Testosterone
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Movie Reviews of Testosterone
Movie Review: FULL FRONTAL
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is good. And all you antinoio jr fans, yep you can see his you know what in a very good shot. HOT BOD!Movie Review: Hilarious Black Comedy, not a melodrama
Summary: 4 Stars
I was surprised that so many viewers found this movie/DVD unsatisfiying. Frankly, I thought it was one of the most hilariously savage black comedies since "The Ruling Class." Film audiences are so literal nowadays, and it's much harder to suspend disbelief when watching a film than reading a book. Ironically, Testosterone (the movie) departs in numerous small ways and one giant way from its source, the late James Robert Baker's novel of the same name.
For one thing, you could take the book's stream-of-consciousness narration as a drug- and madness-induced rant, rather than as a factual reportage, although there's little doubt as to the final outcome. The movie, as I said, is more literal, but by making many of the encounters rather satyric and/or inexplicable from Dean, the protagonist's, point-of-view, director/scenario-writer David Moreton is able to recreate--in a completely different context--the odyssey of Dean's hunt for his missing lover, Pablo.
One of the main areas of divergence with the book (other than setting it--presumably for production reasons--in Argentina; the book takes place almost entirely in the greater L.A. area), is to make the character of Pablo (played by Antonio Sabato, Jr.) at worst a ruthlessly selfish "playboy" and serial philanderer. In the book, he was far, far darker and more malevolent, and--if he indeed was guilty of much of what is ascribed to him in the book--far more deserving of his grisly end.
This is where the film makes its big..."decision" is probably a better word than "mistake": it robs Dean of all "moral" authority, if that's the word. He's merely an over-the-top jilted boyfriend, rather than a victim who fights back. But to show Pablo in the same light as the novel would have robbed the film of its black comedy/Gallows humour quality and put it irrevocably into the noir category. I see this as an Almodovar-like black comedy in the mould of "Tie Me Up/Tie Me Down" or "The Law of Desire" more than anything else.
The entire cast, especially David Sutcliffe as Dean, are all excellent. Sutcliffe's edgy, manic humour is perfect--and perfectly in character--without his succumbing to the temptation to "wink" at the audience. Clearly, the antics of Sonia Braga as Pedro's "Mommie Queerest," are a wonderful contribution. I also loved the bits with Dean cutting into the pristine wedding cake and gobbling a slice of it, followed (distantly) by Antonio Sabato, Jr.'s licking a tiny bit of the whipped crean frosting from the corner of Dean's mouth--ever the seducer right up to the end!
It's unfortunate that an extensive gay bathouse/dream sequence was cut from the film and can only be viewed as a Option, because it adds considerably to the understanding of Dean's predicament.
Still, the film does leave a lot of unanswered "questions" when viewed objectively, but how many black comedies--or films in general--couldn't be accused of that? The DVD doesn't have an English Subtitles option, which is a pity, given all the accents and the need to follow the plotline, such as it is. It's tricky to review this without giving away the plot, but suffice it to say that the film in general, and the the ending in particular, are remarkably satisfiying.
Movie Review: Shaved
Summary: 4 Stars
"Testosterone" surprised me. It kept me interested throughout & provided some surprises. Director David Moreton shot the whole film in Argentina. Buenos Aires is a lovely setting and adds a fresh feel to the film. In the DVD extras, Moreton talks about when they started filming the hotel scene, he commented on how small the room was and the proprietor offered to knock out a wall to make the room bigger. One can't get more accommodating than that! I also like the brief animation sequence that introduces the film.
The film has a lot to offer. David Sutcliffe who has become a television fixture on "The Gilmore Girls" is able to carry the film. While I agree that the ending creates problems since we still need to like Dean Seagrave, Sutcliffe keeps us riveted as he pursues Pablo. Antonio Sabato Jr. who lifted ratings in the 90s for "General Hospital" has a paper-thin role as Pablo. In retrospect, if Pablo had just communicated with Dean instead of evaporating, we wouldn't have had a premise for the film.
Sonia Braga, the lovely Brazilian actress, is so perfect as Pablo's mother! After having loved her performance in Angel Eyes, it was nice to see her in a film where she's got a superb wardrobe and great makeup, which was the character.
Jennifer Coolidge who wowed me in Legally Blonde (Special Edition) adds a lot as the editor Louise. Her "shaved" line was probably the most hilarious moment in the film. I see that she's working with the director David Moreton again on a new film "The Last Stan." Leonardo Brzezicki as Marcos has a great look and handles much of his part well. Marcos is not a deep character, but he does a good job. Argentine actress Celina Font does a good job as Sofia who weaves herself into the plot.
I found this to be an interesting film with some problems in the script because of the ending. The "Crazy In Alabama" deleted scene was cute, but I can see why it was cut. The film left me wondering if Dean would ever face the consequences for his actions. I was surprised how he seemed to operate above the law for much of the film. However, while not perfect, "Testosterone" was good for an evening's entertainment. Enjoy!
Movie Review: Five Stars for the music and Sonia Braga...at least!!
Summary: 4 Stars
Just seeing a film with Sonia Braga all drama'd out and dolled up for "those looks" was worth getting this movie. She does stormy-'n'-indignant deliciously well.
My one HUGE regret is that the music isn't available on CD as a soundtrack! It is so glorious, especially when the main character gets to Buenos Aires. I hope they get the soundtrack out. It is extraordinary. (It was the first thing I looked for here on Amazon.com after I saw it.) I would love to have it. (The music gets all five stars!!)
That said, the movie played out like a dream would, with Dean (David Sutcliffe) searching obsessively - as someone who is caught in a dream would - for the lover who evaporated from his life: Pablo (Antonio Sabato, Jr.).
It reminded me very much of dream, when you'll do anything to find the one you are looking for...and get distracted...at times...on the way.
(Smoldering eyes are not on short supply in the film.)
Movie Review: Testosterone
Summary: 4 Stars
I've read some superficial reviews of this movie on other sites. It's a shame the reviewers didn't find time to watch the whole flick because a final scene provides a key to some of the intrigue. We see Marcos, who had apparently killed himself because he had a crush on Dean, stroll onto the porch to join his sister. Aha! It was Sofia's plan to trick Dean into killing Pablo, and Marcos' faux suicide provided a convenient way to dispose of Pablo's decapitated body.
The alternative ending, with Pablo's head talking in the ice chest was too "Crazy In Alabama" to be included, but it's fun just the same.