‘Squeeze’ — difficult subject well covered
AT THE CINEMA
Hans Petrovic
Richard Turner, the producer/writer/director of “Squeeze’? (Academy), , has dared to tackle' a subject well ahead of its time for a film made in New Zealand.
Surprisingly, his handling of the questionable theme of homosexuality comes across very well — the film having a fine sensitivity .; and the right feeling of atmosphere. As Turner describes it: “The film is about a subterranean culture' that’ few people realises exists, yet which thrives in .-their midst.”
Of this, he gives us a dark but revealing, exploration of the "gay” scene, in which an ambitious young executive (Robert Shannon) with. a career and fiancee, moves- at night. • ' • • - . - * ■ He falls in love with a young man (Paul Eady) who refuses to keep their affair as a dark, guilty secret, which results in the execu. tive juggling a double life
that threatens to blow up in his face. The.boy’s determination to be recognised and the fiancee’s ignorance of the competition she faces creates’ a dramatic, -occasion, ally violent and often funrjy portrayal of the conflict between personal desire and the morality- by which people, are judged. . • . "Squeeze” is' a film that explores the attempts of these two people to find a place for themselves, and of
the relationship between them and ’ the people they are closest to in the “square” world.
■ It is no wonder that with such a subject, -the film has been given a mixed recep- s tion. .. I
Nevertheless, Turner has a’ good eye and ear to present a well thought out and believable scene and dialogue (some of the almost throw-j away lines being particularly good). I It may be argued that some of the "gay” behaviour is a little too sibilant and overdone; and some of the photography too dark. However, -this- seems to be the way that Turner sees it. It can only be hoped that a film of this nature. ..is received more openly than jnay be expected, and that Turner manages to continue to turn his. talents to”, films! of such a controversial nature. 1
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Press, 11 August 1980, Page 12
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346‘Squeeze’ — difficult subject well covered Press, 11 August 1980, Page 12
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