Gay Celluloid on Cold Star

a short film by Kai Stänicke

2011 | 7 mins | Germany

›› Cold Star

the sexual diversity of the pool of life.

Mixing music with drama to wondrous effect, here we find German director Kai Stänicke tell the lush tale of a young man bullied into taking a high dive at an indoor swimming pool, only to find himself offered the outstretched hand of liberated support. Only that's not really the story to be had here, given in the talented hands of Stänicke, the whole scenario is but a cinematic metaphor for the sexual diversity of "the pool of life" and of those who are not afraid to jump in to proudly let their sexuality be free.

Beautifully played out, with striking imagery from the onset, Stänicke alongside cinematographer Thomas Schneider has crafted an astounding work, aided by a delightful turn from Dieter Rita Scholl as a Quentin Crisp like figure, who in drag and without a word being said, prompts others to rejoice in the wonders of the diverse sexuality of life. Simply captivating, even if many I suspect would have opted for the opening "fly scene" to have been left on the cutting room floor. Say no more.

Gay Visibility - overt.
Nudity - strictly from the waist up.
Overall - file under ... 4 stars.

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