bent

SYNOPSIS- BENT

A terrific adaptation of Martin
Sherman's hit stage play about two
men who fall in love while prisoners at
a Nazi concentration camp.

REVIEW

A striking adaptation of the stage play,
Bent shifts its drama from the
decadent gay German nightlife to the
horrors of a Nazi concentration camp.
Playwright Martin Sherman has
created a moving love gay story out of
the characters' despair, in such dire
circumstances. The intense passion
that develops between Max (Clive
Owen) and Horst (Lothaire Bluteau) is
heartfelt especially considering their
relationship is mental and emotional,
rather than physical. However, in
opening up the play for the screen,
director Sean Mathias (who directed
the London stage version) can not
escape some of its theatrical trappings.

The film's plotting is occasionally
clumsy in the big dramatic moments,
but Bent remains powerful
nonetheless. Owen and Blutheau give
gutsy performances in the lead roles,
and they are ably supported by Mick
Jagger (in drag in the nightclub
scenes) and Ian MacKellan (who
starred in the London stage version).
In addition, Rupert Graves has a
cameo as a Nazi officer.