Homophobia

With a lot of technical competence, a provocative beginning, an atmospheric, chilling end-credit sequence and not much more, Homophobia is a short film looking at, well, homophobia in the Austrian Army. Homophobia in the '90s military is a familiar topic, but as a plus, few will be aware of how much it existed in Austria. Actually, homophobia in the form of homoeroticism- the bully fondles the closeted gay soldier- feels a bit unnatural. The short runs 20 minutes, but with so little in between, the question is why?

I'm not really target audience for this story of a young homosexual man who is serving his time in the forces with other young men on border patrols. It shouldn't matter of course since the film should be able to make me feel even if I cannot directly relate. Mostly it does this although it takes its time to make a simple point. The narrative is familiar, young guy is teased and bullied because the others either know or suspect that he is gay and this heads to a sort of confrontation when out on patrol. It does feel like old ground but it is still well done. The film contains images that highlights the sexuality of the place to the character of Michael, although never suggests it is coming from him or that he is creating it. This feeds into a mix of sexual tension and outright tension in a couple of places and these are done well.

The final scenes are where the film should deliver and it does, but not as strong as I would have liked. It tends towards the melodramatic a bit too much and I would have liked the dialogue and characters to be been stronger when it came to it. It does still work for what it is though and I did feel for Michael and his struggle, but in the end I didn't really feel like the film had done anything that I hadn't been expecting or hadn't already known. It is still nicely made and Schmidinger works well with the camera close to bodies as well as working in the darkness of the snow covered forest, just needed a little bit more in the material to go beyond the familiar.

the message is far to be new. but it remains sensitive. and the use of army life , the status of drawing - like many other short movies - the precise use of theme, the suggestion as good instrument for a coherent and poetic work are few virtues who give a delicate force to the film. in fact, it is a film about solitude. and the feminine traits of Josef Mohamed does the story different by many other films with the same theme. this is, in fact, the detail who saves the film. a vulnerable young man looking escape from the life after military service. a bully who hides, maybe, his sexual orientation - the scene from locker room could be a clue- the dialogue of two teenagers about future projects. and the last night on the border. nothing new at the first sigh. but presented in smart manner. and this is a real virtue.

First of all, I'm absolutely horrified that the storyline published here in IMDB recounts the whole of the action and narrative. This site polices spoilers in reviews but this was one huge spoiler. I can't see a way to report it.

In the result, the film was accomplished enough to hold the attention and build tension even though one knew more or less what was going to happen.

The bully Jürgen would appear to be a closet case and is forever victimising Michael. Michael's friend Raphael runs with the crowd. In such a closed community the squadron commander can do little without an actual complaint. However, as it was the last night, I'm surprised one wasn't made - there'd have been no repercussions possible.

The final scenes are a good example of the desperation of gay teens. The suicide rate for this cohort is vastly greater than for the age group overall. Both boys were frightened. I loved this ending.

A young soldier (Michael Glatschnig) finds out he's in love with one of his mates. Problem is that when you're confined to a homophobic/macho dominated space filled with guns like a military base is, you cannot show what you feel because it leads to trouble. And that's what happens when he gets picked on by another soldier (Günther Strumlechner) who sort of discovered his secret when the three of them were in the shower. But the moment that matters is when he finally has a confrontation with the object of his affection on a night that will change his life.

I know the target audience tend to skip movies like this one and go for the colorful and joyful side of the force (the romantic comedies, the happy endings, the positive love stories) but the persisting hearts will like this for its ultimate message of hope. Other than that, it's a good opportunity to see how talented the director is, in knowing how to make a gripping story, strangely exciting (the homo-erotic images are presented in twisted contexts. Example: when the main character is sexually teased by his bully, a frightening and tense moment but very sexy as well), and beautifully filmed.

Certainly a reality to many people out there, and probably presented time and again in many movies, and although liking what it tried to do, I don't see much need in projects existing today. I think if we want to see something similar we can look at what's already existing on the subject. The amount of obstacles faced by gay teens (and adults as well) is already a matter of countless preoccupations, and even while trying to be a help to their cause, the movie only accomplishes half of its intent since most of the time is too focused on fear, rejection, demoralization and prejudice issues rather than the good stuff, so to speak, like the human need for love, respect, affection, tolerance and acceptance.

A very touching drama with some edgy suspense. 8/10