On s surface a vlent genre film, this crime drama serv a closer look for s treatment of a nflicted gay character.
Contents:
- RSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH LEAR BLAM INVASN ON UKRAE'S 'GAY PRI'
- IN SERMON, RSIAN CHURCH LEAR KIRILL LKS UKRAE WAR WH GAY PRI PARA
- PATRIARCH OF MOSW: GAY PRI PARAS ARE TO BLAME FOR THE WAR UKRAE
- PATRIARCH KIRILL: RSIAN VASN DUE TO GAY-PRI PARAS
- REVIEW OF DAVID CRONENBERG’S “EASTERN PROMIS”{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}MOVIBY BRIAN JUERGENSSEPTEMBER 11, 2007/3:50 PMBY BRIAN JUERGENSSEPTEMBER 11, 2007 / 3:50 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"REVIEW OF DAVID CRONENBERG’S “EASTERN PROMIS”","DATEPUBLISHED":"2007-09-11T19:50:03.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2007-09-11T19:50:03.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"BRIAN JUERGENS","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"MOVI"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FOLLOWG REVIEW NTAS SPOILERS REGARDG ONE OF THE FILM’S MA CHARACTERS, ALTHOUGH THE STORY’S MA SURPRISE IS NOT REVEALED. {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GIVEN HIS APPARENT FASCATN WH VIATNS OM THE NORM, ’S NOT SURPRISG THAT CANADIAN DIRECTOR DAVID CRONENBERG’S FILMS HAVE REPEATEDLY EXPLORED SEXUALI THAT PART OM THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN M. BUTTERFLY, HE TOLD THE STORY OF A MAN WHO FALLS LOVE WH A MALE OPERA SGER HE IALLY BELIEV TO BE A WOMAN. IN CRASH, THE MA CHARACTER’S JOURNEY OF SEXUAL AWAKENG (HOWEVER BIZARRE OR HORRIFYG THIS JOURNEY MAY HAVE BEEN) CLUD AN AFFAIR WH ANOTHER MAN. IN A HISTORY OF VLENCE, THE MA CHARACTER’S SON IS BULLIED AT SCHOOL FOR BEG GAY, FORCG THE TEENAGER TO WEIGH THE WAG OF VLENT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WH HIS NEW FILM, THE VLENT RSIAN MOB DRAMA EASTERN PROMIS, CRONENBERG HAS ONCE AGA ELECTED TO EXPLORE HOMOSEXUALY, THIS TIME THE NTEXT OF A PATRIARCHAL, AGGRSIVE CRIME UNRWORLD. IN CLUDG A EPLY CLOSETED GAY MOBSTER HIS LORFUL ENSEMBLE, CRONENBERG IS, ON THE ONE HAND, GIVG ANOTHER AN UNFORTUNATELY RICH CEMATIC HISTORY OF GAY VILLAS. BUT THE FILM’S REFAL TO NMN THE CHARACTER FOR HIS SEXUALY OR TO ASSOCIATE HIS SEXUALY WH HIS CRIMALY IS NOTABLE, AND THE SENSIVY WH WHICH THE STORY IS EXPLORED IS UNEXPECTED AND REHG. THE FILM MAY BE BTAL, BUT IS NOT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}EASTERN PROMIS’ MA PLOT VOLV A BABY LIVERED UNR THE RE OF ANNA (NAOMI WATTS, FE, NATURALISTIC FORM), A MIDWIFE AT A LONDON HOSPAL. THE YOUNG MOTHER — SHE IS ONLY FOURTEEN — DI CHILDBIRTH, LEAVG BEHD HER BABY AND A DIARY WRTEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ANNA’S ATTEMPTS TO DISCERN THE INTY OF THE MOTHER LEAD HER TO A RSIAN RTRANT OWNED BY SEYMON (ARM MUELLER-STAHL), THE BOSS OF A LARGE RSIAN CRIME SYNDITE. HE IS SUCCEED BY HIS ONLY SON, KIRILL (VCENT CASSEL), WHO HAS RECENTLY RECED HIS IEND NIKOLAI (VIGGO MORTENSEN) AS A DRIVER AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE DIARY NTAS CRIMATG EVINCE ABOUT SEYMON, AND HIS ATTEMPTS TO GET THE BOOK OM ANNA MAKE UP THE PRIMARY STORYLE. BUT THE BULK OF THE FILM IS DITED NOT TO MECHANIL PLOT POTS, BUT TO TELLG TERACTNS AMONGST THE CRIME “FAY”.