Doubt (Duda)
Picture: C
Sound: C+ Extras: C Main Program: C+
Sometimes there are hits that are unexpected and in The
Philippines, Crisaldo Pablo’s Doubt (aka Duda) from 2003 was shot
on low-definition digital video and released theatrically to some success. That it was gay-themed is even more
remarkable in that such content did not stop its success. Now, Water Bearer brings the feature to DVD
and the attempt by the director to reflect his life in fiction has mixed
results.
The main character has slept with 4,000+ men, which is
reflected in the fancy monochrome/low-light opening of young gay men near the
sea at night having sex. Somehow not
dead from AIDS, he is ready to settle down.
The story follows how the world around him is still sexually charged and
has plenty of new opportunities for corruption and explicit activities. The film’s title refers to that age-old
question for gays about fidelity and the possibility for true happiness, though
this is not supporting any stereotypes where heterosexuals somehow have it
easier. Ultimately, aside from the
somewhat graphic sex that breaks the narrative flow, the acting is not bad and
this side of The Philippines is believable.
The 1.78 X 1 videotaped and letterboxed image is often
manipulated with camera tricks, is shot slightly darker on purpose and even
imitates TV. That and the softness cut
into any fidelity the work might have had.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is simple stereo at best and is fine for the
dialogue-based result. Extras include
the subtitles, though the mix of dialogue is Tagolog with spots of English, a
trailer and a section credited as “deleted scenes” that has at least as many
uncredited interviews with the actors and director as any extras footage. That runs about 8 minutes.
- Nicholas Sheffo
