KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

US, 2012, 101 minutes, Colour.
Thure Lindhardt, Zachary Booth, Julieanne Nicholson.
Directed by Ira Sachs.

A New York story that takes place over almost a decade from 1998. Erik (Thure Linhardt) is a Danish film-maker investigating a photographer from the 1940s. he relies on phone sex but begins a relationship with one of his contacts, Paul (Zachary Booth). Both are committed, but Paul is something of a high flyer in the city and has drug and alcohol habits. Though he is persuaded to go into rehab, he is not quite the same again and the relationship has its ups and downs as Erik makes an ultimatum at one of the rehab sessions, is successful in winning a Teddy Award at the Berlinale in 2004 (and this film actually won the award in 2012!), and becomes more desperate about Paul’s condition. He is supported by his sister and by Claire who works with him on the film.

With the increasing number of more mainstream films on gay relationships, this film makes an attempt to portray the serious ups and downs of a relationship.

1. A New York story, a gay story, the tone of the credits illustrations?

2. New York City, life, apartments, workplaces, documentary-making – and the change in the rural scenes? The musical score and the range of songs?

3. The title, the nature of the relationship between Erik and Paul?

4. The years captioned, development and change?

5. The introduction to Erik, Danish, his age, alone, the phone sex, Russ and his muscles – and the later visit? The date with Paul, the caution about his girlfriend – and seeing her later at the gallery?

6. Erik and his documentary, seventy-five minutes, his sister’s caustic comments, jogging with her, the discussions about the money from their father? His sister’s help later in the time of crisis? Claire, her friendship, support, work on the film – wanting a child with him? With the African – and the relationship and his breaking because he had two children already? Daniel, work on the film – and the harsh stances about Erik’s attitude to Paul and helping him?

7. The film, the photography, the interviews, the artist of the 40s and 50s, the interviewee and the critique of the artist, saying he had no talent? The editing process? The final film? The joy of winning the Teddy award at the Berlin film festival?

8. Paul, his late coming out, his girlfriend, the phone call, Erik coming to his apartment? Drugs, drinking? His work, success? His collapse, rehabilitation, Erik’s declaration at the session, the years passing, relapses, meeting again but failing?

9. The quality of love, tolerance, patience, fidelity?

10. Paul and his final collapse, in the hotel, Erik asking him to come home, phoning the hustler, Erik present at this session?

11. Erik, going to the club, his being sick, meeting Igor, their talk, the later meeting and lunch?

12. Paul’s ultimatum, Erik considering it, taking the pills, deciding that he would move back? Coming to tell Paul that he couldn’t?

13. The parting in the streets, the possibility of them meeting again? The possibility of not meeting again? Their futures?