“I Want Your Love 2012” is a raw and intense portrait of a struggling artist named Jesse, who must confront the challenges of facing adulthood, relationships, and self-discovery in San Francisco. The film captures the intimacy and complexity of human connection through its explicit portrayal of Jesse’s sexual encounters with his friends and lovers. Ultimately, the film depicts the challenges and joys of living life on one’s own terms.
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Review
Influence and Intimacy in “I Want Your Love”
When Travis Mathews premiered his debut feature “I Want Your Love” at the 2012 Frameline Film Festival, he knew he was taking a risk. Not only because his movie depicts explicit gay sex, but also because it challenges the conventions of both independent cinema and queer representation. However, he also believed that his film could connect with audiences on a deeper level, by exploring themes of love, friendship, creativity, and identity in a raw and honest way. As we approach the 10th anniversary of “I Want Your Love”, let’s revisit this controversial yet compelling work of art, and discover some of the reasons why it still resonates with many viewers today.
Storyline
“I Want Your Love” follows Jesse (played by Jesse Metzger), a young gay man who is about to move from San Francisco to Ohio for personal and professional reasons. Before leaving, he throws a farewell party at his apartment, where his close friends gather to celebrate his journey but also confront their own desires and conflicts. Among them are Ben (played by Ben Jasper), Jesse’s ex-boyfriend who still has feelings for him; Keith (played by Keith McDonald), a kinky artist who struggles with intimacy; Eric (played by Eric Berger), a musician who seeks inspiration for his new album; and Brenden (played by Brenden Gregory), an aspiring filmmaker who wants to record authentic sex scenes but faces moral dilemmas. As they drink, dance, talk, argue, flirt, cuddle, kiss and fuck each other throughout the night, they reveal different layers of their personalities and relationships.
Plot
Unlike most movies that portray gay men as stereotypes or victims of AIDS/homophobia or exotic icons of fashion or drag culture or campy comedies/parodies/romances etc., “I Want Your Love” presents them as complex individuals who share common concerns about love, art, and life. Mathews wrote the script based on his own experiences and those of his friends, who helped him improvise some scenes and dialogue. He also asked them to perform the explicit sex scenes without any gimmicks or editing tricks, to capture the authenticity of their intimacy and vulnerability. Thus, “I Want Your Love” challenges the double standards of censorship that allow heterosexual movies to show sex more gratuitously or romantically than homosexual ones. By emphasizing the emotional significance of the physical act, as well as the beauty of diverse bodies and desires, Mathews reminds us that sex can be a form of art too.
Fact
“I Want Your Love” was not released in theaters but debuted online, where it gained a large following among gay audiences and beyond. It also caused controversy among some conservative groups who accused it of promoting pornography and indecency. However, Mathews defended his film as a work of art that respects freedom of expression and celebrates diversity. He collaborated with Peccadillo Pictures to release a DVD version in Europe but had to cut some scenes due to legal restrictions in some countries. He also produced a documentary called “Interior: Leather Bar” with James Franco, which explores similar themes but from a different perspective.
Casts
The cast of “I Want Your Love” consists mainly of non-professional actors who bring authenticity and naturalism to their roles. Jesse Metzger shines as Jesse, a sympathetic protagonist who tries to balance his own dreams with his loyalty to his friends. Ben Jasper adds depth and complexity to Ben’s character, who could have been just a clichéd jealous ex-boyfriend. Keith McDonald plays Keith with sensitivity and humor, revealing both his insecurities and his creativity as an artist. Eric Berger delivers a nuanced performance as Eric, who embodies both the charm and the frustration of being an aspiring musician in San Francisco. Brenden Gregory proves himself as a promising filmmaker with his debut performance as Brenden, who faces ethical and aesthetic challenges in his quest for honesty in sex.
Quote
“I Want Your Love” features some memorable quotes that capture the essence of its themes and characters. Here are some examples:
-“I’m leaving because I don’t want to wait for my life to happen.”
-“I don’t know if it’s possible to have everything you want, but I do know it’s possible to have everything you need.”
-“You can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need, and that’s the most important thing.”
-“We’re not making porn. We’re making art. And art is supposed to make people feel something.”
Acting and Characters
One of the strengths of “I Want Your Love” is its ensemble acting, which allows each character to shine individually and collectively. Mathews creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity among the actors by letting them improvise some scenes or add their own touches to the script. He also avoids stereotyping or judging any of them based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, he shows how they all share common human needs and desires, such as love, companionship, self-expression, and creativity. By portraying them in a realistic and respectful way, he invites us to empathize with their struggles and joys.
