As he begins to explore his sexuality, a very young Dennis realizes that he has a sadistic personality. When the fantasies that excite him spiral increasingly out of control, he meets Henry, his submissive peer. Dennis is struck by him because he remembers having already noticed him in some snuff porn photos, which appear to be fake. An encounter that turns into a full-blown obsession, an inextricable tangle in which desire and pleasure cannot exist without violence and humiliation. Based on Dennis Cooper’s eponymous novel, one of New Queer Cinema's most controversial titles returns to LFF, in a restored edition, premiering worldwide: a grueling tour de force of arousal and voyeurism that draws on Gregg Araki’s aesthetic and challenges the viewer, presenting an extreme and shocking universe that is yet no less real.
Biography
film director
Todd Verow
Todd Verow attended the Rhode Island School of Design and the AFI Conservatory. He made his directorial debut with Frisk (1996), presented at major festivals, including Berlin and Toronto. With the production company Bangor Films he worked on over 25 projects, establishing himself as the most prolific author of New Queer Cinema. With Charles Lum he co-directed the feature documentary films Age of Consent (2014) and Sex and The Silver Gays (2016), as well as the short films Tom’s Gift (2012), Been Too Long at the Fair (2015), Secret Santa Sex Party (2017) e Blow Job 2017.
Cast
& Credits
Montaggio/Editing Todd Verow
Fotografia/Photography Greg Watkins
Scenografia/Production Design Jennifer Graber
Suono/Sound Arthur Lopez, Mark Jan Wlodarkiewicz
Musica/Music Lee Ranaldo
Interpreti/Cast Michael Gunther, Craig Chester, Michael Stock, Raoul O'Connell, Jaie Laplante, Parker Posey, Alexis Arquette
Produttore/Producer Jon Gerrans, Marcus Hu
Produzione/Production Bangor Films
