The Last Straight Man

The Last Straight Man, a 2014 feature film directed by Mark Bessenger, is an emotionally engaging exploration of friendship, sexuality, and love weaved into an unconventional narrative structure. The film stars Mark Cirillo as Lewis and Scott Sell as Cooper, two characters who dynamically update our understanding of identity and human connection.

Lewis, an openly gay man, finds himself in an oddly intimate relationship with his best friend, Cooper, a self-proclaimed straight man. Cooper is due to be married, but the night before his wedding, an alcohol-fueled adventure leads him and Lewis down a path less traveled – a path of vulnerability, honesty, and an unexpected connection. Through this, The Last Straight Man portrays complicated themes of intimacy, identity, and love that is nontraditional, using these themes to fuel the narrative.

A unique feature of this film lies in its narrative timeline. The movie extends over several years but narrows down to focus exclusively on the same day every year - the anniversary of that fateful pre-wedding night. This dramatic device helps to build momentum and expectation as we witness the evolution of Lewis and Cooper's relationship over different stages of their lives, and the tension this brings to their identities and personal relationships.

Both flashbacks and real-time events merge to unravel the depth of the bond between Lewis and Cooper. The plot goes beyond merely a 'gay-straight' dynamic and transcensively ventures into the territories of friendship, companionship, and shared identity. The emotional connection that exists between the two characters treads the fine line between friendship and love, exploring the beauty and chaos of human emotions in contemporary society.

In a time when cinema is trying to break free from stereotypical storytelling, The Last Straight Man undercuts conventional romantic tropes. It depicts a deep bond between two men that is not easy to categorize. Their relationship transcends sexual orientation and societal norms in a deeply personal and intimate narrative, which is both emotionally challenging and rewarding.

At the center of this drama are two complex and incredibly well-written characters. Mark Cirillo impeccably portrays the nuances of Lewis's longing and frustrations, illuminating the dichotomy between wanting more from a relationship but also wanting to hold on to what they already share. On the other hand, Scott Sell masterfully portrays Cooper's struggle with his sexual identity and fear of societal norms, conveying the guilt and confusion that comes with it. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, providing the film with an undeniable emotional drive and raising questions without presenting clear-cut answers.

David Alanson Bradberry impressively supports the main actors, playing an essential role in the narrative and adding an extra layer to this story about love and relationships. The Last Straight Man also features the participation of actress Blake Harrison, signifying her rousing debut in film.

This movie is not a lighthearted watch, but rather a poignant exploration of self-identity, love, and a bond that defies standard conceptions. The dialogue is profoundly intimate and genuine, which only adds to the natural chemistry between the lead characters.

Mark Bessenger’s direction along with Benjamin Ironside Koppin's cinematography presents the film in a beautifully intimate manner, capturing private moments that speak to the human connection. These moments are further enhanced by the movie's nostalgic soundtrack, enveloping every scene with an emotional resonance.

The Last Straight Man may challenge some viewers with its complex themes communication and exploration of unconventional love. It offers no easy answers, rather asking its audience to ponder the nature of relationships and the extent to which societal norms influence personal decision-making.

The film may serve as a mirror for audiences to reassess their views on love, relationships, and identity, reminding them that, at the end of the day, love is complicated, not clearly defined, and often a tangled web of emotions that does not conform to societal expectations. It's a testament to the complexity of human emotions and the trials we endure for the connections that matter the most to us.

In conclusion, The Last Straight Man from 2014 is a narrative catalyst that challenges the audience’s comfort zone through profound character growth and exploration of relationships that are out of the traditional mold. It's not just a film, but a thought-provoking journey through identity, love, societal norms, and the very nature of storytelling itself.