This film from writer-director Ira Sachs delivers premium-strength, undiluted Rami Malek, but his overripe performance and self-conscious mannerisms become oppressively insistent, even when delivered quietly in spoken dialogue. The singing scenes amplify the issue. Malek's distinctive style, reminiscent of John Malkovich or Jeff Goldblum, works best with a light touch, but here things never truly come together.
Plot and Setting
The Man I Love explores gay culture in 1980s New York at the height of Reagan-era homophobia. HIV-positive men confront their condition and the callous bigotry of the political climate. A hospital scene depicts authorities' icy unsympathy. Malek plays Jimmy George, a charismatic actor and performance artist emerging from a three-week hospital stay after an HIV-related crisis. He stars in a stage piece based on André Brassard's 1974 film Once Upon a Time in the East, playing the defiant Hélène, who sings with a band.
Character Dynamics
Jimmy lives with his partner Dennis (Tom Sturridge), who bears the stressful task of caring for him. Dennis grows suspicious of their new British neighbour Vincent (Luther Ford), who seems enamoured of Jimmy. Dennis fears a hookup would trigger compulsive behaviour endangering Jimmy's recovery. Jimmy's sister Brenda (Rebecca Hall) visits with her son and disapproving husband Gene (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). They, along with their parents, witness Jimmy's complicated and painful state of health and mind.
Performances and Themes
The new stage piece, with Jimmy in an exuberant blonde wig and often unclear about his role, may not be a new start but rather a heartbreaking swansong, exhausting his remaining health. Jimmy performs a strident, off-key version of What Have They Done to My Song Ma at a family gathering, followed by an excruciating, chaotic stage show. There are nice moments: at a party, Brenda sweetly performs the cod-Irish song How Are Things in Glocca Morra? from Finian's Rainbow. Malek's declamation of the St Crispin's Day speech from Henry V has spirit, better than his other performances. Sachs creates madeleine moments evoking the 80s, and Talking Heads' Crosseyed and Painless brings a rush back to that time.
Conclusion
The Man I Love is honestly intended and conceived, but the baffling, strenuous lead performance sits uncomfortably. The film screened at the Cannes film festival.
