There are two things that I love.  Okay, wait, that’s a lie. If you ever hear me say a list of the things that I love and one of them isn’t men, I am unquestionably lying to you.  In an effort to keep this article from becoming a book (a best selling book, mind you) I will just tell you two things that I love. One is movies, I could watch them everyday of my life.  I love the whole process; making a movie, watching the actors and directors, going to the theatre with that greasy, artery clogging smell of the popcorn. I love getting lost in a story for two plus hours and letting myself be swept away.  Another thing that I love is a man, a man named Charlie David.

If you are around my age, there was a little show that came out in my early 20’s about gay men, magic and… well… bodies really.  It was called Dante’s Cove. I’m not going to say that it was Emmy winning television, but the story was helmed by a gay couple, who were shirtless most of the time, and they kissed a lot.  I didn’t really need much more in that era.

The leading man was none other than Charlie David.  Since those scantily clad magical days, Charlie has been busy with acting, producing, writing and starting his own production company, Border2Border out of Canada.  I’ve kept my eye on him over the years, even spoken with him a few times. His production company stays busy and although he spends more time behind the scenes, now and then he steps back into the acting spotlight.  That spotlight brought him right back to our door to talk about his latest movie, Shadowlands.

Currently touring the film fest circuit, Shadowlands is based on a book of short stories written by David.  The film is at once simple, yet beautiful. A subject studied in three distinct acts, each one an exploration of love and our need to grasp and understand it.  Love in its ever enigmatic and slippery way, ever refusing to be contained and constantly changing with each observer. In act one, David cuts to the heart of the pursuit of perfection.  The abandonment of any hope of a relationship, when you become obsessed with the need to obtain absolute beauty. In the end any quest for an unquestioning absolution can only result in destruction.  Masterfully told within the realm of a post war plastic surgeon’s home who just happens to be throwing a sex party of sorts, it is tantalizing in it’s subject matter as well as it’s aesthetic.

Act two considers the mystery and magic of love.  Told through the eyes of a couple on a camping trip in the mid century.  They begin to explore and negotiate what the rules of love really are. Who they are as a couple if they choose not to conform and instead, forge their own path.  Their quest becomes personified in the appearance of a handsome stranger. As mysterious as he is gorgeous, he leaves more questions than answers. Yet, they discover more about the singularity of love and who they truly are together.

Finally we are met with the mourning of a lost love, the swan song of a joyous heart.  This act requires a personal box of Kleenex for each viewer. Charlie David chooses to take his role within this third act.  A lover lost to sickness, played absolutely beautifully by Marc Devigne (great respect for his magnificent singing voice) while his artist widow tries to recreate him in painting.  Writhing in painful decision between life and the sweet escape of death.

This movie truly is a piece of art, it shows almost like a painting at times.  It’s not Oscar worthy acting, but it is solid in its form. Mr. David’s vision is clear and well constructed, the cinematography is breathtaking in moments.  I imagine it will do well in the film festival world. If you are an art house fan, I would suggest giving it a try. In the U.S. you can find it on Vimeo.

In the end I think the subject is strong, the story is clear and the beauty is worthy.  It may not be launching the next great actor or set to blaze the awards carpets, but it is a film that you will be happy you saw.  The journey is fun and the sights are alluring. Charlie David shows his heart and it truly is beautiful.

Listen to this week’s episode of The Martini Lounge to hear our conversation with Charlie David. 

The Martini Lounge is available on iTunes, Podbean and Stitcher