Twisted (1996)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C     Extras: C+     Film: B-

 

 

Why Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist has had so many versions lately, it is hard to say, though the recent Roman Polanski version that did not work out might finally put an end to the current cycle.  Ironically, we go back to 1996 for Seth Michael Donsky’s Twisted, a gay interpretation of the book not to be confused with Jacob Tierney’s 2004 film Twist, reviewed elsewhere on this site and also a gay take.  This version is as interesting, artsy and fancy, with the usual queer touchstones.

 

Though the mostly unknown cast finds themselves in a more abstract telling of the story, including one that is interested in dealing with other issues of race and gender, they are consistent throughout.  Angel (David Norona) is the young boy who is most vulnerable, though his intimate relationship with Eddie (Anthony Crivello) is helping him out.  Angel wants to be an artist (Rent anyone?) and instead, the worst is yet to come.  William Hickey also stars.  Know there is much nudity and some rough sex, but the approach in this fragmented, pastiche of street and gay life remains believable enough throughout.  After so many versions afterwards, that this works as well as it does ten years later is impressive, though the film is still flawed in not being able to fully cover all the characters and events.

 

The image begins as 1.85 X 1, but eventually becomes full screen in a way that looks like tunnel vision, which does not help the good cinematography by Hernan Toro.  It is too soft and color inconsistent as a result.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono is also a few generations down, but clear enough to hear the music and dialogue.  This was a low budget film.  The only extras are two shorts by the director, with Loopy a werewolf spoof and History Of The Movies a commissioned work about the silent cinema.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo