El Cuarto de Leo (Leo’s Room) 2009
Distributed by Global Film Initiative, 145 Ninth St., #105, San Francisco, CA 94103
Producer n/a
Directed by Enrique Buchichio
DVD, color, 92 min.
College - General Adult
Latin American Studies; Gay and Lesbian Studies
Date Entered: 03/14/2012
Reviewed by Cindy Badilla-Melendez, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MNLeo, a young university student in Uruguay realizes that his life is not what he really wants. He is trying to please everyone around him including family, girlfriend and friends. Leo rents a room from Felipe, a drug addict who seems completely gone, but who is more sensitive and susceptible to his surrounding than the rest of the characters of the film. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Leo feels safe in his room and does not want to leave. It is there that he finally begins the process of accepting his homosexuality. One day he finds Caro, an old primary school classmate to whom he was attracted when he was a child. Hiding their personal crises both young men start developing a friendship. Caro, harboring a painful trauma, finds shelter and comfort with Leo, letting him provide affection without sexual pressure. In the meantime Leo meets Sheba, a handsome young man, who is really interested in pursuing a relationship with him.
This film of director Enrique Buchichio is not about coming out, although the symbolism portrayed through Leo’s room is quite obvious. The film moves gently beyond that. It is an evolving story of lives intertwined trying to overcome and endure life. It is a process of healing, forgiveness, and acceptance. It is not the tragic drama of a Hollywood film like the over-rated Brokeback Mountain (2005). Leo’s Room is simply a well told story, full of underlying complex emotional situations. Taking into account cultural differences, surprisingly, it seems that Leo’s being gay is not an issue for his family as it often is in many Latin American countries, but it is still was an issue for him. It is always good to remember that it is not the same to be gay in New York City as it is to be gay in Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East or even in a remote town somewhere in the United States.
Leo’s Room is well directed and showcases very good acting. Technical qualities of the film are good and it is in Spanish with subtitles in English.
Awards
- Special Jury Award, Torino GLBT Film Festival