massagetantrayoga
I really want to like this film, but the problem revealed itself on the end credits: written, directed and produced...but the same guy. Every single movie I've seen where this is the case has pacing and story problems, lingering scene problems, and cohesion problems.There is something really poignant about the idea of 'feeling', sex addiction, sexual compulsion, and the layering of the platonic friendships mirroring the drama of the sexual lives...but they just didn't hit the mark with the direction and execution.The scene of the dinner party was so slow and boring and then cliché I could not believe it made it through an editing session. And the director DRAGGED OUT every scene, no pun intended, and the relationships were not fully developed. Some even, were over developed = the Sean character and mother - lots of hits, no home run. They can snipe at each other, OK, we get it. But it was not funny, because the pace was as if both were heavily sedated on barbiturates.Again, great material, and I had high hopes for something new in gay-related cinema, but no cigar.
m-terrell
A great story, filmed locally in Greenwich, London. Recommended to any one who likes films to have an impact in their life, The characters are played by an interested cast, again from the local area, and bring the story to life extremely well, The film, about a Gay man and his life in London- although I cannot relate to his personal situation- brings home many feelings and places we find our self throughout our life, A recommended watch and great film to watch as a couple,If any one lives in London or Greenwich will find this a great watch if you can relate to the locations and local pubs, etc. It was great to see The George and Dragon pub in the film.It also nice to see a good British film, and film company making films like this- I look forward to seeing what films they bring out next.
leadie53
The Cost of Love is not a pretty movie, one could also say it's definitely not a movie for everyone.It deals with the friendships of several characters and the way their lives deal with the tragic, simplistic and sometimes horrific events which make up the lives not only of themselves, but also other people they are acquainted with.For non-gay audience members, this will certainly be an eye-opener, because it doesn't cover up gay related activities, it shows them in all their glory...it also shows that physical & domestic abuse isn't primarily a heterosexual condition.All the stars do their roles justice, in particular the late Michael Joyce ( a personal friend), who not only plays a pivotal character by the name of Shaun, but he also re-creates his "drag" persona Estee Applauder...a character who is as complex as the movie itself.Watch this if you want to see a side of life, you may not be acquainted with or if you are a part of the wider gay community, you will also see close friends of your own being portrayed by the characters in the movie.A must see.
preppy-3
Dale (Christopher Kelham) is a 28 year old hustler in London. He spends his days with his high-paying clients and nights cruising for sex or hanging with his drag queen best friend Sean (the late Michael Joyce). He's also secretly in love with his str8 friend Raj (Valmike Rampersed). Things start to unravel when Raj tells Dale he's getting married...to a woman.On the positive side--the acting is pretty good with Joyce excellent as Sean. There are some nice shirtless scenes of Israel Cassol who plays another hustler named Ricardo. Also the ending is somewhat affecting. Other than those points though this is pretty terrible. It's slow-moving with a story that veers all over the place. There was also a howler of a melodramatic twist thrown in at the one hour mark that was so stupid I thought they were kidding! The "insights" to love and sex were thoroughly predictable and frankly boring. The main problem is Kelham. Dale is such an obnoxious character that I couldn't believe he had any clients let alone friends. His acting is very good but I didn't believe for one second that he was a gay hustler. He seems uncomfortable with the role. The ONE gay kiss we see is very horribly done because it's so obvious that the actors don't want to do it. Also (I realize this is a matter of taste) Kelham isn't good-looking enough or in good enough shape (he's average at best) to be a hustler. Cassol would have been a better choice for the role. There's no nudity and the simulated sex is so overdone it's embarrassing. Bad direction too. The good acting by Joyce can't save this. Bland and boring.