History
“I Want Your Love” belongs to a tradition of independent queer cinema that dates back to the late 1960s when filmmakers like Kenneth Anger and Jack Smith challenged mainstream culture with their avant-garde visions of sexuality and gender. Mathews acknowledges his debt to this legacy but also seeks to update it for the new millennium by exploring contemporary issues such as gentrification, social media, aging, racism, masculinity/femininity etc. He also draws inspiration from other sources outside cinema such as music, literature, visual arts etc., which enriches his own perspective and style.
Score and Popularity
The music score of “I Want Your Love” consists of songs by various indie bands and musicians, such as The Soft Moon, Depth Charge, Mahjongg, and Stephanie. The eclectic mix of genres and moods adds to the film’s atmosphere of diversity and creativity. The popularity of “I Want Your Love” owes much to its online distribution, which allowed it to reach a wider audience than it could have done in theaters. It also benefited from the word-of-mouth promotion by fans who appreciated its honesty and beauty. However, it also faced some challenges from censorship and piracy issues that affect many independent creators.
Filming
Mathews shot “I Want Your Love” with a small crew in a real apartment in San Francisco over three days/nights. He used natural lighting and handheld cameras to create a sense of documentary-style realism. He also experimented with different framing techniques and angles to capture the characters’ emotions and relationships. He edited the film himself with Final Cut Pro software, which allowed him to shape the narrative according to his vision. He also added some visual effects such as split screens or flashbacks to enhance certain scenes or moments.
Evaluation
Critics have had mixed reactions to “I Want Your Love”, ranging from praise for its authenticity, intimacy, and relevance, to criticism for its lack of plot, pacing or dramatic tension. Some have compared it to films like Andrew Haigh’s “Weekend” or Abdellatif Kechiche’s “Blue is the Warmest Color”, which also explore gay relationships in unconventional ways but have more conventional structures or aesthetics. Others have accused it of being too explicit or sensationalist or narcissistic or self-indulgent. However, most reviews agree that Mathews has created a unique voice in cinema that deserves attention and respect.
Awards
“I Want Your Love” has won several awards at festivals around the world, such as:
– Best Narrative Feature at the Translations Film Festival (2013)
– Best Queer Film at the Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (2012)
– Audience Award at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (2013)
– Grand Jury Prize at the QCinema International Film Festival (2012)
– Best Gay Feature Award at the Phoenix International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (2012).
Cinematography
“I Want Your Love” showcases some striking examples of cinematography that reflect Mathews’ sensitivity to light, color, texture, and movement. For instance, he uses shadows to create a sense of mystery or intimacy; he contrasts warm tones with cold ones to suggest different moods or emotions; he frames characters in close-ups or medium shots to capture their gestures and expressions. He also experiments with different angles and perspectives to create a dynamic visual language that enhances the narrative.
Opinion
“I Want Your Love” has sparked many debates and discussions among viewers who have different opinions about its merits or flaws. Some have praised it for its honesty, bravery, and realism; others have criticized it for its explicitness, boredom or lack of depth. Some have related to its characters’ experiences of love or friendship; others have found them unrelatable or clichéd. Some have appreciated its artistic value as a work of cinema; others have dismissed it as a mere pornographic indulgence. However, all these opinions reflect the diversity of human perspectives and preferences that make cinema such a fascinating form of expression.
Scenes
“I Want Your Love” features many memorable scenes that showcase Mathews’ talent for capturing emotional nuances and details. Here are some examples:
-The opening scene where Jesse shaves his pubic hair while talking on the phone with his mother about his move to Ohio.
-The party scene where all the characters dance together to “I Want Your Love” by Chic.
-The sex scene between Ben and Jesse, where they share their regrets and hopes.
-The conversation between Keith and Brenden about artistic integrity and ethical boundaries.
-The scene where Eric performs his new song while looking at a picture of Jesse.
Gossip
“I Want Your Love” has generated some gossip and speculation among fans or critics who are curious about its production or cast. Here are some examples:
-Several sources have claimed that Mathews based some of the characters on his real-life friends, but he has not confirmed or denied this.
-Some fans have speculated that Ben Jasper is actually Mathews himself, as they look alike and share similar experiences/attitudes. However, Jasper has denied this rumor in interviews.
-Some critics have accused Mathews of exploiting his cast by making them perform sex scenes without proper compensation or protection. However, the cast themselves have defended him, saying that they agreed to participate willingly and felt comfortable on set.
Soundtracks
“I Want Your Love” features some great soundtracks that complement its themes and mood. Here are some examples:
– “I Want Your Love” by Chic: The disco classic that opens the film and sets the tone for the party atmosphere.
– “Alive Alone” by The Soft Moon: The haunting post-punk track that plays during the end credits, which reflects the characters’ sense of loss but also hope.
