An acutely observed, painfully detailed account of the deterioration of a passionate relationship, Ira Sachs' semi-autobiographical film traces the meeting, troubled long-term cohabitation, and ultimate separation of two gay men, Danish expatriate Erik (Thure Lindhardt), a documentary filmmaker, and Paul (Zachary Booth), a handsome corporate lawyer. The focus is on attractively scruffy thirtysomething Erik—Sachs' surrogate—who first encounters Paul after a round of phone sex one night in 1998. Finding themselves drawn to one another, the pair move in together and initially prove to be a loving, mutually supportive couple. But by 2000 the honeymoon is definitely over. Paul has developed a drug problem, disappearing for long stretches without explanation, and Erik's attempts to intervene are failing. Although nearly a decade later the two are back together again, they reluctantly conclude that the arrangement cannot last. While the thrust is basically linear, the structure of Keep the Lights On is loose, interweaving digressive sequences involving friends, family, Erik's filmmaking, and the AIDS epidemic, which add mood and texture. The result is a multilayered tale told with subtlety and a sense of insight that comes from personal experience. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Ira Sachs, Cary Kehayan's concurrently shot artist biography In Search of Avery Willard (22 min.), cast auditions (12 min.), a “making-of” featurette (11 min.), deleted scenes with optional commentary (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine drama.] (F. Swietek)
Keep the Lights On
Music Box, 106 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $38.95, Jan. 22 Volume 28, Issue 1
Keep the Lights On
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