{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BOISTERO, TEMPERAMENTAL KIRILL (THE CHARISMATIC CASSEL) IS THE FAY’S PRIMARY “HEAVY” AND HEIR TO THE THRONE. HE NTRASTS STARKLY WH HIS NEW IEND NIKOLAI, THE VERY PICTURE OF EASTERN EUROPEAN STOICISM. KIRILL DRKS TOO MUCH AND YELLS TOO LOUDLY. HE IS OBVLY STARVED FOR AFFECTN OM HIS FATHER THAT NEVER ARRIV AND IS PERHAPS MORE EMOTNALLY ATTACHED TO NIKOLAI THAN HE WOULD EVER ADM. IT DON’T TAKE A GREE FRDIAN PSYCHOLOGY TO PICK UP THE FACT THAT KIRILL IS A EPLY CLOSETED {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[IMG_ASSIST|NID=8676|TLE=|SC=|LK=NONE|ALIGN=MIDDLE|WIDTH=398|HEIGHT=215]{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE OF THE FIRST TIM WE SEE KIRILL (AFTER DISPOSG OF A RPSE WH NIKOLAI ON CHRISTMAS), HE’S CREDIBLY DNK AND CELEBRATORY. AFTER NIKOLAI HELPS HIM TO THE RTRANT, KIRILL THANKS HIM BY LYG AT HIS FEET AND RTG HIS HEAD ON NIKOLAI’S SHOE. DISGTED, SEYMON KICKS KIRILL SEVERAL TIM THE STOMACH. FOR A GAY VIEWER LOOKG FOR CLU AS TO WHO THE MORED GAY CHARACTER MIGHT BE, THIS IS NOT THE MOST PROMISG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} [IMG_ASSIST|NID=8671|TLE=|SC=|LK=NONE|ALIGN=UNFED|WIDTH=375|HEIGHT=247]AS THE STORY PROGRS, THERE ARE SEVERAL MOMENTS OF ASS-SLAPPG AND HORSEPLAY BETWEEN KIRILL AND NIKOLAI, AS WELL AS MOMENTS OF PHYSIL CLOSENS THAT ARE CLEARLY MORE IMPORTANT TO KIRILL THAN THEY ARE TO NIKOLAI. NIKOLAI NEVER OBJECTS TO KIRILL’S CLOSENS OR SEEMS AT ALL PUT OFF BY HIS OBV AFFECTNS, WHICH THE FILM WILL LATER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN ONE OF THE FILM’S MORE DISTURBG SEQUENC, THIS TOWEL-SNAPPG BE VERY SER. KIRILL, NIKOLAI AND SOME OTHER THUGS ARE PARTYG AT A PRIVATE CLUB WH A NUMBER OF CLEARLY UNRAGE PROSTUT WHO WERE LIKELY LURED TO THE UNTRY WH PROMIS OF A BETTER LIFE (THE “PROMIS” OF THE TLE) AND ARE NOW SENTIALLY SLAV TO SEYMON’S FAY. DNK, KIRILL SUDNLY MANDS THAT NIKOLAI HAVE SEX WH ONE OF THE GIRLS — ONT OF HIM — ORR TO PROVE THAT HE “A’T NO F**KG QUEER.” WHEN NIKOLAI IS FISHED, KIRILL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS NCERN WH BEG PERCEIVED AS QUEER IS ONE THAT BE MORE PROMENT AS THE STORY PROGRS. WHEN SEYMON PLEADS WH ANNA FOR THE DIARY, HE NOT THAT NTAS RMATN ABOUT HIS SON, SOME OF WHICH TAIL “ILLEGAL” ACTS, AND NOT THAT HIS SON’S MOTHER DIED WHEN HE WAS VERY YOUNG AND THAT HE N’T HELP HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WE LATER LEARN THAT SEYMON’S NCERN WAS REALLY WH THE FACT THAT THE DIARY IMPLIT HIM THE RAPE OF THE AD GIRL, SOMETHG THAT KIRILL ALSO ATTEMPTED TO DO — ONT OF HIS FATHER, AND PRUMABLY BY FORCE — BUT ULD NOT. NOW THE EARLIER SCENE WHICH KIRILL EVINTLY MIMICKED HIS FATHER’S ORRS WH NIKOLAI IS MORE RONANT, THOUGH NO LS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SOON WE LEARN THAT KIRILL’S SEXUALY IS A SECRET OF WHICH HIS FATHER, A MAN BOTH THLS AND STEEPED TRADN, IS WELL AWARE. WHEN NIKOLAI TELLS SEYMON THAT WORD ON THE STREET IS THAT KIRILL IS “A DNK … AND ALSO A QUEER,” SEYMON’S RPONSE IS CUR: HE THKS LONDON IS AT FLT. NOTG THAT “ NEVER SNOWS” AND “NEVER GETS HOT” THE CY, HE BLAM HIS SON’S SEXUALY ON THE TEMPERATE CLIMATE WHICH APPARENTLY DO NOT BUILD CHARACTER THE WAY THAT THE OLD UNTRY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT’S TERTG THAT SEYMON NEEDS TO FD SOMETHG OR SOMEONE ON WHICH TO BLAME KIRILL’S SEXUALY, AND THAT THE CULPR FOR HIM IS THE SAME CY THAT PROVID HIM HIS WEALTH AND HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WH KIRILL’S “SECRET” OUT ON THE TABLE FOR DISCSN, ONE MIGHT EXPECT THAT THIS CREDIBLY VLENT TALE WOULD DOLE OUT PUNISHMENT, OR E KIRILL AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW GAY MEN ARE CHEWED UP AND SP OUT BY AGGRSIVE CULTUR. OFTEN SUCH CHARACTERS ARE EHER FORCED TO SELF-STCTN OR BETRAYED BY THEIR AFFECTNS LEADG TO THEIR VLENT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT ALTHOUGH KIRILL’S SEXUALY ARGUABLY DO WORK AGAST HIS NSC GOALS, HE DO NOT SUFFER AT THE HANDS OF THE HERO BEE OF . NOR IS HE MARTYRED AS IS SO OFTEN THE SE, BLUDGEONED TO ATH AND SODOMIZED LIKE GAY VO OM THE SOPRANOS, FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[IMG_ASSIST|NID=8677|TLE=|SC=|LK=NONE|ALIGN=MIDDLE|WIDTH=400|HEIGHT=265]{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AT THE CLOSE OF THE FILM, KIRILL HAS GOTTEN HOLD OF THE FANT AND, UNR HIS FATHER’S ORRS, IS ABOUT TO THROW THE BABY TO THE RIVER. CLUTCHG THE CHILD, HE MOURNS S LOST LIFE AND HAT, WHICH ALLOWS NIKOLAI AND ANNA TO TCH UP TO HIM. NIKOLAI EMBRAC KIRILL AND TELLS HIM THAT HE DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW HIS FATHER’S ORRS. THE BABY IS SAVED, AND KIRILL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A FILM MORE TERTED PASSG JUDGMENT ON S CHARACTERS AND MATAG A HARDLE VIEW OF MASTREAM MORALS AND BEHAVR, KIRILL WOULD NEVER HAVE SURVIVED THIS ENUNTER. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN VANQUISHED, THE “KILLER QUEER” PUT DOWN A RA OF BULLETS OM THE HERO’S GUN, OR BEATEN TO ATH FOR THE DIENCE’S RIGHTEO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT THAT DON’T HAPPEN HERE. CRONENBERG ISN’T TERTED PUNISHG HIS CHARACTERS, BUT RATHER UNRSTANDG THEM; AND ’S THIS TERT THAT ALLOWS EASTERN PROMIS TO TELL A STORY OF AN UNNIABLY BAD MAN WHILE NOT MAKG HIS SEXUALY THE ROOT OF HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}KIRILL’S GAYNS IS NOT WHAT MAK HIM A VLENT CRIMAL. HIS FATHER IS. IF ANYTHG, HIS EPLY PROMISED SEXUALY AND EMOTNAL RPONSE TO NIKOLAI’S AFFECTN IS WHAT SAV HIM — AND THE FANT — THE END. THROUGHOUT THE FILM, WE ARE SHOWN CLEARLY THAT KIRILL’S SEXUALY IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE OPTN THE WORLD WHICH HE HAS BEEN RAISED AND IS NOW FORCED TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DISPARAGG REFERENC TO “QUEERS” ARE EQUENTLY MA BY THE MEN, BOTH REGARDS TO KIRILL AND, ONE TELLG MOMENT, DIRECTLY TO HIM BY HIS OWN FATHER. IT’S ALSO TELLG THAT KIRILL DO NOT SO MUCH BAT AN EYE AT HIS FATHER’S REFERENCE TO THE “F*CKG QUEER DISEASE”, SO PLETE IS HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE ARE OTHER CLU THAT KIRILL’S SEXUALY AND THE WAY WHICH IS EXPLORED ARE MEANT TO MONSTRATE HOW A CULTURE WHICH ADHER TO TRADN AT ANY ST ( THIS SE, WH A HEALTHY DOSE OF GENRE-SPIRED HYPERBOLE) FAILS TO SERVE S PEOPLE. ANNA, WHO IS HALF-RSIAN HERSELF AND RECENTLY SPL OM HER BLACK BOYIEND, IS TOLD BY HER UNCLE THAT “ IS NOT NORMAL TO MIX RACE AND RACE … THAT IS WHY YOUR BABY DIED SI YOU.