Lawless Heart

Combining an unusual film structure with improvised naturalistic dialogue and a highly dramatic storyline, gay filmmakers Neil Hunter and Tom Hunsinger have created a memorable and original film. Lawless Heart set in the remote northern Isle of Man, is the story of a group of friend's reactions to the loss of Stuart, a gay man who owned a restaurant in town. The film begins three times, telling the story, not just from three different viewpoints, but in more detail each time.

Nick, Stuart's lover, struggles to continue the restaurant and takes up a completely inappropriate lover - Charlie, a woman. Charlie is brash, bold, working class and decidedly the wrong gender for Nick, who is troubled by his attraction. Dan, Stuart's brother-in-law, has trouble dealing with the gay issue. He makes inappropriate comments and has trouble validating Nick and Stuart's relationship. Even though he is "happily" married, he flirts with Corrinne at the funeral and then begins another totally inappropriate romance, which is also mercifully terminated. Tim, Stuart's ne'r-do-well cousin shows up at the funeral a but tipsy after a long familial absence. He approaches Nick to become his roommate, a totally bad match as Tim has a huge open house party without asking Nick - all as a way to snare an inappropriate woman.

As the layers peal away in this remarkable film, we see the characters develop in unexpected ways and the story take interesting tacks. Deep character development, intelligent improvisation and a gorgeous setting make this one a gay art-house winner.

Scott Cranin