face off
by Douglas Messerli
Aleksei Borovikov (screenwriter and
director) Glances / 2020 [7 minutes]
As Sunset Boulevard’s Norma
Desmond might have argued, faces say everything. But when someone stares at us
for too long, particularly when we don’t know the individual, we become
confused and even agitated. What is the person looking at? Why does his stare
continue? What does he want? What does he see of especial interest? And, of
course, a stare in most cultures can represent sexual interest.
In this case a handsome young man, Mike (Enrique Escarpita), sitting at
a table in a restaurant, seems to be looking at the back of a man’s head, which
the man’s table mate, a girl (Olivia Long) apparently mentions to him. When she
leaves, Mike moves to the other side of the table to better observe what has
been happening, literally behind his back.
At first he seems curious as well, but quickly does become agitated,
particularly when the young man staring at him raises one side of his lips with
a slight smile. Sean (Ryan Pikofsky), the man being looked at, finally moves to
the stranger’s table and pours himself out a mug of tea. “Listen, I don’t know
what you’re trying to do here, but I’m not about this.”
It’s one of only two moments of speech in this short 7-minute film by US
director Aleksei Borovikov, but it says a great deal. It presumes that the
strange his attempting “to do” something, to make a connection or perhaps
sexually insinuate himself into the man’s life. This phrase “I’m not about
this,” presumably suggests he is not interested and most certainly not gay.”
Mike continues to stare, but looks down and aside troubled by Sean’s
presumptions. Finally, Sean tries again to get at the heart of the matter:
“What’s your problem? Can you talk, can you speak?”
Sean takes out a small notebook and writes out the words: “I can’t
talk.”
The two men continue to sit face to face for a few moments without
words, Mike opening his lips ever so slightly, hinting at a hope or possibility
of communication. Sean looks back first from one side and then the other as if
checking out if there is someone else to who his new friend’s stare might be
meant or perhaps just making sure that no one is watching what is happening
between them.
And slowly, gradually, he begins a light smile, Mike returning it,
Sean’s smile turning into something like a grin. The two have become friends.
We don’t know either of their sexualities, but perhaps, if there is sexual
interest between them, it can proceed. In any event, an odd relationship
between the two has begun. I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if Sean invited
Mike out for a drink or even a visit to his apartment.
Los Angeles, August 18, 2022
Reprinted from World Cinema
Review (August 2022).
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