BENJAMIN

UK, 2018, 88 minutes, Colour.

Colin Morgan, Phenix Brossard, Joel Fry, Jack Rowan, Jessica Raine, Anna Chancellor.

Directed by Simon Amstell.

Benjamin could be described as a gay romance. But one screenplay is also something of an existential reflection. The director is a comedian, writer and actor.

Colin Morgan is Benjamin, a filmmaker in his 30s, some previous success, delay, putting the final touches to his new film, arguing with the actor, arguing with his producer, wanting to insert some sequences of conversation with a Buddhist monk.

Benjamin is supported by his friend Stephen, a would-be stand-up comedian (Joel Fry, character actor, Bank of Dave) and his publicist, Jessica Raine.

The film is a success except for the added Buddhist monk scenes, the public disliking them, and a satirical sequence with actual film critics, Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo in a studio attacking the sequences.

The gay romance consists of Benjamin’s encountering a French singer, Noah, Phenix Brossard studying in England, performing, meeting him, beginning a relationship, having a meal with Noah’s parents, being accosted and criticised by a previous friend, the breaking of it, the affair on Benjamin, his being approached by the star of his film who wants to write a screenplay with him, but this ends in a one night stand.

Benjamin, desperate, magic mushrooms, hallucinations about the monk, heightened concerned about his friend Stephen, taking stock of himself and reconnecting with Noah, even prepared to go to Paris to live with him.

1. The title, the focus on Benjamin, age, experience as a filmmaker, the lull in his career, his relationship with producer, publicist, his new film, psychological implications, his sexual orientation?
2. The London settings, flats and homes, studios, clubs, musical performances? The musical score?
3. The writer-director, making a film about the kind of films he makes? Dramatic self-revelation?
4. The comic touches, serious themes, career, filmmaking, psychological self-probing, self-confidence, rejection, gay orientation?
5. Benjamin, watching his film, the sequence with the confrontation between the two characters, rejection? Publicity, Billie, her cameraman, the poses, discussions? The continued scenes between Billie and Benjamin, at the clubs, the premiere of the film, her meeting Stephen, her antagonism towards him?
6. Stephen, stand-up comedian, friendship with Benjamin, self-confidence, lack, awkward moments with people, especially with Billie, the antagonism? The strong friendship with Benjamin, going to the screening, his reaction, speaking truthfully? Going to his performance, his failure on the stage, the object thrown at him? Benjamin, his concern, the phone calls, going to his house, he seemingly absent, breaking the window, but then the reassurance?
7. Going to the venue, the singing, Noah and his performance, Benjamin and the attraction, the approach, Stephen and his support, going out for the meal, Noah coming to the end of the table, their talking, saying goodbye, Noah ringing, coming to the flat, the sexual encounter, the consequences? Know, French, studying music, responding to Benjamin, Benjamin cutting the relationship? Going to Noah’s performance, the success, the meal with his parents, Benjamin’s former boyfriend, Paul, coming to the table, the vehement attack on Benjamin? Benjamin going outside, Paul and the continued tie raid?
8. Harry, in the film, at the premiere of the film? The premiere, Benjamin nervous, not wanting to go in, his awkward speech on the stage, fearing the reactions?
9. The issue of the Monk in the film, the producer not wanting it, Benjamin’s insistence, the visuals of the Monk, his talk, existential issues, life and meaning? The critical attack on these sequences – and the real-life critics, Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo and the reactions?
10. Harry, arrival, suggesting that he write a screenplay with Benjamin, staying the night, the sexual relationship, Harry walking out, that the night was merely a stepping stone?
11. Benjamin, the result of the film, the Monk, the clash with the actor and the physical attack, the episode finding Stephen?
12. His going to find Noah, Noah going back to Paris, Noah inviting him to come to Paris, Benjamin saying he had nowhere to live, his career – and then saying yes?