Red Without Blue
FLICK Mark and Alex, identical twins born three minutes apart, share a special bond that only twins can experience. But can that change when they are separated and no longer look alike? Identity is examined in this thoughtful documentary, shot over three years, about two gay brothers growing up in Montana who end up living on different coasts. Initially they are pictured as happy boys, but it’s telling when their father, Scott, points to a family portrait saying that everyone was miserable the day it was taken. Things begin to change for Mark and Alex when their parents divorce and they struggle with ridicule from friends and teachers about their sexuality. Discovered drug use and a failed suicide attempt cause the boys to separate, and end up living at different boarding schools.
As an adult Mark, expresses himself by attending classes at the San Francisco Art Institute. He marvels at a sculpture assignment with the subject blue, which happens to be the color given to Alex as a boy. Mark was assigned red. Alex, now living in New York studying sociology and psychology, is transgendered and has changed her name to Clair.
Directors Brooke Sebold, Benita Sills, and Todd Sills are very effective depicting insightful moments, as when the boys’ mother, Jennie, goes through many complex emotions stating that she saw herself a failure as a wife and mother. She feels Clair’s transitioning is a way to get back at her and sees her children simply as young people she knows.
While the siblings have been apart for almost eight years, their bond is unbreakable. Having no experience in a long-term dating relationship, Mark worries when he begins one with David and has to be told that it won’t lessen what he feels for Clair. While gender reassignment surgery is a possibility, Clair considers the meaning of visibility. One wonders if that is what Mark does while his face is concealed wearing a beard.
Compassionate and multi-faceted, the film focuses on self-examination and reconnection, revealing a family’s transformation, adaptability and evolution. Audience Award winner for Best Documentary at 2007 Slamdance Film Festival. My Score: 8 out of 10.
Official site: http://www.redwithoutblue.com/
The film has played the festival circuit and is premiering on Sundance Channel this Monday, June 25, at 9pm.
