Watch Straightman

Straightman is a thought-provoking independent film from 1999 that tells the story of a young man named Keith, played by Ben Redgrave, who struggles to come to terms with his sexuality in a world that seems to demand he be anything but gay. Directed by Ben Berkowitz, who also co-stars in the film, Straightman presents a nuanced and sensitive exploration of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a society that is often hostile and unsupportive.

The film opens with Keith living in New York City with his girlfriend, Karen, played by Rachel Tamayo. Keith and Karen have been together for several years, and Karen is eager to take their relationship to the next level by moving in together. But Keith is plagued by doubts about his sexuality, and he struggles to reconcile his feelings of attraction to men with the expectations placed on him by his family, his friends, and society as a whole.

As the film progresses, Keith finds himself increasingly drawn to a gay man named Perry, played by Berkowitz. Perry is confident, comfortable in his own skin, and refreshingly honest about his desires and aspirations. Keith is fascinated by Perry's openness, but he is also deeply afraid of what it would mean for him to embrace his own gay identity. He grapples with feelings of shame, guilt, and confusion, and he is torn between the desire to be true to himself and the fear of social ostracism and rejection.

Straightman is a contemplative film that explores themes of identity, authenticity, and belonging. Keith's journey is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals, who often feel isolated and alone in a world that can be hostile and unwelcoming. The film both celebrates and critiques the notion of "straightness" as a social construct, and it asks important questions about the ways in which our culture shapes our understanding of sexuality, gender, and self.

One of the strengths of Straightman is its excellent cast. Redgrave delivers a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of Keith, capturing the character's sense of confusion and vulnerability with grace and subtlety. Tamayo is also excellent as Karen, providing a counterpoint to Keith's struggles as she attempts to forge a meaningful relationship with him despite their growing distance. But it is Berkowitz who steals the show as Perry. He infuses the character with charisma, humor, and a deep sense of compassion, and he is a joy to watch every time he appears on screen.

Another strength of the film is its visual style. Straightman is shot in a gritty, naturalistic style that feels authentic and lived-in. The film captures the energy and diversity of New York City, and it immerses the viewer in the sights, sounds, and textures of the urban landscape. The cinematography is restrained and understated, allowing the actors and the story to take center stage without distraction.

In conclusion, Straightman is a compelling and deeply affecting film that explores important themes with sensitivity and nuance. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking work that challenges us to rethink our assumptions about sexuality, identity, and what it means to be human. It is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated by audiences of all backgrounds and orientations.

Straightman is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.