Sensitively acted and subtle in approach, Loggerheads defies the nightmarishly camp tradition of gay drama
Far too often gay dramas cross a very fine line into cringe-worthy territory, inspiring jeers instead of tears. The combination of melodrama, a barrage of humourless stereotypes, vapid characters can turn a potentially moving piece of film into a camp nightmare.
Case in point: Latter Days, a ‘drama’ about a closeted Mormon boy who falls in love with an LA party boy is laughably bad, despite boasting some desperate entertainment value. Forcibly worthy when the Mormon boy sobs as he’s smacked by his fiercely homophobic mother - it’s impossible not to laugh. Dark comedy But I’m a Cheerleader is a far better, and wittier portrayal of ritualistic reparative therapy.
Tim Kirkman's Loggerheads defies this gay cinematic tradition, and approaches emotionally overwhelming circumstances in an understated, non-obtrusive way.
The multi-narrative Loggerheads seamlessly tackles HIV, adoption, fundamentalist Christians, and even manages to pull off a love story. At first glace it seems like a perfect recipe for superfluous disaster. However, its non-prescriptive script, sensitively acted characters, and blissful cinematography yield something nearly as touching as Brokeback Mountain.
Loggerheads follows the story of an aimless drifter Mark, played by an impeccable Kip Pardue, whose fascination with Loggerhead turtles, draws him to seaside village of Kure Beach. As he searches for the endangered species, he quickly draws the attention of curious locals.
Meanwhile, a devout Christian couple become increasingly sceptical of their gay neighbours, and in another narrative, a suicidal woman (played by the fantastic, yet underrated Bonnie Hunt) investigates the whereabouts of a child she gave up for adoption 25 years prior.
Upon closer examination the plot, perhaps the emotional effectiveness of a drama can be measured in line with its broader themes, widening the intended audience. In the case of Loggerheads, it appeals to universal emotions – felt by Christians and gay people alike. I could easily watch it with my mother. Latter Days, not so much.
Gay movies also tend to be concentrated in large cities with established gay communities and larger-than-life characters, so a change to the rural setting – where non-closeted gays are relatively rare- adds a rich dimension to the story as well as a picturesque locale.
Also impressive is the non-preachy way the director was able to humanise devout religious people to a gay audience. It sounds simple enough, but at a time when every other news headline is about the Pope condemning homosexuality, it’s easy for us to react by conversely condemning all Christians, easily dismissing our own religious upbringing as destructive and hateful. I’ve certainly guilty of this – as I suppose many other are.
If I had any criticism it would be that Loggerheads, akin to the turtles, is a bit on the slow side. Hopefully that doesn’t distract too many as the emotional impact is a powerful one.
Before you head off into the gay film festival circuit - London’s Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is quickly approaching – be sure to check out Loggerheads on DVD.
My rating? 4/5 stars
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