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Food Of Love [2003]
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A very true to life portrayal of the younger guy and the older man
Review date: 2008-06-30 Rating: 10 out of 10
I thought this was a really lovely and absorbing film. It very much captures what it is to be young and cute and get involved with older successful men (and I don't mean for rent). The scenes shot in Barcelona really evoke the city and the feel of a young American boy and his mum there as tourists - reminded me a bit of "Room With a View" as they went round with Paul being "tour guide" for his mum. Then the romantic secret relationship that develops with the older, successful concert pianist Paul Rhys. The film tends to suggest that young Paul is "used" when in fact he is probably - certainly later - enjoying the benefits of "the good life" and probably a "user" himself (if one can really call it that). I could really identify with the character and see so much I recognised - most "gay" films focus on the two beautiful young guys falling in love - it was refreshing to see another, not uncommon story - rarely told - of the young guy in loving relationships with the older partner(s).
Kevin Bishop acts brilliantly in this film - I thought he was the all-American boy he plays but when you watch the cast interviews you realise he is very much an English lad. And he is very cute in the film - one almost thinks he is "wasted" on the men he ends up with due to the benefits they can offer. Still such is life and I don't think he is simply using them for the fringe benefits - he genuinely appears to love older men. But it's almost shocking to see such a cute young guy in relationships with the older men but liberating to see this portrayed in film rather than that he was in love with another cute young guy.
The other main theme is the relationship Paul has with his mother, Juliet Stevenson. This is brilliantly acted by Juliet and Kevin and the resolution of their increasingly difficult relationship is very welcome. Mother does in fact facilitate a denouement for Paul and the other main characters and we hope a way for him to move forward with greater knowledge and maturity.
I loved this film and just wish it had carried on or there was a sequel.
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Reviews
Stereotypes
Review date: 2005-01-26 Rating: 6 out of 10
Gullible young Paul becomes the page-turner for world-famous pianist Richard. They meet up again in Barcelona where Paul goes with his mother, and they have an affair. Paul falls in love but hard, but Richard goes back to his life, and his lover, in New York.
It proves a little difficult for Spanish director Ventura Pons to keep track of his focus, and two thirds of the way through 'Food of Love' the somewhat too stereotypical gay machinations and love intrigues become tiresome. Everybody, even our 18-year old hero, is a liar and a cheat, and everybody is shouting hatefully at everybody else, and you sort of lose interest in a plot that doesn't strive for emotional or psychological realism. Still, young Kevin Bishop does manage some touching scenes and deserves credit for his frequent risk-taking. Paul Rhys as the caddish pianist also has his moments.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Craig Hill
Juliet Stevenson
Kevin Bishop
Allan Corduner
Paul Rhys
Creators:
Paul Rhys (Primary Contributor)
Kevin Bishop (Primary Contributor)
Ventura Pons (Writer)
Aintza Serra (Producer)
Gemma Folch (Producer)
Michael Smeaton (Producer)
Monika Ganzenmüller (Producer)
Petra Schepeler (Producer)
David Leavitt (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Parasol Pictures Releasing
Manufacturer: Parasol Pictures Releasing
EAN: 5060018653075
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-05-03
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Running time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2003-07-24
Language: English (Original Language)