Holding The Man review: This adaptation of Timothy Conigrave’s memoirs is striking, but is it as powerful as 20 years ago?
Holding The Man review
Holding The Man is the true story of Timothy Conigrave (Ryan Corr), a young gay Australian man in the 1970s who falls for fellow pupil John Caleo (Craig Stott). The two start up a relationship, and the film chronicles their lives through the 1980s as they fight prejudice and AIDS. The film is based on the novel and eventual play written by Conigrave himself, making for a strikingly personal account of a tragic time when many failed to understand same sex relationships, and those in the relationships were unaware of a devastating disease. It’s easy to look back with frustration at such a time, but Candy director Neil Armfield, once again tackles a divisive subject with compassion and relevance.
The film is played off as a romance straight off, making sure that anybody should be able to relate to the love between Timothy and John. While early scenes are slightly awkward, with neither Corr nor Stott convincing as high schoolers, the chemistry is undeniable from the outset. There’s more acceptance than one might expect, with school bullying not being a factor, and those who look down on the relationship more concerned with personal appearances rather than outright hatred of homosexuals. One scene explores violence towards gays, but the lack of much physical threat once again brings focus back to romance, and allows for a less tense viewing experience, saving for a more emotional punch in the film’s second half.
Holding The Man review
Corr and Stott are terrific leads, each fleshing out their characters while not getting bogged down with cliches or attempts at chewing scenery and overblowing their emotional scenes. In fact, the pair seem to get quieter as the film goes along, having said what they need to about their relationship. Meanwhile small roles are taken by the likes of Anthony Lapaglia and Guy Pearce as John and Timothy’s fathers respectively. John’s father is more traditional and ashamed by his son’s sexuality, while Timothy’s dad seems more ambivalent, but still concerned about appearances. Lapaglia’s stern looks suit the role of traditional father well, and he is very able at showing true tenderness in his actions while still looking disapproving.
Although based on a true story and probably quite similar to the experiences of thousands of men, the film can’t help but escape the fact that the issue has been tackled a lot over the last two decades since Conigrave’s memoir was first published. Films, and even daytime soap operas have tackled similar themes, and although Holding The Man’s refusal to revert to shock tactics is commendable, it also leaves for a film that may impact emotionally, but fails to offer anything new, unlike the memoir and play that struck at just the right time.
Holding The Man review
Holding The Man will certainly resonate with those who remember the time and those that feel connected and relate to the story, but it’s such a personal tale that it may well just seem dry and uninvolving to a generation increasing in acceptance and knowledge. It is however a fabulously constructed effort, and one that reminds us it is important to learn from the mistakes of the past, as well as being a passionate tale of true love. Powerful, brilliantly performed, and shot with precision, Armfield’s latest is a strong and engaging film, if not particularly challenging or memorable.
Holding The Man review by Luke Ryan Baldock, June 2016.
Holding The Man is released in cinemas on 3rd June.
