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An Empty Bed

This short film (just under an hour) is a character study of sorts of an again gay man in New York city. This film came way back in 1989and I am sure it must have traveled through many festivals. The film may not change your life but it made me think of the times of 80s and 90s, when being gay wasn't easiest and what life could have been like for a gay man. Also salute to the courageous film makers who dared to tell different stories.

From a story perspective there is not a whole lot thats happening. 60-something old Biel lives alone in his flat in New York. As he walks through the streets of New York, seeing different places, triggers the three loves of his life and his past. Told us through fatbacks, we are told how he once had a girlfriend, but one summer changed things. A random meeting with a stranger man changes him and he finds himself more attracted to men. The guy, though, treats Bill as a source of money after great sex (probably he is into drugs). Somehow Bill manages to come out that. Eventually he meets Peter who becomes love of his life and the two even live together. But Bill is not comfortable coming out. When Peter wants more out of their relationship, Bill cuts him off too, who goes and gets married to woman. Back to present time, Bill's mother passes away. He has a chance encounter with his girlfriend and the duo wonder how different life would have been if they were together. Peter is still in touch and calls Bill, who in turn apologies to Peter for his behavior.

Bill here is not a villain or anything. Its his life story and about the choices he has made. We have all done that. Some have worked for us, others didn't. I know I have chosen to be single and alone and it works today. Maybe twenty years from now, I could be wondering around thinking of my lost youth. Nothing wrong with that. The only thing I found funny is how come, just one fin day he just looks at things and remembers all about his past. What has he been doing every other day. Does he recollect his lovers every day. There are no love scenes here showing male to male relationship but instead it focuses more on the actors. The film is basic but is not bad actually. I wasn't very sure when it started, but eventual I was intrigued by what's happening. Watch for the poignant story and not entertainment. (5/10)

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