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT’S A LLO MENT THAT ECHO SEYMON’S WILLGNS TO OVERLOOK HIS SON’S PA FAVOR OF TRADN, AND AGA DRAWS SYMPATHY TO KIRILL’S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FILM OVERALL IS A RICH CHARACTER STUDY THAT MANAG TO TELL A STREAMLED, ACCSIBLE CRIME STORY WHOUT LOSG CRONENBERG’S DAC AND DARK TOUCH. THE FILM’S CENTERPIECE IS A BLOODY GROUP KNIFE-FIGHT A RSIAN BATH, WHICH MORTENSEN ENACTS FULLY NU AGAST TWO THUGS BLACK LEATHER. IT’S LIKE A MISSG SCENE OM CISG, BUT WHOUT THE UNSAVORY GAY-BASHG SUBTEXT. THE PERFORMANC ARE UNIFORMLY EXCELLENT AND THE STORY — THOUGH MUCH SLIGHTER AND MORE TIMATE THAN ONE MIGHT EXPECT — IS ULTIMATELY QUE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE THE NOTN OF HAVG A “GAY MOBSTER” MIGHT OM THE PCH SOUND LIKE AN IA BOUND FOR EXPLOATN AND DISAPPOTMENT, EASTERN PROMIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW IMPERFECT GAY CHARACTERS HAVE A PLACE ON SCREEN AND HOW TRADNAL ATTUS TOWARD SEXUALY N BE EXPLORED CREATIVELY MASTREAM FILM WHOUT BEG UNDULY PUNISHG OR OFFHAND. THE SYMPATHY ENURAGED FOR THE CHARACTER AS THE STORY PROGRS IS A REHG CHANGE OM OTHER “MASCULE” GENRE FILMS THAT E GAYNS AS A HORROR ELEMENT OR AS A P-OUT NTRAST TO THE HERO’S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE PERHAPS A B TOO PAT TERMS OF S UNRLYG DADDY-ISSUE PSYCHOLOGY, KIRILL’S CHARACTER IS EXPLORED WH A GENUE SENSIVY THAT IS UNEXPECTED, DARG AND, ULTIMATELY, TOUCHG. THOUGH WE NEED TO SEE MORE GAY HERO ON OUR SCREENS AND FEWER GAY VILLAS, CRONENBERG’S WILLGNS TO LOOK CLOSELY AT THE LIFE OF A GAY MAN A CRIMAL SOCIETY SERV REGNN FOR S WILLGNS TO EXPLORE THE SUATN HUMAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}EASTERN PROMIS THEATRIL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} EASTERN PROMIS OPENS NATNWI SEPTEMBER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
- IN SERMON, RSIAN CHURCH LEAR KIRILL LKS UKRAE WAR WH GAY PRI PARA
RSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH LEAR BLAM INVASN ON UKRAE'S 'GAY PRI'
Patriarch Kirill said on Sunday that gay pri paras are an embrace of Wtern valu that will lead to the end of civilizatn. * eastern promises kirill gay *
To prove to Kirill that he’s not gay, Nikolai is forced to have animalistic sex wh a woman Semyon’s “favore stable.
IN SERMON, RSIAN CHURCH LEAR KIRILL LKS UKRAE WAR WH GAY PRI PARA
* eastern promises kirill gay *
A major relig lear Rsia has e out support of the vasn of Ukrae and laid the blame on the support of gay rights.
In particular, he lled attentn to Ukrae's support of gay rights and the prence of gay pri paras, The Mosw Tim reported. "That's why orr to jo the club of those untri, you have to have a gay pri para. Patriarch Kirill, the lear of the Rsian Orthodox Church, on Sunday said that Ukrae's embrace of gay pri events was to blame for the recent vasn.
PATRIARCH OF MOSW: GAY PRI PARAS ARE TO BLAME FOR THE WAR UKRAE
Kirill was elected to the patriarchate January, the Patriarch of Rsian Orthodox Church, has blamed liberal wtern valu, particularly gay pri paras, for Rsia's vasn of Ukrae.
PATRIARCH KIRILL: RSIAN VASN DUE TO GAY-PRI PARAS
The untri are offered a "tt of loyalty" by mands that they hold gay paras, said the lear of the Rsian church. That's why orr to jo the club of those untri, you have to have a gay pri para, " said Kirill. "If humany accepts that s is not a vlatn of God's law, if humany accepts that s is a variatn of human behavr, the human civilisatn will end there, " he head of the #Rsian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, said: "The war is gog on bee they don't want gay paras the Donbas.
