a film by Fabrice Cazeneuve 2002 | 86 mins | France ›› Because of a Boy - À Cause d'un Garçon - aka: You'll Get Over It getting real with your sexuality Delivered with the emotional intensity that the French do so well, this semi-autobiographical work from screenwriter Vincent Molina charts the dramatic repercussions of a malicious sexual outing. Only you would not think that at first, given star of the school swimming team Vincent Molina seemingly has it all. The all round model pupil, if not the perfect son, his carefree approach to life is at odds with that of his brother Régis, whose rebellious nature has him more at ease in the squared circle, than at home. Yet appearances can be deceptive. For whilst Vincent's deep friendship and more with the beautiful Noémie is to the envy of many, what isn't known to one and all, including his out and proud part-time lover Bruno, is that Vincent equally has a-liking for new kid on the block Benjamin. Yet what is Vincent to do when torn between three loves, he finds himself outed, graffiti style? In short, this is a film that is all about being forced to come out of the closet, when you would prefer not to. True and as to be somewhat expected, reactions vary, ones that see Cazeneuve acutely contrast the outstretched hand of support from Vincent's close friend Stéphane and his taking it day-by-day parents, against the ingrained homophobia of those who once championed their sporting hero. Yet it is the bond between Julien Baumgartner as Vincent and Julia Maraval as Noémie, namely the girl for whom unrequited love is but her middle name, that dominates this feature, much it has to be said to the detriment of the screen presence of Presque Rien star Jérémie Elkaïm, whose role is in effect one of support. That said and like the Simon Shore classic Get Real, this French telemovie vividly depicts the pains of getting real with your sexuality in the face of classroom taunts and homophobic bullying, and of others around you coming to terms with the realisation of gay blood in their midst. That it resonates with coming-of-age authenticity, together with an inspired turn from Bernard Blancan, who as the live and let live team coach provides Vincent with the encouragement to rebuilt his swimming aspirations as an out individual, is to Cazeneuve's credit. Only the whole affair is played all too straight at times, sex scenes included, even if a number of passionate sequences of man-on-man lip-service are to be found amongst its heartfelt "to thy ownself, be true" message. Beautifully shot and executed none-the-less and complete with some of the most achingly honest lines in coming out cinema, as Vincent poignantly adds that "every day I vow to tell my family and friends, but I'm too scared - I'm living a lie." Gay Visibility - overt.  Nudity - the full monty.  Overall - file under ... 3+ stars.  ›› Available to buy from Amazon.co.uk.   available on DVD as part of the Peccadillo Pictures catalogue: 11.June.2012 / UK. screened as part of the 17th London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, 2003. starring: Julien Baumgartner / Vincent, Julia Maraval / Noémie, Jérémie Elkaïm / Benjamin, François Comar / Stéphane, Christiane Millet / Sylvie, Patrick Bonnel / Bernard - father, Antoine Michel / Régis - brother, Nils Ohlund / Bruno, Bernard Blancan / the Coach and Eric Bonicatto as the French Teacher. graffiti translation: "Molina is a fag, he sucks D." Revised and Copyright 2012 David Hall - www.gaycelluloid.com. archive reference #237 ›› previous page | back to top | print me ‹‹