(2007, 90 min)
Country: U.S.
Director: Richard LeMay
Studio: Wolfe Releasing
SYNOPSIS: Handsome David Rudd stars as Drake, an exciting stranger who enters the lives of a group of thirty-something gay men in New York City. The flirtatious Drake spices up their lives, but soon creates unexpected drama. A smart and sexy exposé about the complexity of gay relationships, this touching, funny ensemble film explores non-monogamy, commitment, friendship and more—against the urban backdrop of the Big Apple.
REVIEW:
I sometimes complain that way too many gay films and books take place in the gay scenes of New York or other large cities. However, director Richard LeMay gives a fresh twist to the familiar “gay guys in the big city” storylines that work so well in films like The Broken Hearts Club and Gypsy Boys but wear so thin in countless other works.
Most of the film’s conflicts involve the gorgeous newcomer Drake (David Rudd). Drake inserts himself into the intertwined lives of several gay men in the Big Apple. While the group already includes a king of one-night stands, Drake not only demands the title but also challenges ideas of monogamy or celibacy for the rest of the group.
Each character is in a different place when it comes to relationships, but Drake seems determined to exploit their commitments, fears, and dreams. No matter how much he claims to care about their best interests, his motives always seem suspect.
The cast of stage actors includes Brad Anderson (A Chorus Line), Desmond Dutcher, Mark Ford (Rent), Alexis Suarez, and Bryan West (Hairspray). Writer Jason Brown makes each of the characters flawed yet loveable in different ways, and the actors all manage to bring out the individual struggles and ambitions of their characters. The dialogue Brown gives them also brings humor, drama, and realistic depth to a sometimes racy film.
While I still want to know what happened next with one potential relationship, I found the ending satisfying and the entire movie enjoyable. The various subplots and large cast all blend together well. I look forward to seeing more from the actors and the makers of Whirlwind.
Jason Brown received an Emmy for his screenplay adaptation of his play Tender Places. Richard LeMay also directed the gay film 200 Americans and is currently completing his next film, Daybreak. Whirlwind received the Best Feature Audience Award at the Atlanta Out On Film Festival, as well as the Jury Award: Best Male Feature at the Long Island Gay Film Fest.
-- Duane Simolke ( http://www.duanesimolke.com )