The tt is very simple and at the same time terrible – this is a gay para”. And Kirill ntu: “The mands on many to hold a gay para are a tt of loyalty to that very powerful world; and we know that if people or untri reject the mands, then they do not enter to that world, they bee strangers to .
Mostly the Rsians, to whom is addrsed, but also the Metropolans, Bishops and the clergy of the Rsian Church Ukrae, who see their untry bombed and their spirual father “rms” them that everythg is done for the … gay paras. In A History of Vlence, the ma character’s son is bullied at school for beg gay, forcg the teenager to weigh the wag of vlent his new film, the vlent Rsian mob drama Eastern Promis, Cronenberg has once aga elected to explore homosexualy, this time the ntext of a patriarchal, aggrsive crime unrworld.
REVIEW OF DAVID CRONENBERG’S “EASTERN PROMIS”{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}MOVIBY BRIAN JUERGENSSEPTEMBER 11, 2007/3:50 PMBY BRIAN JUERGENSSEPTEMBER 11, 2007 / 3:50 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"REVIEW OF DAVID CRONENBERG’S “EASTERN PROMIS”","DATEPUBLISHED":"2007-09-11T19:50:03.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2007-09-11T19:50:03.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"BRIAN JUERGENS","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"MOVI"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FOLLOWG REVIEW NTAS SPOILERS REGARDG ONE OF THE FILM’S MA CHARACTERS, ALTHOUGH THE STORY’S MA SURPRISE IS NOT REVEALED. {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GIVEN HIS APPARENT FASCATN WH VIATNS OM THE NORM, ’S NOT SURPRISG THAT CANADIAN DIRECTOR DAVID CRONENBERG’S FILMS HAVE REPEATEDLY EXPLORED SEXUALI THAT PART OM THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN M. BUTTERFLY, HE TOLD THE STORY OF A MAN WHO FALLS LOVE WH A MALE OPERA SGER HE IALLY BELIEV TO BE A WOMAN. IN CRASH, THE MA CHARACTER’S JOURNEY OF SEXUAL AWAKENG (HOWEVER BIZARRE OR HORRIFYG THIS JOURNEY MAY HAVE BEEN) CLUD AN AFFAIR WH ANOTHER MAN. IN A HISTORY OF VLENCE, THE MA CHARACTER’S SON IS BULLIED AT SCHOOL FOR BEG GAY, FORCG THE TEENAGER TO WEIGH THE WAG OF VLENT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WH HIS NEW FILM, THE VLENT RSIAN MOB DRAMA EASTERN PROMIS, CRONENBERG HAS ONCE AGA ELECTED TO EXPLORE HOMOSEXUALY, THIS TIME THE NTEXT OF A PATRIARCHAL, AGGRSIVE CRIME UNRWORLD. IN CLUDG A EPLY CLOSETED GAY MOBSTER HIS LORFUL ENSEMBLE, CRONENBERG IS, ON THE ONE HAND, GIVG ANOTHER AN UNFORTUNATELY RICH CEMATIC HISTORY OF GAY VILLAS. BUT THE FILM’S REFAL TO NMN THE CHARACTER FOR HIS SEXUALY OR TO ASSOCIATE HIS SEXUALY WH HIS CRIMALY IS NOTABLE, AND THE SENSIVY WH WHICH THE STORY IS EXPLORED IS UNEXPECTED AND REHG. THE FILM MAY BE BTAL, BUT IS NOT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}EASTERN PROMIS’ MA PLOT VOLV A BABY LIVERED UNR THE RE OF ANNA (NAOMI WATTS, FE, NATURALISTIC FORM), A MIDWIFE AT A LONDON HOSPAL. THE YOUNG MOTHER — SHE IS ONLY FOURTEEN — DI CHILDBIRTH, LEAVG BEHD HER BABY AND A DIARY WRTEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ANNA’S ATTEMPTS TO DISCERN THE INTY OF THE MOTHER LEAD HER TO A RSIAN RTRANT OWNED BY SEYMON (ARM MUELLER-STAHL), THE BOSS OF A LARGE RSIAN CRIME SYNDITE. HE IS SUCCEED BY HIS ONLY SON, KIRILL (VCENT CASSEL), WHO HAS RECENTLY RECED HIS IEND NIKOLAI (VIGGO MORTENSEN) AS A DRIVER AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE DIARY NTAS CRIMATG EVINCE ABOUT SEYMON, AND HIS ATTEMPTS TO GET THE BOOK OM ANNA MAKE UP THE PRIMARY STORYLE. BUT THE BULK OF THE FILM IS DITED NOT TO MECHANIL PLOT POTS, BUT TO TELLG TERACTNS AMONGST THE CRIME “FAY”.