L'homme de désir (French) [Man of Desire]

This French movie came way back in early 70s when probably showing two men get romantically involved wasn't that easy. This film takes an interesting twist and adds the paradigm to what happens when a straight married man almost takes an obsession for a young hitchhiker and what happens thereafter. This is not really gay but more of a drama and that too with some psychological undertones. But having said that I can see why mostly only gay audience might appreciate the film, if at all.

Driving one day, a much married man Etienne gives lift to a young hustler and hitchhiker Rudy, who is mixed up with a gang of thugs. Etienne takes instant liking towards the young boy and brings him home with him. Surprisingly his wife, Valentine also welcomes young Rudy in their home. They both seem to have some sort of open marriage and their luscious country home provides a very sensual environment. A weird and strange relationship develops between the trip. Etienne is clearly very obsessed with Rudy who keeps running away sometimes stealing money and Etienne goes back after him right away. Valentine never objects to this. After a few mishaps, when they think Rudy has left them for, they get a call that Rudy is in jail. Etienne bails him out and Rudy realizes that maybe he really wants Etienne, but once home he ends up having sex with Valentine. He feels ashamed that the has cheated on Etienne and runs away but Etienne knows everything and he still wants Rudy back in his life. But the gang of thugs eventually catch up on them and n the process Etienne loses his life.

Shot in black and white, the film never references to homosexuality or gay, despite showing some bathhouses and underground places which are clearly hangout places for gay men. You can see that the mere fascination of Etienne towards Rudy is strictly because of his young looks. There is a sexual attraction, although neither guy ever act on it. Was it love? What was the marriage of convenience all about between the couple? Why did Rudy keep running away? I have these and a lot more questions which will probably remain unanswered. But despite all this, there was something engaging about the movie because I was personally very curious who would o what at a certain point and how things would end up. Love and being in love is a messy thing and can lead to unexpected outcomes. This film shows us an example of just that. (5.5/10)

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