"Gun Hill Road" is the debut feature film from writer /director Rashaad Ernesto Green, a Bronx native and graduate of NYU. Filmed on location in the Bronx, it tells the story of an extremely macho ex-con (played adequately by Esai Morales) getting out of prison and returning home. His wife has fallen in love with another man, and his son has become more like a girl than a boy.The film proves that Green has a gift for clear, straightforward story-telling. He also shows a unique cultural understanding, able to see the world through the eyes of both a middle-aged straight man and a transgender teenager.
Green also has an eye for talent. His discovery of Harmony Santana, who plays the transgender teen, is perhaps the most significant aspect of the "Gun Hill" project. I found myself in awe on at least five occasions watching Santana bring this character to life. His/her acting at times will take your breath away. I even suspect Santana might get an Oscar nomination. This is a major new talent.
I hope Santana's arrival ushers in a new age for transgender actors, who would be uniquely able to bring both male and female characters to life. Trans actors don't have to play trans characters all the time. They can play "regular" men and women, too. I also hope Santana's arrival helps the culture at large get over trans-phobia. Transgender people have been part of the human race since the dawn of our species. Nothing new. Get over it, people.
Now for the weaknesses. "Gun Hill Road" may have non-traditional subject matter, but its style is extremely traditional. Green follows the conventions of mainstream story-telling so closely that the film often feels pedestrian, like a TV Movie of the Week about transgender issues. I appreciate Green's bravery in taking on a challenging subject and shooting the film in the Bronx. But why make the story so simple and the filmmaking technique so ordinary? Does Green want to work in cinema or television? It appears like it might be the latter. This is fine, but then his projects should not be shown in cinemas. They belong on the little screen.
"Gun Hill Road" may get awards for acting, but I doubt it will be nominated for any filmmaking awards. It's still worth seeing though.
2 comments:
Makes me think of that actress from the Crying Game.
That's right. Jaye Davidson, who was nominated for an Oscar for The Crying Game in 1992 and then completely disappeared. I hope Harmony Santana doesn't disappear like that.
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