{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BOISTERO, TEMPERAMENTAL KIRILL (THE CHARISMATIC CASSEL) IS THE FAY’S PRIMARY “HEAVY” AND HEIR TO THE THRONE. HE NTRASTS STARKLY WH HIS NEW IEND NIKOLAI, THE VERY PICTURE OF EASTERN EUROPEAN STOICISM. KIRILL DRKS TOO MUCH AND YELLS TOO LOUDLY. HE IS OBVLY STARVED FOR AFFECTN OM HIS FATHER THAT NEVER ARRIV AND IS PERHAPS MORE EMOTNALLY ATTACHED TO NIKOLAI THAN HE WOULD EVER ADM. IT DON’T TAKE A GREE FRDIAN PSYCHOLOGY TO PICK UP THE FACT THAT KIRILL IS A EPLY CLOSETED {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[IMG_ASSIST|NID=8676|TLE=|SC=|LK=NONE|ALIGN=MIDDLE|WIDTH=398|HEIGHT=215]{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ONE OF THE FIRST TIM WE SEE KIRILL (AFTER DISPOSG OF A RPSE WH NIKOLAI ON CHRISTMAS), HE’S CREDIBLY DNK AND CELEBRATORY. AFTER NIKOLAI HELPS HIM TO THE RTRANT, KIRILL THANKS HIM BY LYG AT HIS FEET AND RTG HIS HEAD ON NIKOLAI’S SHOE. DISGTED, SEYMON KICKS KIRILL SEVERAL TIM THE STOMACH. FOR A GAY VIEWER LOOKG FOR CLU AS TO WHO THE MORED GAY CHARACTER MIGHT BE, THIS IS NOT THE MOST PROMISG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} [IMG_ASSIST|NID=8671|TLE=|SC=|LK=NONE|ALIGN=UNFED|WIDTH=375|HEIGHT=247]AS THE STORY PROGRS, THERE ARE SEVERAL MOMENTS OF ASS-SLAPPG AND HORSEPLAY BETWEEN KIRILL AND NIKOLAI, AS WELL AS MOMENTS OF PHYSIL CLOSENS THAT ARE CLEARLY MORE IMPORTANT TO KIRILL THAN THEY ARE TO NIKOLAI. NIKOLAI NEVER OBJECTS TO KIRILL’S CLOSENS OR SEEMS AT ALL PUT OFF BY HIS OBV AFFECTNS, WHICH THE FILM WILL LATER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN ONE OF THE FILM’S MORE DISTURBG SEQUENC, THIS TOWEL-SNAPPG BE VERY SER. KIRILL, NIKOLAI AND SOME OTHER THUGS ARE PARTYG AT A PRIVATE CLUB WH A NUMBER OF CLEARLY UNRAGE PROSTUT WHO WERE LIKELY LURED TO THE UNTRY WH PROMIS OF A BETTER LIFE (THE “PROMIS” OF THE TLE) AND ARE NOW SENTIALLY SLAV TO SEYMON’S FAY. DNK, KIRILL SUDNLY MANDS THAT NIKOLAI HAVE SEX WH ONE OF THE GIRLS — ONT OF HIM — ORR TO PROVE THAT HE “A’T NO F**KG QUEER.” WHEN NIKOLAI IS FISHED, KIRILL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS NCERN WH BEG PERCEIVED AS QUEER IS ONE THAT BE MORE PROMENT AS THE STORY PROGRS. WHEN SEYMON PLEADS WH ANNA FOR THE DIARY, HE NOT THAT NTAS RMATN ABOUT HIS SON, SOME OF WHICH TAIL “ILLEGAL” ACTS, AND NOT THAT HIS SON’S MOTHER DIED WHEN HE WAS VERY YOUNG AND THAT HE N’T HELP HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WE LATER LEARN THAT SEYMON’S NCERN WAS REALLY WH THE FACT THAT THE DIARY IMPLIT HIM THE RAPE OF THE AD GIRL, SOMETHG THAT KIRILL ALSO ATTEMPTED TO DO — ONT OF HIS FATHER, AND PRUMABLY BY FORCE — BUT ULD NOT. NOW THE EARLIER SCENE WHICH KIRILL EVINTLY MIMICKED HIS FATHER’S ORRS WH NIKOLAI IS MORE RONANT, THOUGH NO LS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SOON WE LEARN THAT KIRILL’S SEXUALY IS A SECRET OF WHICH HIS FATHER, A MAN BOTH THLS AND STEEPED TRADN, IS WELL AWARE. WHEN NIKOLAI TELLS SEYMON THAT WORD ON THE STREET IS THAT KIRILL IS “A DNK … AND ALSO A QUEER,” SEYMON’S RPONSE IS CUR: HE THKS LONDON IS AT FLT. NOTG THAT “ NEVER SNOWS” AND “NEVER GETS HOT” THE CY, HE BLAM HIS SON’S SEXUALY ON THE TEMPERATE CLIMATE WHICH APPARENTLY DO NOT BUILD CHARACTER THE WAY THAT THE OLD UNTRY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT’S TERTG