Tom in America

The existing aging generation faces a number of problems common to all-- failing health, reduced stamina, aches and pains and other illnesses of the flesh. But director Flavio Alves sensitively offers up for us to consider a problem many of this group now confront or, alternatively, refuse to acknowledge, in these changed times. The winds of change blow mightily around them but, surely, do not breathe upon them, yet do not leave them unscathed in their advanced age.

Do they finally attempt to resolve long suppressed questions as to their own sexuality by confronting in some manner the doubts that they have harbored and which have hounded them for years? Or do they not make waves and continue on as in the past?

Tom in America recognizes that the decision will affect more than one life and quite probably more than one generation.

Burt Young and Sally Kirkland, in an unexpected manner arising from a heretofore routine activity,are forced to face facts and a situation which probably will seem not quite so earth shattering to younger generations.

Michael, in a touching portrayal by Burt Young, reveals the agony of the recognition of a part of himself hidden for uncounted years even from himself.

Betty, powerfully portrayed by Sally Kirkland, is his wife of 50 years, confronting the chain of events which is to upset and possibly destroy their marriage.

There is but a brief time available in this short drama to present the background to this relationship, the appearances to the outside world of this seemingly happy and successful union and the agonies of the decisions to be made.

But Tom in America successfully hurdles these challenges while offering to the audience the opportunity to decide for itself what the future holds for these decent and average-Joe people.

From a technical aspect, the viewer cannot ask for more. In addition, to genuine and heart-felt scripting, brought to life by superlative performances by all, the cinematography, musical score and editing amply compliment the directorial talents of Mr. Alves. This is the type of short film that you will discuss and analyze with your fellow theater- goers as you leave.

I had the pleasure of watching this film at the prestigious Palm Springs Festival both times it screened. It was the most anticipated movie of the fest so it wasn't too hard to miss.

Let me begin by saying I am not gay but I like good cinema and was perplexed to hear Burt Young from Rocky was going to be playing a gay man. I have several family members who are gay and I love them dearly. I think everyone does.

This film in such a brief time explores so many different themes around sexuality, time periods, aging, love, and truth in the relationship. It was really well done, poignant, and beautiful to watch. The acting was good, the story heartwarming, music exquisite, and in general I want to watch more! Bravo Mr. Alves!

I can't wait to see the feature version!

Dan Jones - Los Angeles, USA

Sex is on everyone's mind from the onset of puberty, if not before, especially in these times. Young and middle aged adults are quite horrified about the thought that old people might yet be thinking about sex, or, worse, acting upon these thoughts.

In Tom in America, it is precisely the subject of sex being conducted by old people, or even thought about, that is sensitively tackled by Flavio Alves, but from a completely new perspective in this very serious short film. In fact, it only whets one's appetite for a longer, full- length treatment of the precise issues that can only be hinted at in this brave film, which includes the bravery of the lead actors, in one history- making scene.

At an age when many people believe that the physical act of sex, or even dreaming about it is obscene, Michael and Betty's marriage of 50 years is on the verge of destruction because of it.

Michael, sympathetically portrayed by Burt Young, sells found and reclaimed objects at a flea market stand. On item he finds in the drawer of a piece of furniture discarded on the sidewalk for garbage pick up sets in motion a chain of events which causes him to confront his sexuality and his wife to question their marriage. Long simmering issues rise to the surface.

Conversations and recriminations are deftly presented by Mr. Alves. Betty and Michael question not only each other but themselves as to their true identities and roles.

The performances of the two leading characters are heart-wrenching. They reveal the requirements of the times in which they came of age and the roles they had to play, whether or not they were willing players, consciously or sub-consciously.

With one minor exception, in a tightly-scripted plot Alves puts to good advantage the brief time available to him to explain the story by utilizing very quick scenes involving secondary characters. His firm control over the shooting of the scenes is evident in the conciseness of the forward movement of his action and in the other elements contributed much to the making of this film. My one slight quibble is what seems to be an extraneous detour into an exchange between Michael and a potential customer outfitted in a hideous pink beret over her indecisiveness about a contemplated purchase. I would have preferred that her assigned exposure had been reassigned to two gentlemen seeking to close out another transaction. They could have added a bit more humor to a very serious subject!

One leaves the theater after this film with best wishes for the major protagonists and hopes for a successful search for inner peace as they go on with their lives in a new age which, I fear, has come too late for their generation.