so many films centering on gay characters, not particularly concerned with things like coming out or HIV.
The film is at its best in the bedroom, not shying away from the sexual relationship, but not being graphic about it, either. There is great sex, clumsy sex, tender sex - and it's all crucial to the story. Such genuine intimacy, whether gay or straight, is virtually nonexistent in American cinema. It's enthralling to see it here.
A tough, well-acted little indie.
Best Feature Film
Berlin International Film Festival (2012)
Outstanding Film - Limited Release
GLAAD Media Awards (2013)
Thure Lindhardt
Gotham Awards (2012)
Best Director
Independent Spirit Awards (2013)
Dramatic
Sundance Film Festival (2012)
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