Well, everyone else has already countered the original argument about the homosexual 'overtones' quite nicely, but I just rewatched this film again last night so I feel like talking about it. Personally, I was just overcome by the sweetness that I saw more than ever as I watched it. Watching their relationship develop so tenderly and slowly was probably the most beautiful development I've seen in a film.
Eyal is so hardened but almost instantaneously begins to warm as soon as Axel comes into his life. The look of confusion, amusement and incredulity on his face as Axel tries to walk on water and fails is frankly adorable. I love the fact that his homosexuality is awakened by a single person whose warmth and kindness is enough to make him acknowledge what was very much under the surface.
There's no denying that after he gives up the macho, homophobic persona and tries to accept Axel that he still has an amazing amount of awkwardness around him, that no longer comes from disgust but just really not knowing how to act around him. I also found it interesting that during the club scene when he realized Axel was gay, he didn't just see it, become disgusted, say goodbye to Pia and leave. He looked back at them many, many times and stared. He would not have stared for so long if there wasn't something else going on besides disgust.
I think it's pretty obvious that the 'overtones' are more than just overtones. They are fully there throughout and while subtle are extremely powerful. Eyal in Germany shows a kind of nervousness that makes no sense considering how focused on the job he was in the beginning. The only explanation is Axel and perhaps to some extent his realization of his homosexuality. He brings him a present. He definitely didn't have to do that to make it seem feasible that he came to Germany. He seems very much to be really worried about Axel's approval when he arrives, when he presents the gift, etc and I really don't think he would have been as nervous if he still thought Axel was straight.
Despite his 'homophobia' as it's described by my TV guide, he was faster than Axel in rushing to defend his transsexual friends. I think any homophobia he displayed was a very shallow defense mechanism because when it came down to it, he had no hesitation about doing the right thing. And come on, he was stuttering and being his MOST awkward during his questions about the mechanics of gay sexual relations, but he was DEFINITELY interested in the answers. Those were not overtones.
I guess if someone really wanted to, they could interpret all of the tentative moments in their relationship as completely platonic, but I think it's glaringly obvious that they're more than just overtones, but a beautiful meeting of two souls that fall in love. And you asked whether sexuality is really that important. I think, if anything, this movie proves that it's not, because Eyal probably never would have thought any gay thoughts if he hadn't had his soul completely changed by meeting Axel. But seriously, there were more moments in this movie than there were leading up to Jack and Ennis sleeping together in Brokeback Mountain.
As for the end scene, I really don't like it either. I know it was put on for a happy ending and that really bothers me, because I think it ending with Axel holding Eyal WOULD have been happy. Perhaps not THE happiest ending, but it shows that he now knows how to feel deeply and has a friend who is there for him. I don't think anyone would have had doubts about him going on to have a happier life. I'm sure many people would have assumed it would be with Axel, if not for the stupid thing with Pia. I really love Pia as a character and person, but as has been said, there was nothing to indicate they had feelings for each other. He was even a little rude and abrupt with her at times. Last night, I actually turned off my TV before that scene even came on. Made the experience so much better.
"Also, I can kill you with my brain."
reply
share