Weekend Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Weekend
Year: 2011
Director: Andrew Haigh
Country: UK
Language: English

While LGBT themed films have been largely ignored in Cinematic history (name ONE film from Hollywood's Golden era with a gay main character) there seems to be great development in more modern movies. However, as many people will point out, the newer LGBT films are somewhat offensive because they usually stick to one specific formula: gay person overcomes straight establishment and then dies. Frankly you aren't going to find any depth to gay characters in Hollywood; this is why you need to look outside the box towards international independent film. Weekend is a great example of an independent film that takes its LGBT themes very seriously.

On a Friday night after a drunken house party with his straight mates, Russell  (Tom Cullen) heads out to a gay club, alone and on the pull. Just before closing time he picks up Glen (Chris New) but what's expected to be just a one-night stand becomes something else, something special. That weekend, in bars and in bedrooms, getting drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and having sex, the two men get to know each other. It is a brief encounter that will resonate throughout their lives.

Weekend is perhaps the most accurate film about two men falling in love in cinematic history. While there are countless films about falling in love, many of them are tripe romantic comedies, this is very sincere. Director Andrew Haigh makes no attempt to be cute, overly sentimental or use cheap emotional tactics. There is no silly dialogue about how "the world won't let us be", nor are any of the men secretly dying of a fatal illness. It's absolutely refreshing because it does not stick to typical formula and it is not made the way every other LGBT film seems to be made. It is quite unique in every aspect.

Weekend is not about exceptional and outstanding gay men, it is about two average guys who start a conversation and found that they have lighting in a bottle. Gay issues are touched upon and some good political points are made about society, but the film never feels like it's trying to send a great political message. The dialogue is free flowing and completely natural, nothing in this film feels forced. The chemistry between the two actors, Tom Cullen and Chris new, is remarkable; it makes you wonder if they are partner in real life.

In conclusion, Weekend is a definite must see. It is what all LGBT films...all films about relationships in general should be. Trust, honesty, communication; Andrew Haigh has loads to teach us about how relationships should work and we should listen. The Criterion Collection has a great edition of this film on dvd/blu ray, unfortunately that is probably the only way you can see it in the US since America tends to limit distribution on non-lesbian LGBT films. Praise it! 4.5/5