Diego works as a photographer and is in a steady
relationship, but still doesn’t want to completely commit. When Fabrizio
(Socrates Serrano), his partner, suggests they move in together, Diego balks.
Even though Diego says he’s not into commitment, it is clear that he loves
Fabrizio. The film also introduces us to Diego’s friends and family, most of
whom play strong parts in Diego’s life, before even mentioning Diego’s son.
Valentina calls Diego to tell him she needs him to take
care of Armando while she’s in London getting her degree. There is a bit of
clunky exposition when she tells him: “Diego, you are his father. You are no
longer the fifteen-year-old brat who got a classmate pregnant.” He tells
her he has no time for raising a child, but she lets him know Armando is on his
way. The scene where they meet at the airport is done really well. In the
foreground there is a bit of awkward distance between Diego and Armando, while
in the background between them a father hugs his young son. What I really like
is that though they are at first awkward around each other, there is still
obviously love there. Diego’s friends are supportive. At one point Fabrizio
tells him, “I know this commitment stuff doesn’t suit you, but when it comes
to a son, you have no choice.”
The film then takes a more serious turn when Fabrizio is
beaten up outside of a gay club and ends up in the hospital, in a coma. This
immediately puts everything into perspective for Diego, who acts more tenderly
toward his sleeping son, putting a blanket over him. And though Diego might
want to reach out to Armando regarding the situation with his partner, he feels
he can’t because Armando is upset, feeling Diego doesn’t care about him. Diego
himself suffers from self-esteem issues.
My Straight Son boasts some good performances, and
is beautifully shot, with a compassionate eye. As always, I could do without
the scenes of characters chatting online (those scenes in movies are always
dreadfully dull), but the rest of the film is quite engaging. The real title of
the film is Azul Y No Tan Rosa, which translates as Blue And Not So
Pink. This is a much better and more appropriate title, and whoever decided
the English title should be My Straight Son ought to be smacked.
My Straight Son was directed by Miguel Ferrari,
and was released on DVD on October 14, 2014 through TLA Releasing and Canteen
Outlaws. The DVD contains the film’s trailer. The film is presented in Spanish
with English subtitles. (By the way, whoever did the subtitles made a humorous
error. According to the subtitles, Diego says, “He’s in the hospital, in a
comma.” Ah yes, a most dangerous punctuation mark.)
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