The Surface

Writer-director Michael J. Saul's The Surface offers a consideration of how love can transcend differences in age and experiences. Evan (played by model Harry Hains in his first leading role) is a college student whose relationship with wealthy boyfriend Chris (Nicholas McDonald) is uneven, due to their social and financial differences. One day, Evan purchases an 8mm camera from an elderly man at a yard sale, who promises to teach Evan how to use it, but passes away shortly afterwards. Evan then makes the acquaintance of the man's son, Peter (Michael Redford), who is twice Evan's age. Peter gives Evan some old home movies shot with the camera, which depict a young Peter with a boyhood friend. Evan and Peter start a friendship that turns romantic, creating new stress on Evan's relationship with Chris. The Surface is a sensitive drama that unfolds at a leisurely pace while addressing thorny questions of May-December romance and class distinctions. Recommended. (P. Hall)