Written and Directed by newcomer Darius Clark Monroe, the short film “SLOW” gives viewers a (somewhat) realistic view of an “online hookup” between (somewhat) masculine men. Crazy Dope cinematography and believable acting give this an authentic “fly on the wall” feel that made me almost uncomfortable watching. Even more impressive is that this film was shot with NO BUDGET in the director’s own apartment. He negates any excuse other filmmakers have about the shortcomings of their own independent films.We’ve posted this short film before in our first week of Cypher Avenue but it didn’t come with a rating and its definitely worth revisiting. This is the film featuring masculine gay men that ruined it for every other film we saw afterward.
While I think the ending is a little far-fetched and still ultimately about “a hookup” (sigh), this short film still gets props for not resorting to the usual flamboyant stereotypes of Gay Black Men. Also, I can forgive the script’s shortcomings because of Darius’ excellent visuals, directing and casting. Carlton Byrd and Harvey Gardner Moore are definitely two very attractive, talented brothers that we should applaud for their raw, fearless performance in this film, whether they are themselves gay/bisexual or not.
The film also raises the interesting topic I’ve posted about before on of some guys just wanting sex while others want a potential relationship. In 13 short minutes we see unique VISUAL storytelling and artistry at work. The the film takes us on a roller coaster ride all while confined to one room.
DISCLAIMER: The short features some nudity so its technically NSFW.
I thought this was the best short film that’s come out of the LGBT-geared films/entertainment industry thus far!
Wow! (again) I’m speechless… This short was absolutely beautiful! I have to admit, I laughed a little bit when the blind dude was walking the plates to the table. I agree with Delmacy; the cinematography was on point! The lighting was perfection! The audio…stunning! The actors…AMAZING! The dude with the red shirt and white pants is my new crush! Perfection! That was a nice crib by the way! Thanks for the post!
Very well done! I liked it but that ending was weird… IDK what it is supposed to mean.
Great use of the ironic twists. I definitely liked it. It spoke to me on so many levels. It was definitely a work of art.
This was better then straight up gay porn. I was moved and touched by slow. Please more videos like this.
Great work of art! I enjoyed this short film. This was both thought provoking and emotionally charged. A great example of how our expectations and intentions vary. I loved the ending. In spite of the aggressive interaction they were still able to relax, regroup, relate.
I’m glad I discovered this site, as I am a fairly masculine (although nerdy) Black gay male; 22 years of age…and I’ve always needed websites like this.
Anyway, “Slow” is probably my favorite short film…ever. There is definitely something much deeper going on under the surface is you choose to look deeper. The blind guy definitely wants the other man’s company…but the film is called “Slow” because he doesn’t want to move so fast. He doesn’t want to give himself up so that the guy can bust a nut, be on his way, and never see him again. Companionship is what he wants…and as a blind man, he possibly wants someone who he can grow to trust there for him, to take care of him due to his disability. I can sum that up with one word: beautiful. Both men are very endearing in their own ways and the film had me wondering what happens after they finish their meal…
Excellent assessment. It was all of that and more. It is a well written and thought out plot. I have a blind friend and when I last visited him he had his piece for ANYONE who he has an inkling to attempt to do him wrong. So I definitely can relate to it. My friend told me, in a jest matter, “I thought I might have to get my piece for you.” I laughed it off, but in my heart I knew he was serious because when you have that type of disability – blindness – you have no way of knowing who to trust. I respect people with disabilities and wish nothing for the best for them and I know how people can use and abuse them. I have heard of it and seen it. I know what they go through with when trying to find SOMEONE to love them.
I saw it a while ago when it came out. I came across it on BGC. As far as quality goes it was very well produced. The blind man was a nice touch I guess. As far as the story line goes I guess it was ok. I did not care for it. I think it falls in the same line as some of the other films and series that you have reviews where they place pretty faces and nudity against everything and expect it to be great.
WOW! I can’t believe I haven’t watched this short up until now! I was moved by this short film! I experienced a multitude of emotions while viewing the scene being played out. I felt Comfort, Intrigue, Trepidation, Arousal, and Sorrow.
This was truth in story telling!
I just discovered it myself. It’s wonderful.
wow! this actually got me emotionally.
Somewhat masculine? The blind character is masculine enough compared to many “masculine” heterosexual men. The visitor in the scene is definitely “masculine,” based on anything else I have seen on here or otherwise.
I digress. (I know this is def not a forum for complaining about gender policing- LOL) This was pretty intense but really good (albeit unrealistic at the end). That scene of aggression was uncomfortable, but strangely tender when the visitor gave up the advantage and made himself– vulnerable. I definitely wanted this to keep going. I agree with most of the review–
and the music was good too. Who knew such a song would make potentially good seduction music?
FIRST : THE EROTICA IS VERY MATURE , THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH NUDITY [ BOTH ARE GOODLOOKING GUYS ], THIS WAS WELL DONE, SOME SHORT FILMS HAVE SOMETHING MISSING AND THAT WOULD BE NUDITY . SECOND : THE SOUND WAS WAY TOO LOW , THE ROOMS NEEDED A LITTLE MORE LIGHT [ STILL IT WAS WELL DONE ] . THIRD : THIS ACTUALLY IS A GOOD STORYLINE THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A LONG FORM FEATURE FILM. I HOPE THE WRITER/DIRECTOR WILL GO TO KICKSTARTER AND PUT THIS IN A MAJOR FILM. THIS IS ON THE LINES OF THE ‘D L CHRONICLES’ [ AND THATS SAYING ALOT ]. WONDER WHAT OTHER GOOD FILMS THIS WRITER/DIRECTOR IS MAKING ?