Angel (1982/Greece)
Picture: C
Sound: C+ Extras: C- Film: B-
The issue of whether Alexander The Great was gay or not is
one of the most idiotic in recent debate.
Though Oliver Stone’s film had many problems in any cut, the Greek
lawyers who threatened to sue trying to deny Alexander was gay and/or had gay
sex is remarkably homophobic on the part of the lawyers. You would think they were taking the
position that they had a country without gay men. George (Yorgos) Katakouzinos’ Angel (1982) takes place in
the modern time and quickly dispels any myth like that.
The film is the first openly gay release in Greek cinema
history and was a hit. It involves the
title character falling for a muscular military man who hides his gayness in
order to serve. “Angelos” is happy to
have found the kind of masculine man he always wanted, so much so that in order
to make the relationship work, he is willing to dress like a woman and go out
as a transsexual hooker to get them money.
That is bound to be a mess, but what is interesting is how Katakouzinos
pulls out the tension and struggle between the passive and highly masculine
male couple in ways that has very dark implications. Though not totally a character study, the film has a weight to it
that is fascinating and sad to watch.
This is Katakouzinos’ first film and was in the raw tradition of
Fassbinder and Pasolini enough to be worthy of their legacies. The conclusion is just as interesting.
The 1.33 X 1 full screen image has some good color
throughout, but is a bit softer than expected.
Cinematographer Tassos Alexakis comes up with a raw shooting style that
is not stereotypical or tired, bringing the viewer into any and all of the
conflicts that ensue. The Dolby Digital
2.0 sound is simple stereo at best, in Greek, with yellow subtitles. The only extra is a few trailers for other
Water Bearer titles before the film.
- Nicholas Sheffo