THAT SEYMON NEEDS TO FD SOMETHG OR SOMEONE ON WHICH TO BLAME KIRILL’S SEXUALY, AND THAT THE CULPR FOR HIM IS THE SAME CY THAT PROVID HIM HIS WEALTH AND HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WH KIRILL’S “SECRET” OUT ON THE TABLE FOR DISCSN, ONE MIGHT EXPECT THAT THIS CREDIBLY VLENT TALE WOULD DOLE OUT PUNISHMENT, OR E KIRILL AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW GAY MEN ARE CHEWED UP AND SP OUT BY AGGRSIVE CULTUR. OFTEN SUCH CHARACTERS ARE EHER FORCED TO SELF-STCTN OR BETRAYED BY THEIR AFFECTNS LEADG TO THEIR VLENT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT ALTHOUGH KIRILL’S SEXUALY ARGUABLY DO WORK AGAST HIS NSC GOALS, HE DO NOT SUFFER AT THE HANDS OF THE HERO BEE OF . NOR IS HE MARTYRED AS IS SO OFTEN THE SE, BLUDGEONED TO ATH AND SODOMIZED LIKE GAY VO OM THE SOPRANOS, FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[IMG_ASSIST|NID=8677|TLE=|SC=|LK=NONE|ALIGN=MIDDLE|WIDTH=400|HEIGHT=265]{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AT THE CLOSE OF THE FILM, KIRILL HAS GOTTEN HOLD OF THE FANT AND, UNR HIS FATHER’S ORRS, IS ABOUT TO THROW THE BABY TO THE RIVER. CLUTCHG THE CHILD, HE MOURNS S LOST LIFE AND HAT, WHICH ALLOWS NIKOLAI AND ANNA TO TCH UP TO HIM. NIKOLAI EMBRAC KIRILL AND TELLS HIM THAT HE DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW HIS FATHER’S ORRS. THE BABY IS SAVED, AND KIRILL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A FILM MORE TERTED PASSG JUDGMENT ON S CHARACTERS AND MATAG A HARDLE VIEW OF MASTREAM MORALS AND BEHAVR, KIRILL WOULD NEVER HAVE SURVIVED THIS ENUNTER. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN VANQUISHED, THE “KILLER QUEER” PUT DOWN A RA OF BULLETS OM THE HERO’S GUN, OR BEATEN TO ATH FOR THE DIENCE’S RIGHTEO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT THAT DON’T HAPPEN HERE. CRONENBERG ISN’T TERTED PUNISHG HIS CHARACTERS, BUT RATHER UNRSTANDG THEM; AND ’S THIS TERT THAT ALLOWS EASTERN PROMIS TO TELL A STORY OF AN UNNIABLY BAD MAN WHILE NOT MAKG HIS SEXUALY THE ROOT OF HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}KIRILL’S GAYNS IS NOT WHAT MAK HIM A VLENT CRIMAL. HIS FATHER IS. IF ANYTHG, HIS EPLY PROMISED SEXUALY AND EMOTNAL RPONSE TO NIKOLAI’S AFFECTN IS WHAT SAV HIM — AND THE FANT — THE END. THROUGHOUT THE FILM, WE ARE SHOWN CLEARLY THAT KIRILL’S SEXUALY IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE OPTN THE WORLD WHICH HE HAS BEEN RAISED AND IS NOW FORCED TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DISPARAGG REFERENC TO “QUEERS” ARE EQUENTLY MA BY THE MEN, BOTH REGARDS TO KIRILL AND, ONE TELLG MOMENT, DIRECTLY TO HIM BY HIS OWN FATHER. IT’S ALSO TELLG THAT KIRILL DO NOT SO MUCH BAT AN EYE AT HIS FATHER’S REFERENCE TO THE “F*CKG QUEER DISEASE”, SO PLETE IS HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE ARE OTHER CLU THAT KIRILL’S SEXUALY AND THE WAY WHICH IS EXPLORED ARE MEANT TO MONSTRATE HOW A CULTURE WHICH ADHER TO TRADN AT ANY ST ( THIS SE, WH A HEALTHY DOSE OF GENRE-SPIRED HYPERBOLE) FAILS TO SERVE S PEOPLE. ANNA, WHO IS HALF-RSIAN HERSELF AND RECENTLY SPL OM HER BLACK BOYIEND, IS TOLD BY HER UNCLE THAT “ IS NOT NORMAL TO MIX RACE AND RACE … THAT IS WHY YOUR BABY DIED SI YOU.