Wild Reeds - Coming Out in
the Weeds
by Tallulah Givehead
Wild Reeds was the winner of 1995's CĂ©sar
Awards for Best Picture, Screenplay, Actor and
Female Discovery and claims to be a poignant drama
that captures the universal ecstasy, pain and
loneliness of young love. But mah poor wigs just
drooped like they were exposed to an extremely humid
evening in Atlanta. Ah know the French cinema has a
different aesthetic - ah think its called "boring" -
but this drag queen needs some pizzaz, some emotion,
some ... well, drama.
One of the most affecting depictions of gay first
love ever committed to screen, this tender and
knowing drama touchingly deals with friendship,
coming out and teenage sexuality, all set against
the political turmoil of the 1962 French/Algerian
conflict. Made for a French TV series that was based
on the early romantic remembrances of several
directors, Wild Reeds is set in a rural boarding
school and revolves around the loves and friendships
of three teenagers as well as an Algerian youth of
21.
The central character is François (Gael Morel), a
handsome youth (with James Dean-like looks) who
falls for a fellow classmate, Serge (Stephane
Rideau), a muscular student who in turn is
attracted to Maite (Elodie Bouchez), Serge's best
friend and a woman wise beyond her years. Entering
this circle is Henri (Frédéric Gorny), a troubled
nationalist Algerian. The dark-eyed and melancholy
François makes for an attractive character - a
young man who is open to others about his sexuality
and, in a dramatic scene in front of a mirror, to
himself as well.
110 min. / French / English subtitles / Theatrical
aspect (1.66:1) / Special Features
Tallulah Givehead is
a Fabulous drag queen living in Portland, Oregon
(Lord only knows why!) writing reviews of gay film
by day and tearing up the stage by night. You
can read her reviews here as well as at her blog,
QUEER VUE MIRROR.
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