The Perfect Son (2000)

Great movie

I am still confused a little, will have to watch it again (have only seen it once) but it was great! Trying to figure out the ending and what it had to do with the beginning, I think I understand but another time watching it will do it! November 5, 2007

Too sad

I found this movie to be sad and depressing. I have a had a hard time getting the sadness out of my head. I could not recommend this movie. June 13, 2007

Perfect???

"The Perfect Son"

Perfect ???

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

"The Perfect Son" (Wolfe Video) is an almost perfect movie/ Two 30-something brothers--one is a total screw-up and the other is seemingly perfect. When their father dies, the brothers are brought together after having not been together for quite a while. When they reunite and the sibling rivalries resurface. When the "perfect" brother announces that he has AIDS. The younger, irresponsible brother finally decides it is time to get his life in order. The brothers begin to reconcile and gradually warmth and respect begins to build up between them.
The movie actually focuses on the straight brother and his journey from out-of-rehab to responsible adult. To me, at least, it seems that the gay brother is there only to help the younger brother become a better person.
What is perfect about this movie is the idea. Using AIDS as a reason to be responsible is not new. What is new is using a gay man dying of the disease to show how to live a good life. We all are aware that we do not have many movies dealing with AIDS anymore--we seem to think we have outgrown the issue. We also get the development of a relationship between two brothers who were feuding. The actors are excellent as is the script. The problem, however, is that depth is lacking in the main characters. We never know why the younger brother, Theo, took the path that he took .The gay brother, Ryan, is dying as a result of reckless and promiscuous sexual behavior. There is virtually no explanation or probing here.
The film is not about Ryan, it's about Theo and how he transforms himself from former addict to caring guy. This causes the film to give an unbalanced look at gay life. We get stereotypes and condescension. Ryan's history of many sexual partners is what causes the catalyst to have to shape up but what it is really is that one life s sacrificed for another.
The fact that Theo manages to make a comeback, find a girlfriend and become a father is what matters in the film. The dead-end existence of Ryan, the perfect son, speaks volumes. We pity the gay brother and all he represents is a tool of the heterosexual masses. Gay life is presented as empty and suicidal. This is not the way gay life should be presented--especially at a tie when, more than ever, we are trying to achieve acceptance.
The movie is powerful and the relationship between the characters is beautifully acted. It is simplistic but unfortunately real. The only thing perfect about it is the word "perfect" in the title.
May 29, 2007

The Perfect Son a Perfect Movie

I recently took notice of David Cubitt's acting in Medium on NBC and ordered this movie to see more of him. It is such a beautiful film! Even though it was produced on a small budget, the big blockbuster Hollywood studios should take notice - story and acting are the most important parts of a movie, not special effects and high priced actors who merely memorize lines.

Both of the actors were recognized for their efforts with a nomination for Canada's Genie Awards. Well deserved I can assure you. The movie begins with Theo and Ryan meeting to pay their last respects to their father who just died after a long illness. Theo has just gotten out of rehab - apparently a place he's been frequently throughout his life. Ryan, in his lawyer suit, has taken care of everything for his Dad, makes a remark to Theo about him being on time - he's impressed. Ryan is horrified as Theo tries to open the closed casket, "because he wants to make sure he's in there." Theo remarks to Ryan, "I bet he doesn't burn."

From there, you realize their Dad was a difficult man, who to Theo loved Ryan, but blamed Theo for his mother's death. Much later in the movie we find out that the mother died giving birth to Theo, and as a result, the father never got over her death and made Theo feel as if he was to blame. Ryan finally tells Theo their mother wasn't supposed to have any more children after him, but she wanted Theo desperately, which ultimately led to her death. Their Mom was the great love of their Dad's life, and he never got over her dying - finally, information that would have changed the course of Theo's life is revealed to him.

Theo is shocked to learn his big brother is gay, a fact he has concealed from their father and him until now. Not only that, his brother is HIV positive and now dying. Ryan reaches out to Theo and tells him he needs him - something even Theo is not sure he can pull off. Theo risies to the occasion of helping coordinate his brother's care as he loses his battle, even being one of his caretakers as he tries to handle the responsibilities of a new job and his girlfriend before his last rehab stint, who we learn has become pregnant with Theo's baby since he returned from rehab. Another complication for Theo who is on shaky ground trying to re-enter the world once again.

During this time, Ryan confesses to Theo one night that he has spent so much of his life hating himself - a common thread at last! Theo confesses he has done the same. Shortly before his death, Ryan tells Theo he is the "unhappiest healthy person I know - promise me you'll be happy". Even though the movie ends with Ryan's death, it is not really depressing, because we have watched these two disparate souls come together, rediscover their love for one another, care for each other, and understand their lives finally. Theo seems to ultimately be on his way to being the man he was destined to become.

Each actor gives a fine nuanced performance, and contrary to some other reveiws, I didn't find it "predictible" or "cliched" in any way. Less is more in the dialogue department when you have actors of this caliber. Merely with their facial expressions and eyes they speak to us all the things that are left unsaid.

The movie also has a beautiful score and perfectly selected background music to accompany these two brothers on their journey. This is one of those lovely movies I can watch over and over and never grow tired of it. I highly recommend this movie to anyone! Buy it today, you won't be disappointed. January 12, 2007

A Different Kind of Love Story

Cubitt and Feore performances lend significant depth to the otherwise stale plot of the movie. These actor's abilities to show the complexity of their characters and vividly portray their drastically different lives add tremendous breath to the story.

After the death of their father, the younger brother uncovers the facade of his older brother as the perfect son. This revelation helps the two reconnect despite emotional barriers they have erected. In time, the irresponsible, self-destructive younger brother becomes a pillar in their relationship.

I believe this movie makes a significant contribution to the plethora of movies produced in the same vain. It stands out for the love portrayed between two brothers as they connect as a family, defining the meaning of brotherly love. January 10, 2007

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