Sauvage (French)

This recent French film is a very detailed character study of a young gay hustler in the streets of Paris. He is very lonely and vulnerable, yet situations around him have hardened him and he has figured out ways of survival. This is not an easy film to either act in or make. There is always a fine balance here and I think the director does a good job.

Leo is a 22 year old male prostitute practically living on streets, doesn't change clothes, picks food from garbage or steals. We also later find that he keeps coughing and probably has some signs of TB. He along with quite a few others look for clients day in and night. One of his closest friends, is an Arab looking hustler just like him who also proclaims he is straight. Leo is very much in love with him but he treats leo as a very good friend and is always available for him. But when an older ex-client shows up, Leo's friend moves back with him and Leo becomes alone again. But Leo is still in love with him. He later meets another hustler who likes Leo but Leo can't stop thinking about his friend. Finally he sees the reality and as told by his friend, looks for a older guy who will love him for who he is. In the interim, he also cleans himself up of drug use and prostitution.

The film is slow and a lot of focus is done on to create Leo's lonely world. he wants love which he looks via kissing clients or spending nights with them but he misses true love. There are long drawn scenes where we see him roaming around. But still there is an interesting sensual queer melancholy about the whole thing. The sex scenes have absolute no inhibitions. There is plenty of nudity and we get to see how Leo is used and abused on top of all the issues he is already facing. The mix of intensity and innocence in Leo's gaze suggests that while selling his body is obviously transactional, for him it's also personal. You start feeling for Leo and want him to find someone who could care for him and love him. As the doctor points out, he is in a very bad shape for a 22 year old. The scene where the lady doctor is doing a physical check up and he just hugs her is heart-breaking. I really would not wish anyone in the world to feel so lonely. Ever! The friendship between Leo and his buddy is amazing and tender. Its beautiful to see how he will always stick up for his friend. Acting by all the primary actors is top notch but its Leo's show all he way. His quiet demeanor and lonely existence just takes it to another level. Of course, given the film's pace is considerably slow at various places, could piss some viewers off and I myself was itching for it to pick up the pace. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this film is definitely worth watching.

A film that finally manages to show male hustlers as human beings in a merciless world. Its the choices you make in life and those choices have consequences. Definitely recommend. (7/10)