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IT’S A LLO MENT THAT ECHO SEYMON’S WILLGNS TO OVERLOOK HIS SON’S PA FAVOR OF TRADN, AND AGA DRAWS SYMPATHY TO KIRILL’S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FILM OVERALL IS A RICH CHARACTER STUDY THAT MANAG TO TELL A STREAMLED, ACCSIBLE CRIME STORY WHOUT LOSG CRONENBERG’S DAC AND DARK TOUCH. THE FILM’S CENTERPIECE IS A BLOODY GROUP KNIFE-FIGHT A RSIAN BATH, WHICH MORTENSEN ENACTS FULLY NU AGAST TWO THUGS BLACK LEATHER. IT’S LIKE A MISSG SCENE OM CISG, BUT WHOUT THE UNSAVORY GAY-BASHG SUBTEXT. THE PERFORMANC ARE UNIFORMLY EXCELLENT AND THE STORY — THOUGH MUCH SLIGHTER AND MORE TIMATE THAN ONE MIGHT EXPECT — IS ULTIMATELY QUE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE THE NOTN OF HAVG A “GAY MOBSTER” MIGHT OM THE PCH SOUND LIKE AN IA BOUND FOR EXPLOATN AND DISAPPOTMENT, EASTERN PROMIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW IMPERFECT GAY CHARACTERS HAVE A PLACE ON SCREEN AND HOW TRADNAL ATTUS TOWARD SEXUALY N BE EXPLORED CREATIVELY MASTREAM FILM WHOUT BEG UNDULY PUNISHG OR OFFHAND. THE SYMPATHY ENURAGED FOR THE CHARACTER AS THE STORY PROGRS IS A REHG CHANGE OM OTHER “MASCULE” GENRE FILMS THAT E GAYNS AS A HORROR ELEMENT OR AS A P-OUT NTRAST TO THE HERO’S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE PERHAPS A B TOO PAT TERMS OF S UNRLYG DADDY-ISSUE PSYCHOLOGY, KIRILL’S CHARACTER IS EXPLORED WH A GENUE SENSIVY THAT IS UNEXPECTED, DARG AND, ULTIMATELY, TOUCHG. THOUGH WE NEED TO SEE MORE GAY HERO ON OUR SCREENS AND FEWER GAY VILLAS, CRONENBERG’S WILLGNS TO LOOK CLOSELY AT THE LIFE OF A GAY MAN A CRIMAL SOCIETY SERV REGNN FOR S WILLGNS TO EXPLORE THE SUATN HUMAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}EASTERN PROMIS THEATRIL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} EASTERN PROMIS OPENS NATNWI SEPTEMBER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
In cludg a eply closeted gay mobster his lorful ensemble, Cronenberg is, on the one hand, givg another an unfortunately rich cematic history of gay villas. It don’t take a gree Frdian psychology to pick up the fact that Kirill is a eply closeted homosexual. For a gay viewer lookg for clu as to who the mored gay character might be, this is not the most promisg troductn.
Notg that “ never snows” and “never gets hot” the cy, he blam his son’s sexualy on the temperate climate which apparently do not build character the way that the old untry ’s tertg that Seymon needs to fd somethg or someone on which to blame Kirill’s sexualy, and that the culpr for him is the same cy that provid him his wealth and his Kirill’s “secret” out on the table for discsn, one might expect that this credibly vlent tale would dole out punishment, or e Kirill as an example of how gay men are chewed up and sp out by aggrsive cultur.
Nor is he martyred as is so often the se, bludgeoned to ath and sodomized like Gay Vo om The Sopranos, for example.
IN SERMON, RSIAN CHURCH LEAR KIRILL LKS UKRAE WAR WH GAY PRI PARA
Cronenberg isn’t terted punishg his characters, but rather unrstandg them; and ’s this tert that allows Eastern Promis to tell a story of an unniably bad man while not makg his sexualy the root of his ’s gayns is not what mak him a vlent crimal.
It’s like a missg scene om Cisg, but whout the unsavory gay-bashg subtext. The performanc are uniformly excellent and the story — though much slighter and more timate than one might expect — is ultimately que the notn of havg a “gay mobster” might om the pch sound like an ia bound for exploatn and disappotment, Eastern Promis is an example of how imperfect gay characters have a place on screen and how tradnal attus toward sexualy n be explored creatively mastream film whout beg unduly punishg or offhand.