I say that because that's what this story feels like, thin layers being stripped away ever so slowly. This is a film that reveals more depth about its characters as it slowly makes its way.
The poet begins as almost a caricature, though the words he writes are lovely and insightful, he seems lacking in self awareness. This is a character who strikes us as simple and a tad comedic. Eventually we get to see him evolve into someone altogether different. Actually all three central characters undergo transformation. It is not so much that they change as much as it is that we get to see more of what they actually are about by the way they react to their situation.
I want to pigeonhole this as a gay movie mostly because it is so very good. But I can only do that by adding the caveat that nothing gay happens. The poet has feelings for a young man, and he believes that they are feelings of love. I am not so sure. Is he in love with the boy, or in love with all the boy represents? Which would include a litany of diverse elements: beauty, youth, dependency, tragedy, unreflectiveness, rage, etc. it's a long list.
This is a beautifully crafted piece of work. It's multidimensional and well worth the journey. That being said, it won't be for everyone. One wishes the distinction didn't have to be made, but it will be helpful for some to know this not a movie, it's a film.
