The Evolving Philippine Cinema

I chanced upon two independent movies two weekends ago and was quite happy more Filipino movie makers are becoming more bold, for art's sake.

I caught Roxxxanne and Ang Lihim ni Antonio.

To say that Pinoys like chismis (rumor-mongering) is an understatement. Chismis has become a pasttime of most pinoys. This seems like a natural consequence of Pinoy's close family ties. They feel that they owe to their relatives and friends to update them of their own and other people's lives. Chismis could be fun and harmless, but it could also become deadly. In the movie Roxxxanne, chismis takes a deadly turn. It relates how gossip intertwines with real life and cause catastrophic effects amongst people.

Roxxxanne is a good movie, though I think the editing can be tighter. I think there were some scenes that could have been shortened and that there were meaty scenarios that could've been developed. But the movie should take pride on the fact that it tackled the role of a teenager falling in love with someone from the same sex. His drive to achieve whatever he wants is intense and mirrors the real life situation of teens today (take for example sex trade for celphone load). This is particularly exposed on the following scenarios: when he tries his very best to get the Diana Zubiri video; when he comes up with a web of lies just protect his love for his crush; and when he loves him unconditionally despite all the wrong he has done him. This is particularly true amongst teens where they love with all their heart and soul.

And this unfolds slowly as Marlon slowly discovers his true sexuality. His revelation shows the utter denial of oneself and how one tries his best conceal homosexuality.

I am especially thrilled with the natural and very raw acting of the talents. It was really as if I was a voyeur into the lives of these people. I learned that love really pushes us to do unnecessary things and even take us out of our right senses. Stupid love.

Ang Lihim ni Antonio on the otherhand presents the other side of discovering oneself. He is more flamoboyant compared to Marlon, Antonio slowly reveals himself to opportunities around him. His story unravels as he pushes his sex drive to the limit. He crosses the normal boundaries of friendship and kinship. Carnal pleasure can truly bring out the best and worst in a person.

Antonio presents itself in a light hearted fashion. It presents the scenarios in bold story-telling style and vivid visuals. Craftmanship could be improved as it tries too hard to fit the mold of an independent film (grainy, gritty with real camera movements). The camera was extra shaky and could leave you feeling dizzy.

Both movies show the two sides of discovering one's real self and sexuality. And both presented them differently. Both showed more than it should and that's fine.

Catch them.