Leather (2013)

Well Deserved Praise

Very well executed

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Sadly Over-hyped

The boyfriend of Andrew, Kyle, is so nelly and unbelievable as anyone's boyfriend that it wrecks the movie for you. The resulting love story between Andrew and Birch is great, you can really see the chemistry between the actors. Switch to Kyle swishing around the cabin and acting like a 16 year-old girl who was not asked to the prom when Andrew does not come home 4th of July night. I have to say this could have been a great love story, and without Kyle it is. You want it to go on longer after Kyle's character leaves in a snotty huff back to the city. I know there are gay men who tend to be, how do you say it, lady-like. And I have seen femmy men with butch guys, the chemistry just did not come through with the 2 characters as a couple.

I watched this movie last night, knowing nothing about it except that it was in the "gay section" on Amazon Prime, some ruggedly attractive guys were on the cover, and it was independent. As such, I wasn't sure whet to expect. With a name like "Leather" I was half expecting it to be about S&M.Needless to say what I wound up watching was something else all together and I was pleasantly surprised. "Leather" is actually a dreamlike film about three people all at various crossroads in their lives, rediscovering themselves in a cabin out in the woods. The title references the fact that one of the main characters makes things out of leather and is a brilliant craftsmen. The pastoral mood of the movie pulled me in and I found myself longing to walk the wooded paths as well. The sun-washed shots of the lake were a perfect frame to showcase the beautiful story as it unfolded. The story of childhood friends trying to reconnect, long forgotten feelings, the passing of time - and letting to of people and places that have served their purpose in life - these themes are dealt with impressively. This is not a movie for anyone looking for car chases or things blowing up - but for anyone who wants to go on an emotional journey - and also enjoy some beautiful nature in the process, this film is highly recommended.

This film is a complete surprise. You just are not prepared for how hot this film becomes because the director plays it very smart and moves the story along so slowly and in such a casual way that when the action starts you are caught completely off guard. The story and script are excellent drawing you in so thoroughly that you really become totally wrapped up in the characters all of whom are interesting and strongly etched. The title of this film is really a misnomer although leather does play an important part in the story the fact is that generally the word leather refers to a particular group although in this film that group is never shown or even indicated. But that is a minor concern as everything about the film is first rate with top notch production values and absolutely beautiful photography.

I've only gotten to see this once over, so far. I love the choice in soundtrack to drive the film; even though editing was a little rough with transitioning. The very beginning sequences from the home movie like imagery to the deathbed were actually my favorite, and after that everything just did come together. Most of the characters lacked conviction; it was like the actors weren't motivated to make those characters real. And too many times, there were moment where certain behaviors were definitely meant as devices to show some frustrated undertone, but it just came across like a snarky aside. Overall, the director definitely has an eye for imagery, but the characters lacked development and the dialogue sometimes drove me up the wall with staleness.