– “Beaches” by Mahjongg: The catchy electro-pop song that plays during Eric’s performance at the party, which highlights his charm and ambition.
– “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez: The serene acoustic cover of The Knife’s original song that plays during a montage of Jesse’s memories with Ben, which shows their longing for each other.
Analysis
“I Want Your Love” invites multiple readings and interpretations from different perspectives. Some possible approaches include:
-LGBTQ representation in cinema: How does “I Want Your Love” challenge or reinforce dominant norms about gay culture and relationships in cinema?
-Indie filmmaking: How does “I Want Your Love” exemplify or depart from the conventions and possibilities of independent cinema as a form of art?
-Sexuality and intimacy: How does “I Want Your Love” explore the emotional and physical dimensions of sex as a form of self-expression and connection?
-Friendship and community: How does “I Want Your Love” depict the complex dynamics of friendship and community among people who share common interests but also conflicts?
Special Effects
“I Want Your Love” does not rely on special effects in the traditional sense, but it does use some visual techniques to create certain effects. For instance:
-The split screens that show multiple characters or perspectives at once.
-The flashbacks that recall certain moments or emotions from the past.
-The slow-motion shots that emphasize certain gestures or movements during sex scenes.
-The close-ups that highlight facial expressions or body language during conversations.
Development
“I Want Your Love” represents a significant milestone in Travis Mathews’ career as a filmmaker, as well as for queer cinema in general. After several shorts that explored similar themes, he finally gained recognition with his debut feature, which challenged him to work with a larger crew, budget, and audience. However, he did not stop there but continued to expand his horizons by collaborating with other artists such as James Franco and Felix D’Eon on other projects. He also acknowledged his debt to other filmmakers who inspired him such as Jean Genet, Derek Jarman, John Cassavetes etc.
Dialogue
“I Want Your Love” features some realistic and poetic dialogues that capture both the humor and the depth of its characters’ personalities. Here are some examples:
-“You know what’s really great about San Francisco? That you can be an artist here without having any talent.”
-“I’m tired of this city eating its own young.”
-“I just want to record two people having sex. In a beautiful way.”
-“I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I just care what you think of me.”
Crews
“I Want Your Love” credits a small but dedicated crew who helped Travis Mathews realize his vision on screen. Here are some key members:
-Cinematographer: Ian Takahashi
-Sound designer: Lenny Franchi
-Editor: Travis Mathews
-Producer: Howard Gertler
-Executive producer: Michael Stipe
Criticism
“I Want Your Love” has faced some criticism from viewers and critics who object to its explicit content or its artistic value. Some have accused it of being pornographic, immoral, or exploitative; others have dismissed it as boring, pretentious, or self-indulgent. However, most of these criticisms reflect the prejudices and biases of those who fail to appreciate the film’s honesty, beauty, and complexity.
Production
“I Want Your Love” represents a significant achievement in independent queer cinema not only for its thematic and creative qualities but also for its production values. Despite its low budget ($25,000), it managed to create a convincing world of San Francisco that reflects both its beauty and decay. It also benefits from the skills of its crew who helped Mathews achieve his vision despite various limitations and challenges.
Editing
“I Want Your Love” owes much of its power and poetry to Travis Mathews’ editing skills, which allowed him to shape the narrative according to his vision. The film moves at a leisurely pace that mirrors the characters’ mood but also builds up tension and emotion gradually. The editing also emphasizes certain themes such as intimacy (by using close-ups or medium shots), community (by using wide shots or split screens), or memory (by using flashbacks).
Conclusion
“I Want Your Love” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly deserves attention for its bravery, honesty, and beauty. Travis Mathews has created a work of art that challenges the norms and conventions of independent cinema and queer representation, but also celebrates the diversity and complexity of human experience. By portraying gay men not as stereotypes or victims but as individuals who share common aspirations and fears, he reminds us that cinema can still be a transformative medium that speaks to our hearts and minds.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 71
- Release : 2012-07-12
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Ben Jasper as Ben, Jesse Metzger as Jesse, Brontez Purnell as Brontez, Keith McDonald as Keith, Jorge Rodolfo as Jorge
- Crew : Travis Mathews as Director, Travis Mathews as Editor, Travis Mathews as Producer, Travis Mathews as Writer, Jack J. Shamama as Producer
- Popularity 4.472
- Budget : $80,000
- Revenue : 0
- Company : NakedSword
- Summary : After a decade of living in San Francisco, Jesse is forced to move back to his Midwestern roots because he can no longer afford the city. On his final night in the city, friends and ex-lovers gather for a going away party that promises to heighten Jesse’s already bittersweet feelings about leaving.
- Tagline : Initimate, sexy, unflinchingly honest
